The Rolex GMT-Master II “Coke” is famous for its black and red bezel. The luxury sports watch with a GMT function is highly sought-after and has good potential as an investment. 2007 and newer models have a ceramic bezel.

By Chrono24

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A Watch for Pilots and Globetrotters

Since its introduction in 1982, the Rolex “Coke” has captured the hearts of pilots, globetrotters, and watch enthusiasts alike. Reference 16760 was the first GMT-Master II to be released by Rolex. Its most striking feature is the black and red bezel. Because the color combination is reminiscent of the colors of Coca-Cola, fans have nicknamed the watch the Rolex “Coke.” But the ref. 16760 has another nickname, too. Due to the caliber 3085, the case is slightly thicker than its predecessor. This earned the watch the nickname “Fat Lady.”

Rolex only produced the 16760 for a few years, which is why this reference is quite rare and highly sought-after by collectors today. The slightly thinner GMT-Master II ref. 16710 replaced the "Fat Lady" in the late 1980s and remained in production until 2007. Thanks to its long production run, this model is much more common than its predecessor. However, prices for well-preserved examples aren't much lower than those of their rarer counterparts.

Since ceasing production of the 16710, Rolex has yet to release another GMT-Master II Coke model. Instead, the company has turned its attention to creating new versions of the even more famous GMT-Master II Pepsi . As you may might guessed, this watch has a red and blue bezel, just like the logo of Coca-Cola's biggest rival.

Reasons to Buy a GMT-Master II “Coke”

High-precision Superlative Chronometer
Displays up to three time zones
One of the world's best-known GMT watches
Highly likely to appreciate in value

Prices at a Glance: Rolex Coke & Co.

GMT-Master II reference	Price (approx.)	Bezel, caliber
116719BLRO	42,900 USD	“Pepsi” ref. 3186
126710BLRO	23,000 USD	“Pepsi” ref. 3285
126710GRNR	20,500 USD	“Bruce Wayne” ref. 3285
126720VTNR	19,600 USD	“Sprite” ref. 3285
116710BLNR	17,200 USD	“Batman” ref. 3186
116710LN	17,100 USD	Black, ref. 3186
“Fat Lady” ref. 16760	14,200 USD	“Coke” ref. 3085

How much does a Rolex Coke cost?

If you're interested in the “Fat Lady” ref. 16760, expect to spend approximately 16,800 USD for a mint example as of autumn 2024. Prices for used models in good condition are around 14,600 USD.

A Rolex Coke ref. 16710 will set you back about 14,200 USD in worn but good condition. Occasionally, you can still find examples of this reference in mint condition. In mint condition, the watch will set you back over 20,000 USD.

Alternatives to the Coke: Batman and Bruce Wayne

So-called “Batman” models with the reference numbers 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR are interesting alternatives to the Rolex Coke. With its blue and black ceramic bezel, the “Batman” looks a little more elegant and understated. That's why it looks great with business attire. Rolex discontinued the 116710BLNR in 2019 and replaced it with the 126710BLNR. Depending on the reference, you should budget between 16,800 and 18,200 USD for an unworn Batman.

Rolex added another color option to the GMT-Master II collection in 2024: the reference 126710GRNR, which is technically identical to models with the Batman or “Pepsi” bezel, but features a bezel in black and gray. Rolex fans quickly nicknamed the new watch the “Bruce Wayne.” You can buy the black and gray GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne in mint condition for around 18,300 USD on Chrono24.

GMT-Master II in Black and Green

In 2022, Rolex introduced a new variant of the GMT-Master II with the reference number 126720VTNR and a black and green bezel. Apart from its color, the watch’s left-sided crown is its most striking feature. As with the other versions of the GMT-Master II, the caliber 3285 sets the pace with its 70-hour power reserve. In the fall of 2024, you could buy this watch, also known as the GMT-Master II “Sprite,” in unworn condition starting at around 19,600 USD.

GMT-Master II: Sapphire Crystal, Ceramic, and a New Caliber

The Rolex GMT-Master II Coke offered a decisive advantage over the “normal” GMT-Master I: the hour hand could be adjusted independently and in hourly increments, thanks to the caliber 3085. From then on, it was possible to quickly set the new local time while traveling. The hour, minute, and 24-hour hands of the caliber 3075, which powered the GMT-Master II ref. 16750 during this period, could only be adjusted together. To set a second time zone, you had to use the bidirectional bezel. Thanks to its new movement, the GMT-Master II even displays three time zones simultaneously. Furthermore, the Rolex Coke ref. 16760 was the first GMT watch from the manufacture to feature a sapphire crystal.

The successor to the “Fat Lady,” the Rolex ref. 16710, was available with three different bezels: black, black and red, or red and blue. The latter color variant has been around since the introduction of the GMT-Master in the mid-1950s. The bezel inlay of the ref. 16710 is still made of aluminum. That's why you'll regularly find faded colors emphasizing the vintage character of these models. The bezels of the current models in the GMT-Master II collection are made of Cerachrom, a type of ceramic developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex. This material is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, and age-related discoloration is a thing of the past.

Rolex has been equipping all GMT-Master II watches with the in-house caliber 3285 since 2019. This movement replaced caliber 3186 introduced in 2005 and boasts a power reserve of 70 hours. Other features include a blue Parachrom hairspring and a Chronergy escapement, which is highly energy efficient and more resistant to magnetic fields than conventional materials.