Rolex GMT-Master II
Launched in 1955, the GMT-Master was designed to display two different time zones at once and was originally intended as a navigational instrument for pilots traveling the world. In 1982, the GMT-Master II was introduced, with a revamped timepiece for easier operation. Thanks to its unique functionality, strength and recognizable appearance, the watch is very popular. Β
When aviation really started to take off in the 40s and 50s, the flight distances of pilots and their crew became longer and longer. The Rolex GMT-Master was designed in partnership with Pan Am Airways to meet the crew's need for long-haul flights. The watch's main function is that it allows the pilot to refer to two different time zones at the same time.
The original GMT-Master watch has a 24-hour pointer that displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour pointer. The GMT hand allows the wearer to set the watch to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or another time zone as main time display and
, then set the ring on the 24-hour scale for a second time zone. The name GMT is derived from Greenwich Mean Time, also known as Coordinated Universal Time.
Originally, the GMT-Master was designed for professional pilots and their crew, but due to its functionality and aesthetic appeal, the watch has attracted a much wider audience. Thanks to the versatility of the GMT-Master, it is suitable for adventurous world travelers or simply as a daily watch. This makes it the perfect purchase and an excellent addition to any Rolex collection.
