History and Origins

The Rolex GMT-Master, a watch synonymous with travel and adventure, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of long-distance flight. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s, a time when Pan Am, a leading airline, sought a timepiece that could help pilots navigate across multiple time zones.

The GMT-Master was born from this collaboration, specifically designed to meet the needs of Pan Am pilots. The watch’s innovative 24-hour bezel, initially featuring a black and red color scheme, allowed pilots to track two time zones simultaneously, a crucial feature for navigating long-haul flights.

Evolution of the GMT-Master Line

The GMT-Master line has undergone several significant design changes and innovations throughout its history, reflecting the evolving needs of travelers and watch enthusiasts alike. Here are some key milestones:

  • 1954: The first Rolex GMT-Master, reference 6542, was introduced with a black and red bezel, nicknamed the “Pepsi” for its resemblance to the famous soft drink. The watch featured a distinctive cyclops magnifying lens over the date window, a feature that has become synonymous with Rolex.
  • 1959: The GMT-Master reference 1675 was released, incorporating a new, more robust case design and a larger bezel. This model also featured a red and blue bezel, commonly known as the “Coke” GMT-Master, further solidifying the watch’s reputation as a tool for pilots and travelers.
  • 1982: The introduction of the GMT-Master II, reference 16760, marked a significant advancement. This model featured an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, allowing users to set the second time zone without affecting the primary timekeeping function. The watch also incorporated a new sapphire crystal for increased scratch resistance.
  • 2005: The GMT-Master II reference 116710LN, featuring a ceramic bezel, was introduced. The ceramic bezel, known for its durability and color fastness, revolutionized the watch’s aesthetic and functionality. This model also included a larger case size and a more robust movement.

The “Blueberry” Nickname

The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, commonly known as the “Blueberry,” is characterized by its striking blue and black ceramic bezel. The blue bezel represents the 24-hour hand, while the black bezel corresponds to the primary timekeeping function. This unique color scheme, reminiscent of a blueberry, earned the watch its nickname. The “Blueberry” GMT-Master, introduced in 2013, became a highly sought-after model, attracting collectors and watch enthusiasts alike.

Design and Features

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry, officially known as the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR, is a remarkable timepiece that embodies the brand’s dedication to precision, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Its design elements and features are meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of frequent travelers and pilots, allowing them to track multiple time zones with ease.

Case and Materials

The GMT-Master Blueberry features a robust 40mm Oyster case, crafted from 904L stainless steel. This high-grade steel, renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and durability, is commonly used in aerospace and medical industries. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), ensuring its reliability even in challenging environments.

Bezel

The most distinctive feature of the GMT-Master Blueberry is its bi-directional rotating bezel. This bezel is made of Cerachrom, a ceramic material that is scratch-resistant and fade-proof, ensuring long-lasting durability and vibrant colors. The bezel features a 24-hour graduated scale with blue and black ceramic inserts, representing day and night respectively. This color combination, known as the “Blueberry” configuration, gives the watch its distinctive and popular name.

GMT Hand, Rolex gmt master blueberry

The GMT-Master Blueberry is equipped with a fourth hand, known as the GMT hand, which is used to track a second time zone. This hand is independently adjustable, allowing the wearer to set it to a different time than the main hour hand. The GMT hand completes one full rotation in 24 hours, making it ideal for tracking time in multiple time zones.

Movement

The heart of the GMT-Master Blueberry is the caliber 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This movement is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The movement is equipped with a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which is resistant to magnetic fields and temperature variations, ensuring exceptional precision.

Dial

The dial of the GMT-Master Blueberry is a black lacquered dial, featuring prominent hour markers and hands coated with Chromalight luminescent material. This luminescent material emits a long-lasting blue glow, ensuring readability in low-light conditions. The date window is positioned at 3 o’clock, providing a clear and convenient display of the current date.

Technical Specifications

The Rolex GMT-Master II “Blueberry” boasts impressive technical specifications that contribute to its functionality, reliability, and overall appeal.

Movement

The “Blueberry” is powered by the Rolex caliber 3186, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its precision and robustness.

  • It features a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, offering superior resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations, enhancing accuracy and longevity.
  • The movement also incorporates a patented Rolex oscillator with a variable inertia balance wheel, ensuring consistent timekeeping.
  • The caliber 3186 boasts a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, providing ample timekeeping capability without the need for frequent winding.

Water Resistance

The Rolex GMT-Master II “Blueberry” is designed for everyday wear and can withstand water pressure up to 100 meters (330 feet). This level of water resistance allows the watch to be worn while swimming or engaging in other water-related activities.

Other Key Specifications

  • The watch features a 40mm Oyster case, crafted from 904L stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.
  • The “Blueberry” has a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert, facilitating the tracking of a second time zone with ease.
  • The watch is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing optimal clarity and durability.
  • The “Blueberry” is fitted with a comfortable Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.

Popularity and Collectability

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry, with its iconic blue and red bezel, has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. Its distinctive design, robust build, and historical significance have made it a highly sought-after timepiece, particularly in the pre-owned market.

Factors Influencing Price

The price of a pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry is influenced by several factors:

  • Condition: The condition of the watch, including its overall wear and tear, the presence of any scratches or dings, and the functionality of its components, significantly impacts its value. A pristine, mint condition watch commands a higher price compared to a watch with noticeable signs of wear.
  • Year of Manufacture: Older GMT-Master Blueberries, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s, are often more valuable due to their historical significance and rarity.
  • Model Number: Different iterations of the GMT-Master Blueberry have unique model numbers, each with its own specific features and characteristics. For example, the reference 1675, with its acrylic crystal and older movement, is typically more sought after than later models.
  • Box and Papers: The presence of original box and papers, especially the warranty card, can significantly increase the value of a pre-owned watch. These documents provide authenticity and provenance, giving buyers confidence in the watch’s history.
  • Market Demand: Like any collectible item, the demand for the Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry fluctuates based on market trends and popular opinion.

Key Differences Between Iterations

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry has been produced in various iterations throughout its history, each with unique features and characteristics. Some key differences between these iterations include:

  • Case Material: Early models were typically made from stainless steel, while later iterations have also been produced in yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.
  • Bezel: The bezel on the GMT-Master Blueberry has evolved over time. Earlier models featured a Bakelite bezel, while later models adopted aluminum, ceramic, and even platinum bezels.
  • Movement: The movement powering the GMT-Master Blueberry has also undergone several updates, with advancements in accuracy, reliability, and functionality.
  • Dial: While the classic blue and red bezel remains a constant, the dial has seen some variations over the years. Early models often featured a “maxi” dial with larger hour markers, while later models may have a “tutti” dial with smaller markers.

Cultural Impact: Rolex Gmt Master Blueberry

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry has transcended its status as a timepiece and become a cultural icon, deeply embedded in popular culture and a symbol of prestige, luxury, and travel. Its distinctive design and association with influential figures have cemented its place in the public consciousness.

Appearances in Film and Television

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry’s presence in film and television has contributed significantly to its cultural impact. Its sleek design and association with adventurous characters have made it a sought-after accessory for those seeking to emulate a certain lifestyle.

  • In the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” Leonardo DiCaprio, portraying the notorious con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., wears a Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry, highlighting its association with cunning and sophistication.
  • The watch also made a notable appearance in the popular television series “Mad Men,” worn by Don Draper, a fictional advertising executive, further reinforcing its connection with the world of high-end advertising and success.

Symbol of Status, Luxury, and Travel

The Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry has become a symbol of status, luxury, and travel, often associated with affluent individuals and those who enjoy a jet-setting lifestyle. Its high price tag and limited availability contribute to its aura of exclusivity.

“The GMT-Master Blueberry is more than just a watch; it’s a statement of achievement and refined taste.”

  • The watch’s association with pilots and air travel, thanks to its GMT function, has further cemented its image as a travel companion for the discerning traveler.
  • The watch’s iconic design, featuring a distinctive blue bezel and a sleek, functional aesthetic, has also made it a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.

Prominent Individuals

Several prominent individuals have been spotted wearing the Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry, further contributing to its status as a coveted timepiece.

  • Actor and producer George Clooney is known for his love of watches, and he has been photographed wearing a Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry on numerous occasions.
  • Business magnate Elon Musk has also been seen wearing a Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry, highlighting its appeal to successful individuals in various industries.

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