Root beer, it’s a blast from the past, a sweet reminder of simpler days when the biggest choice was whether to float your soda with ice cream or enjoy it on its own. It was a treat, a moment of indulgence.
Fast forward, and here we are, still chasing that nostalgic joy, but now with something just as satisfying, a Rolex GMT Root Beer bezel.
Sure, it’s not quite as fizzy as that childhood drink, but the Rolex Root Beer brings that same kind of pleasure to your wrist.
For some, it’s the perfect indulgence. A way to celebrate those simpler times without sacrificing the sophistication that only Rolex can deliver. Here’s everything you need to know about this masterpiece.
The Rolex Root Beer History
When you think of Rolex, it's hard not to picture prestige and precision.
Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex quickly set itself apart in the world of watchmaking. The brand was all about crafting tools that could endure and impress. From the invention of the Oyster case (the first waterproof watch) to the Perpetual movement (which made watches self-winding), Rolex has always been at the forefront of innovation.
But what really made Rolex a household name was its timelessness. Whether you’re on a yacht, in a meeting, or just enjoying the weekend, a Rolex says something.
With the GMT-Master II, Root Beer was born into a legacy that was already rich with travel, exploration, and pushing boundaries.
Where Did the Root Beer Nickname Come From?
When it comes to the Rolex Root Beer, the name itself might raise a few eyebrows, but once you know the story, it makes perfect sense.
The Story Behind the Affectionate "Root Beer" Moniker
The Root Beer nickname is as much about the watch’s colour scheme as it is about the feelings it stirs.
The first Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer, introduced in 2018 with reference 126711CHNR, features a striking bicolour bezel that blends black and brown, tones that are reminiscent of a glass of root beer.
That dark, rich brown with a hint of gold? It instantly conjures up images of a cold, fizzy drink poured over ice, just like the drink itself.
The nickname didn’t happen overnight, though.
Originally, the Root Beer models were officially called “GMT-Master II with the two-tone bezel,” but collectors and watch enthusiasts quickly saw their similarity to the popular North American soft drink and affectionately dubbed them “Root Beer.”
Before the 126711CHNR, the Root Beer name was already floating around due to earlier references in the GMT-Master line. Rolex's first foray into this unique colour scheme came with the Rolex 6542/8 in the 1950s.
Although the earlier versions used Bakelite bezels (a material that was eventually phased out for durability reasons), the concept of a brown bezel on a Rolex was planted. In the 1980s, GMT-Master 16753 further explored this idea, but it wasn’t until the 126711CHNR debuted in 2018 that Rolex officially embraced the “Root Beer” name for the more modern iteration.
The GMT-Master Model Overview
The GMT-Master was born in 1955 to meet the needs of a rapidly growing international aviation industry.
Pilots required a way to track multiple time zones during their long flights, and Rolex was quick to respond with a solution. The first reference, 6542, was created specifically for Pan Am pilots and featured a rotating 24-hour bezel to help keep track of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It quickly became indispensable for those travelling across time zones.
In the 1960s, the GMT-Master evolved with the introduction of the reference 1675. This model is considered one of the most iconic in Rolex history. It replaced the fragile Bakelite bezel insert with a more durable metal bezel, making it more practical for everyday wear.
The 1675 also featured the first appearance of the famous Pepsi bezel, which has since become one of the most recognisable Rolex designs.
Rolex continued to fine-tune the GMT-Master throughout the years, adding refinements to the movement and design. In 1982, the game-changing GMT-Master II was introduced.
Features That Distinguish the GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II took everything great about the original GMT-Master and made it even better.
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Independent Hour Hand
The independent hour hand allowed the wearer to change the time zone without affecting the GMT hand. This new feature made it far more convenient for travellers who often moved between time zones, as they could quickly adjust the local time while still keeping track of the reference time.
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Improved Movement
The GMT-Master II also received an upgraded movement. The Caliber 3085 movement made the model more reliable and accurate. This movement was later replaced with the Caliber 3185 and eventually the Caliber 3285 in later models.
With each new version, Rolex increased the power reserve, precision, and shock resistance, improving the watch's overall functionality.
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Rotating 24-Hour Bezel
Like its predecessor, the GMT-Master II features a rotating 24-hour bezel, which allows wearers to track a second time zone.
The Cerachrom ceramic bezel material, especially in more recent models like the Root Beer, improved the bezel’s durability and resistance to fading or scratching.
A Closer Look At the Rolex Root Beer’s Main Features
Rolex is all about timelessness and precision. Their design philosophy has always been to create watches that look good and are built to last. Rolex watches are crafted with the understanding that they’re made to be worn for a lifetime.
Every detail counts.
The Bicolor Cerachrom Bezel Insert
The bezel of the Rolex Root Beer is one of the most innovative features of the watch.
The bicolour Cerachrom bezel insert is a Rolex exclusive, and it marks a significant leap in both design and material technology. It’s scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and highly durable. It’s also built to withstand daily wear and still looks brand new after years of use.
What’s impressive is how Rolex combined black and brown ceramic, creating a unique colour scheme that sets the Root Beer apart from the typical GMT-Master II models.
Dual Time-Zone Functionality
Like all GMT-Master II models, the Root Beer allows you to track two time zones at once. The rotating 24-hour bezel allows you to easily set a second time zone, while the GMT hand tracks the reference time.
If you’re a frequent traveller or have a global business, this might just be your selling point.
The dual-time functionality is a legacy feature dating back to the original GMT-Master, which was created for pilots in the 1950s. The Root Beer continues this lineage while also improving on the original design.
Ceramic For Days
The Cerachrom ceramic in the Root Beer’s bezel is a game-changer.
Ceramic is extremely durable, and Rolex really knocked it out of the park with this material. The bezel is practically scratch-proof, fade-proof, and super tough, so, whether you’re out on a hike or stuck in a crowded subway, it’s going to hold up.
But the best part? Ceramic looks amazing.
It catches the light in a way that makes the brown and black tones pop, giving the bezel a dynamic, ever-changing look as you move. It’s like the watch has a personality of its own.
The Dial and Lume Specs
The dial of the Rolex Root Beer is where the watch’s luxury and practical features come together. At first glance, the black dial may seem simple, but it’s the details that really make it pop.
The 18K Everose gold hour markers and hands create a refined contrast against the black background, making it both easy to read and visually striking.
The gold markers and hands are coated with Chromalight, which adds a touch of glow in darker conditions. But the real highlight is the GMT-Master II text, printed in gold just above the 6 o’clock position. This simple, but elegant detail further separates the Root Beer from other GMT models, adding a sense of premium craftsmanship to the dial.
Here’s the part that really makes the Root Beer stand out in low light: Chromalight.
Rolex's proprietary Chromalight lume gives off this blue glow that lasts longer than most traditional lume, so whether you're at a bar, in a movie theatre, or halfway across the world in a dark airport, you'll always know the time.
It’s subtle but gorgeous, giving the watch a bit of mystery and making it that much more enjoyable to wear when the lights go out. It's like a little surprise every time you check the time in the dark.
The Movement Behind It All
The Rolex Root Beer is powered by the Caliber 3285, one of the latest and most advanced movements from Rolex. It features a Chronergy escapement, which increases efficiency by 15%. This allows the watch to have a 70-hour power reserve, a significant improvement over older models, which typically offer 50 hours.
The Caliber 3285 is COSC certified (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), which means it meets Rolex's incredibly high standards for accuracy. This movement exceeds the COSC standards, maintaining a precision rating of -2/+2 seconds per day, making it incredibly accurate.
The Rolex Root Beer is A Timepiece That Tells a Story
The Rolex Root Beer is one of those watches that doesn’t just sit on your wrist, it tells a story. It was built to keep up with the times, offering the same dual-time functionality that made the GMT-Master a favourite among pilots and travellers.
It’s versatile, reliable, and as timeless as you’d expect from Rolex.
And if you’ve been thinking about adding a Rolex Root Beer to your collection, it’s easier than you think. At Love Luxury, we specialise in authentic pre-loved Rolex watches, including this stunning model. Each watch is carefully inspected for quality, so you can enjoy that iconic Rolex experience without the brand-new price tag.
If you're ready to own this marvel of a watch, Love Luxury has you covered. Take a look at our collection today and find your perfect Rolex.
