Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 19, 2022
LOT 285
ROLEX
REF. 126719, SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, AM-PM AND TWO-TIME ZONE INDICATIONS, DATE, MIDNIGHT-BLUE DIAL, "OYSTER" BRACELET; "GMT-MASTER II", SO-CALLED "PEPSI"; 18K WHITE GOLD
EUR 25,000 - 50,000
USD 26,400 - 53,000 / HKD 208,000 - 414,000 / CHF 25,200 - 51,000
Sold: EUR 65,000
A very fine and very rare, 18K white gold, self-winding, aviator's wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, midnight-blue colour dial with an additional hour hand for the GMT function, centre-seconds and date of the month; blue and red ceramic bezel.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 1-8 |
As new Slightly scratched |
Movement: 1* |
As new Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 1-01 |
As new HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model "GMT-Master II", so called "Pepsi"
Reference 126719
Year sold in 2021
Case No. P8099975
Material 18K white gold
Bracelet 18K white gold Rolex "Oyster" bracelet with deployant clasp
Diameter Ø 40.3 mm.
Length 170 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 3285
Length 170 mm. (approx.)
Height 48 mm.
Width 43.4 mm.
Weight 21.5 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box, papers, additional links, hang-tag
Notes
Rolex, “GMT-Master II”, Ref. 126719
One of Rolex’s first major customers was undoubtedly the Pan American World Airways, one of the largest airlines company, created in 1926.
Rolex designed the “GMT-Master” in 1954, probably at the request of the “PANAM”. As a pilot’s wristwatch it allowed for an instant reading of a second time zone, thanks to an additional hand and a blue and red bi-directional revolving bezel. It was an essential watchmaking complication with the emergence of long-haul flights, and therefore an essential tool for travellers.
Rolex introduced the Ref. 126719 in 18K white gold at BaselWorld in 2019. It was produced either with a midnight-blue or meteorite dial. This one is equipped with a midnight blue dial and a two-colour “Cerachrom” bezel insert in red and blue ceramic – hence the “Pepsi” nickname.
Cerachrom is one of the new elements developed and patented by Rolex: thanks to the ceramic components, the bezel becomes almost unbreakable and scratchproof. The dial features a tiny coronet logo between the words “Swiss” and “Made” placed directly below the 6 o’clock hour marker.
The calibre is a 3285, Rolex latest movement innovation which took ten patent applications to develop. First released at BaselWorld 2018, it replaces the Calibre 3186 and brings with it an upgraded “Chronergy” escapement and a “Parachrom” hairspring resulting in improved shock and temperature variation resistance.
The model is still in production with a Swiss retail price at CHF 37 500.-