Globetrotter appeal
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II and Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller come in fresh new versions for travellers to covet
WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1955, the GMT-Master – the brand’s first two-time-zone watch – was meant to be a navigation tool for pilots. It would be another 60 years before Rolex would roll out a watch specifically for globetrotters – the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller.
Meanwhile, the rising number of jet-setters had already discovered the GMT-Master not just for its functionality but also style. Today, its successor, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, is more popular with travellers than pilots.
The watch improvements go beyond just looks. One big change made in 1982 was the instalment of a new movement, making the watch easier to use as the hour hand could be set independently of the other hands. Time could also be displayed in a third time zone. The watch was also renamed the GMT-Master II.
The GMT-Master II collection has expanded over the years and its latest two additions, unveiled this year, come in full 18 ct yellow gold (signalling the return of yellow gold to the collection) and in yellow Rolesor (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold).
One of the two new versions of the GMT-Master II features a two-colour, 24-hour graduated monobloc Cerachrom bezel insert in grey – a new shade – and black ceramic. On the dial, the name “GMT-Master II” is in a powder-yellow colour. These new versions are fitted on a Jubilee bracelet, equipped with an Oysterlock clasp.
When the Sky-Dweller was rolled out in 2012, powered by a brand new in-house self-winding movement, it was Rolex’s first entirely new model in 20 years, after the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master in 1992.
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The 42 mm Sky-Dweller also comes equipped with two time zones and annual Saros calendar mechanism which can be easily set by a Ring Command system – an interface between the rotatable bezel, crown and movement. An annual calendar can differentiate between months with 30 and 31 days, and only requires an adjustment once a year. Along with the Yacht-Master II, made for yacht races, the Sky-Dweller is Rolex’s most complicated watch.
Still, it has gone through several tweaks and upgrades, including the replacement of the original hour indices in Arabic or Roman numerals with baton markers. The Sky-Dweller collection has also expanded, with Oystersteel versions and more dial design and strap options added.
This year, three more new models were included, along with a new movement – the first since the Sky-Dweller was launched. One has an Oystersteel case and white gold bezel crowning a mint green dial, a colour previously reserved for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust timepieces.
The Sky-Dweller is also given a colour of its own in a new watch with a blue-green dial, wrapped in full 18 ct Everose rose gold, including the Oyster bracelet. The third addition is an 18 ct white gold model which has a black dial and matching Oysterflex bracelet, made of elastomer (a rubber material) – a first for a precious metal Sky-Dweller watch.
The new movement, calibre 9002, has a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement is fitted with Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement, which is highly energy efficient and dependable, as well as a new oscillating weight with an optimised ball bearing.
Price: GMT Master II: S$23,000 (yellow Rolesor), S$54,300 (yellow gold). Sky-Dweller: S$21,850 (white Rolesor), S$59,600 (white gold and Oysterflex bracelet), POA (18 ct Everose gold and blue-green dial).
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