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: |
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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
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.-