rolex with blue and red bezel | Rolex submariner blue dial bezel

The Rolex with blue and red bezel, affectionately nicknamed the "Pepsi" due to its striking resemblance to the iconic soft drink's branding, is a highly sought-after and instantly recognizable timepiece. More specifically, we're talking about the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II models that proudly sport this distinctive bi-color bezel. This feature, far from being a simple aesthetic flourish, is a functional tool for tracking a second time zone, a testament to Rolex's dedication to both form and function. This article will explore the history, variations, technical specifications, and enduring appeal of the Rolex with the blue and red bezel, touching upon related topics like the Rolex bezel size chart, Submariner blue dial bezel, GMT-Master black bezel, GMT-Master blue black ("Batman"), and the broader world of GMT-Master bezels.

A History Rooted in Aviation:

The Rolex GMT-Master was initially conceived in the 1950s in collaboration with Pan American Airways (Pan Am). Pilots required a reliable and accurate watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously – local time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the standard time used for aviation. The original GMT-Master (reference 6542) featured a Bakelite bezel with a red and blue color scheme, designed to visually separate day and night hours in the second time zone. The red represented daylight hours, while the blue indicated nighttime.

However, the Bakelite bezel proved fragile and prone to cracking. Rolex quickly replaced it with a more durable metal bezel with an anodized aluminum insert. This aluminum insert remained the standard for many years, undergoing subtle color variations and design refinements.

The Birth of the Cerachrom "Pepsi":

The real game-changer arrived in 2014 with the introduction of the GMT-Master II (reference 116719BLRO) featuring a red and blue Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel. This marked a significant technological leap, as creating a two-tone ceramic bezel proved incredibly challenging. The Cerachrom material is virtually scratch-proof, highly resistant to fading from UV exposure, and retains its vibrant colors for decades. The initial release was in white gold, making it an exclusive and highly desirable piece.

Later, in 2018, Rolex introduced the steel GMT-Master II (reference 126710BLRO) with the Cerachrom "Pepsi" bezel, finally making this iconic design more accessible to a wider audience. This model also featured the updated Caliber 3285 movement, further enhancing its functionality and accuracy.

Understanding the Functionality:

The Rolex GMT-Master's key feature is its ability to track two time zones. This functionality is achieved through a combination of the following elements:

* Bidirectional Rotatable 24-Hour Graduated Bezel: The bezel, as mentioned, is crucial. It's divided into 24 sections, each representing an hour. The bidirectional rotation allows the user to quickly and easily adjust the second time zone reading.

* Two-Color Red and Blue Cerachrom Insert: The color split provides a visual cue for differentiating day and night hours in the second time zone.

* Centre Hour, Minute, and Seconds Hands: These display the local time.

* 24-Hour Hand: This distinctively shaped hand makes one full rotation every 24 hours. It points to the 24-hour graduation on the bezel, indicating the second time zone.

How to Use the GMT-Master II to Track Two Time Zones:

1. Setting the Local Time: First, set the main hour and minute hands to your current local time.rolex with blue and red bezel

2. Setting the Second Time Zone: Rotate the bezel so that the desired second time zone's hour difference from your local time is aligned with the 24-hour hand. For example, if you're in New York (EST) and want to track London time (GMT), which is 5 hours ahead, rotate the bezel counter-clockwise until the "5" on the bezel aligns with the 24-hour hand.

3. Reading the Second Time Zone: The 24-hour hand will now indicate the time in the second time zone on the bezel.

Variations and Alternatives:

While the "Pepsi" bezel is the most iconic, the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II have been offered with various bezel color combinations over the years. This leads us to explore other popular options:

* Rolex GMT-Master Blue Black ("Batman" or "Bruiser"): This model features a Cerachrom bezel with a blue and black color scheme. The black typically represents night, and the blue indicates day. It's another highly sought-after variation, often considered a more subtle alternative to the "Pepsi."

* Rolex GMT-Master Black Bezel: While not as common as the bi-color versions, some vintage GMT-Master models feature a single-color black bezel, offering a more understated and classic look.

* Rolex GMT-Master II Bezel: The GMT-Master II has seen several bezel variations, including the "Pepsi," "Batman," and the all-black versions. The bezel insert material has evolved from aluminum to Cerachrom, reflecting Rolex's commitment to innovation and durability.