Buying guide: GMT-Master II Certified Pre-Owned
The GMT-Master II is the archetypal travel watch, originally made for pilots who needed to read two time zones at once. Beyond its function, it became famous for its two-tone bezel colour combinations, which collectors have long given their own nicknames.
The best-known bezel nicknames
- Pepsi (blue/red) — ref. 126710BLRO, available with either a Jubilee or an Oyster bracelet.
- Batman (blue/black) — ref. 126710BLNR, introduced in 2019 on a Jubilee bracelet only and joined in 2021 by an Oyster version: collectors sometimes call the Oyster version specifically "Batman" and the Jubilee version "Batgirl," though in everyday use "Batman" often refers to both. One of the most in-demand combinations on the pre-owned market.
- Sprite (black/green) — ref. 126720VTNR, the most recent variant, with the crown on the left side of the case (designed to be worn on the right wrist) and the date window moved to the 9 o'clock position; available with either an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet.
- Root Beer (brown/black, steel-and-Everose-gold two-tone case) — ref. 126711CHNR, echoing the aesthetic of the vintage two-tone references of the 1970s-80s: a more classic look, generally higher prices due to the precious metal.
What to check before buying
The ceramic Cerachrom bezel, unlike the old anodized-aluminium bezels of vintage GMTs (those are the ones prone to UV fading — the famous "ghost bezel" look on older models), is designed not to discolour and holds up well against scratches: on a CPO example it's still worth checking the edges for chips rather than worrying about the colour. The Jubilee bracelet, being more articulated, tends to show link play more easily than the Oyster — checking it is a normal part of CPO inspection, but it's worth asking for confirmation. Finally, test the second-time-zone adjustment: on the GMT-Master II it is the local hour hand that jumps one hour at a time, independently and without stopping the watch, while the minute, seconds and 24-hour hands stay put. The jumps should be crisp, with no catching.
Why CPO makes sense for this model
The most popular bezel combinations (Pepsi and Batman in particular) have historically had long waits even at retail, pushing grey-market prices up. The Certified Pre-Owned channel makes it possible to find these combinations faster, with an official warranty and generally a less inflated price than an uncertified purchase of the exact same watch.