Rolex GMT-Master II Steel — Pepsi Blue & Red Cerachrom Bezel, Black Dial | Ref. 126710BLRO

Few watches in modern horology carry the cultural resonance of the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLRO — the steel Pepsi, reunited with its Jubilee bracelet for the first time since the 1980s at Baselworld 2018. The 40 mm Oystersteel case is an exercise in precision engineering, its monobloc middle case machined to tolerances measured in microns, while the bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel sports the iconic two-colour Cerachrom insert in blue and red. This ceramic compound is virtually scratchproof, colourfast against ultraviolet radiation, and maintains its crisp engraved numerals across decades of daily wear.

Inside beats Calibre 3285, one of Rolex's most sophisticated movements, incorporating the patented Chronergy escapement — a nickel-phosphorus lever and escape wheel that improves energy efficiency by 15 percent over the previous calibre. The Parachrom hairspring oscillates in an optimised Glucydur balance wheel, while the Paraflex shock absorbers provide resilience against impacts. The result is a movement certified as a Superlative Chronometer, accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day, with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours — sufficient for a full weekend off the wrist.

The graduated five-piece Jubilee bracelet, reintroduced alongside this reference, recalls the watch's golden era while offering the Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link and the Oysterlock folding safety clasp. The black dial, with its Chromalight-filled applied hour markers and luminescent hands, ensures legibility across time zones at any hour. At $23,395, the 126710BLRO occupies the coveted intersection of accessibility and desirability, making it persistently difficult to obtain from authorised dealers worldwide.