The Rolex GMT-Master needs no introduction. It is perhaps the most iconic travel watch, allowing its wearer to simultaneously tell two time zones. Developed originally in the 1950s for PanAm pilots, who had then begun flying transatlantic route more frequently, this handy tool watch was vital in order to track home and local time. Over the decades, Rolex has continually tweaked and evolved the model and despite huge changes since the first reference 6542, it is still instantly recognisable as the iconic GMT-Master.
The example you see here today is the Ref. 116710 BLNR and it is a modern classic. Any sports Rolex is currently hard to get, but the BLNR rose to be one of the hottest, before being discontinued this year.
For the longest time, Rolex could not figure out how to have two colours in one bezel as it was made of ceramic and insanely difficult to do so. They managed to finally do it with this Batman and it was a huge success and a welcome change to the more monotonous all-black bezel. It certainly adds a nice touch of colour in a subtle way.
I really do feel that the GMT function is the most practical complication to have on the wrist, even today. All it takes is one look at the wrist and you will be able to tell the time at your selected timezone. For someone like me, or I am sure many of you, who travels a lot or even conducts business on the other side of the world, a GMT-Master is without a doubt, a welcome tool. It certainly is faster than fumbling around with your iPhone to find out the time.
