Rolex GMT-Master II White Gold — Sapphire Ruby Diamond Bezel Black Dial | Ref. 116759SARU

The GMT-Master II ref. 116759SARU is among the most technically and aesthetically ambitious references Rolex has ever produced — a white gold GMT adorned with a bezel set with alternating sapphires and rubies in a pattern that mirrors the classic red-and-blue "Pepsi" configuration, ringed further with diamonds. It is a watch that takes the GMT-Master II's functional dual-timezone architecture and routes it through the vocabulary of haute joaillerie, producing something that functions as a precision travel instrument and reads as a jewellery piece simultaneously.

The 116xxx prefix dates this to the generation running on Calibre 3186, featuring the Parachrom hairspring and a rapid-set independent hour hand for time zone adjustment without stopping the seconds. The 40 mm case is executed in 18 ct white gold, with the bracelet in matching metal — the Oyster configuration providing the robustness required of a true traveller's watch. The black dial provides the necessary contrast against the gem-set bezel, while the GMT hand tracks a second time zone against the 24-hour graduated ceramic (or gem-set) insert. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres.

Ref. 116759SARU is a genuine rarity on the secondary market — production volumes were always limited, and the combination of white gold, diamond setting, and the Pepsi colour scheme attracts competitive collector interest. Examples in excellent condition with full provenance represent an appreciating asset class within Rolex collecting. For the buyer seeking a GMT that doubles as a luxury investment, this reference has few peers in the entire catalogue.