Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Exotic New Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Gold with a Tiger Iron Dial
Reinforcing the trend for stone dials, Rolex has incorporated this metamorphic stone for the first time in its collection, and the result is refreshingly exotic.
Traditionally, Rolex sports (a.k.a. professional) watches are very often paired with black dials. As for the GMT-Master II, of all references available in the collection – and there are quite a lot of them, in all possible materials except platinum – only the white gold editions have had the privilege of colours: Pepsi with a blue or a meteorite dial and since this year, a green ceramic dial. Even the handsome Everose edition, the so-called Root Beer, didn’t get the brown dial of the past. Well, things have changed this year with the new dial option for the Rolex reference 126715CHNR. However, it’s not just a dial colour but an intricate stone known as Tiger Iron, adding a fresh layer of texture and character to the beloved Rolex design and confirming the current love for stone dials.
This new Tiger Iron edition of the Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer is essentially a dial variation of the existing full-Everose gold model reference 126715CHNR. And that means we’re in fairly familiar territories here. For the best or worst, depending on how you appreciate this watch…
The watch is crafted entirely from solid 18k Everose gold, Rolex’s proprietary rose gold alloy known for its distinctive warm hue and resistance to fading. It features the familiar 40mm Oyster case with its 11.9mm thickness, a Triplock screw-down crown, protective crown guards, and a solid screw-down caseback to ensure the 100m water resistance. Topping the case is a sapphire crystal with AR coating and a signature Cyclops lens magnifying the date. The 24-hour bi-directional bezel has a brown and black split-colour Cerachrom insert (CHNR, for chocolat noir), with recessed numerals and graduations coated in pink gold PVD. Aside from the distinctive Tiger Iron dial, this Root Beer GMT-Master II remains identical to its Everose gold predecessor.
Tiger Iron is a metamorphic rock composed of tiger’s eye, red jasper, and silver hematite. This cocktail of minerals creates a unique pattern with rich lines in golden-orange tones with gleams of red, offering a dynamic and vivid look to the familiar otherwise watch. The hour markers and hands are crafted from pink gold and filled with Chromalight for visibility in low-light conditions. The date remains positioned at 3 o’clock beneath the classic magnifier. While much of the watch remains unchanged, the new Tiger Iron dial brings an entirely fresh energy to the design – and it raises the question: given the choice, would you go with classic black or opt for the bold new Tiger Iron (knowing that this dial comes at a 4k euro premium)?
The new Tiger Iron GMT-Master II Root Beer is powered by the same in-house automatic calibre 3285 found throughout the current lineup. This movement offers true GMT functionality with an independently adjustable local hour hand and features Rolex’s Chronergy escapement for improved efficiency, a blue Parachrom hairspring for enhanced magnetic resistance, and Paraflex shock absorbers for added durability. Operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour frequency, the calibre 3285 delivers a weekend-proof 70-hour power reserve. As expected from a Superlative Chronometer, it boasts an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day and the watch is backed by Rolex’s five-year warranty.
Like its black-dial counterpart, the new GMT-Master II Tiger Iron 126715CHNR is paired with Rolex’s iconic three-link Oyster bracelet, crafted from solid 18k Everose gold to match the case. The bracelet is closed with the brand´s Oysterlock safety clasp and features the Easylink extension system, allowing easy tool-free 5mm adjustment for added comfort.
This new edition is about the dial, introducing a bold and exotic twist to the Everose GMT-Master II lineup. Priced at EUR 50,850, it’s a standout piece for those seeking something extravagant. Note that a yellow gold reference 126718GRNR with a Tiger Iron dial was also released, priced at EUR 48,850.
For full details, visit rolex.com.
4 responses
I love the tiger iron dial face. Just eliminate the lumed and circled markers, the hour markers, the date and cyclops and it would be a real stunner!! I realize this would be a bridge too far for Rolex – to come out with an actual design element change for the oyster. Oh, well, hope springs eternal.
I would add some shiny stones, just in case it is not conspicuous enough.
I’m not sure I’m allowed to like this as much as I do. I feel a bit dirty and tacky now.
I admire the workmanship, but like a unicorn leather baseball glove or a solid gold garden fork these watches are merely ways to boast. And I know the owners of such watches are hardly likely to do anything as vulgar as walk down a city street, but if they do the watches should come with a “please mug me” sign.