The Rolex GMT-Master II is a watch steeped in history, adventure, and undeniable style. Among its various iterations, one stands out as a particularly iconic and sought-after model: the "Coca-Cola" GMT-Master II. This nickname, born from the striking resemblance of its bezel to the iconic Coca-Cola logo, has cemented its place in horological lore and the hearts of collectors worldwide. This article will delve into the world of the Rolex GMT Coca-Cola, exploring its history, variations, value, and the current market for these highly collectible timepieces.
The Genesis: Reference 16760
The story of the Coca-Cola GMT-Master II begins with the reference 16760. Released by Rolex in the late 1980s, this was the first GMT-Master II to grace wrists with the now-legendary black and red bi-directional rotating bezel. This bold color combination, a stark departure from previous GMT models, instantly captured the attention of watch enthusiasts. The deep black contrasted sharply with the vibrant red, creating a visually arresting and instantly recognizable design. The resemblance to the Coca-Cola colors is uncanny, a fact that quickly led to the affectionate moniker "Coca-Cola" or simply "Coke" among collectors. The 16760's popularity exploded, solidifying its place as a classic and highly desirable Rolex. Its design, robust construction, and the added functionality of the GMT complication made it the perfect companion for travelers and adventurers. The 3186 movement, a workhorse of a caliber, ensured reliability and accuracy, features that are paramount in any Rolex.
Evolution and Variations: Beyond the 16760
The success of the 16760 paved the way for subsequent iterations, each with its own unique characteristics and collector appeal. The most notable successor is the reference 16710, which saw several subtle yet significant changes. While maintaining the beloved Coca-Cola bezel, the 16710 incorporated a slightly updated case design and the improved caliber 3185 movement. The 16710 is often considered by many to be the pinnacle of the "Coke" GMT-Master II line, enjoying a long production run and achieving iconic status in its own right. The subtle differences between the 16760 and 16710, such as the slightly different case shape and the movement, fuel the discussions and preferences among collectors, with some preferring the slightly more vintage aesthetic of the 16760.
Rolex GMT Coke 2022 and Beyond: The Modern Era
While the vintage Coca-Cola GMT-Master IIs remain highly sought after, Rolex continues to update its GMT-Master II line. The modern interpretations of the "Coke" bezel, while not directly called "Coca-Cola" by Rolex, maintain the spirit of the original design, albeit with modern advancements in materials and movements. These modern iterations, while not the focus of this article, maintain a significant presence in the market and are themselves becoming highly collectible. However, the vintage models retain a special charm and value, often exceeding the price of their newer counterparts.
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