Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Rolex Models for 2013 – GMT-Master II and Daytona in Platinum
Just before the start of Baselworld we speculated about the new Rolex timepieces for 2013. The anticipation for a new Daytona was huge and the buzz among aficionados and journalists was immense. While many people state the Daytona was first introduced in 1963, we couldn`t find a reliable source for this. So we guessed (and hoped!) for a new GMT-Master II with a Cerachrom Pepsi (red/blue) bezel.
Reality now learns that Rolex did introduce novelties in both the GMT-Master II collection and the Daytona collection, although different than the predictions we have seen and heard from several sources. The 2013 new GMT-Master II features the already known Cerachrom bezel, however now in black and blue, instead of the red/blue that I personally hoped for. This is however the first two-colored Cerachrom bezel, since Rolex introduced the new version GMT-Master II in 2005 (which was the yellow gold version, ref. 16718 LN).
Specifications are probably known to most of you, so I won`t bother spending to many words on that. One of the things that sets Rolex apart is the sort of stainless steel they use for all their stainless steel watches. The 904L steel is particularly corrosion-resistant in comparison with the 316L steel used by others (unless it’s hardened like Bremont does for instance). The case measures 40 mm and is water resistant to 100 meters.
Personally I still find the GMT-Master II one of the best traveler’s watches. It’s water resistant, it can take a bang, especially with the hard 904L steel and the independently adjustable hour hand is just superb when traveling through timezones. The 24-hour hand will indicate the home time and the local time is indicated by hour and minute hand. When going to another timezone, it’s easy to adjust the hour hand in one-hour increments.
The other “important” new Rolex models are a platinum version of the Cosmograph Daytona, with ice-blue dials and Cerachrom brown brown bezel and brown rings around the tri-compax registers. Inside is the in-house developed and manufactured caliber 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. According to Rolex the number of components for the chronograph function were reduced significantly, which increases the movement’s reliability. The chronograph is activated by means of a column wheel and vertical clutch, which enables an instantaneous (and thus precise) start of the timing.
The retail price of the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116760 BLNR will be just under $9,000 USD. No word yet on the price of the platinum Cosmograph Daytona.
For more info, please visit the Rolex website.
3 responses
Well, I am glad the Pepsi bezel is back in a new format: BLACK PEPSI! I will be ordering it next week, it’s a wonderful watch you never get tired of. Many ignorants and snobs like to trash Rolex around but they can’t see within the important, yet, subtle details. This watch is an icon, like a Porsche 911 or a Les Paul and deserves respect for sticking to tradition, sober, sporty and elegant.
Being a Rolex owner for 30 years, take ‘ NOTE’ have your watch cleaned by Rolex only!!
The last one.. with sea blue dial… just love that watch.. its more than brilliant.