Rolex GMT-Master II 40 Blue Dial Pepsi Bezel 18ct White Gold Oyster Bracelet 116719BLRO

The Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116719BLRO is a highly exclusive and now-discontinued precious-metal model. It was the first modern Rolex to reintroduce the iconic “Pepsi” (blue and red) ceramic bezel, launching in 2014, and was exclusively offered in 18K White Gold – initially with a black dial, and later offered with the stunning Blue Dial as a slightly rarer variant.

This watch is crafted entirely from Solid 18K White Gold across the entire case and Oyster bracelet. White gold provides the substantial weight and prestige of a precious metal while offering a more discreet appearance similar to stainless steel, yet undeniably luxurious. The case maintains the robust and contemporary 40 mm diameter (Source 1.2, 3.1).

The watch features the classic Oyster architecture, with a monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and the Triplock winding crown. This secure construction ensures professional water resistance up to 100 metres (330 feet) (Source 3.1).

The case is crowned by the highly functional, bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. The insert is made from two-colour blue and red Cerachrom (ceramic), the iconic “Pepsi” design. The development of a two-tone ceramic bezel that included the color red was a significant technical feat patented by Rolex. The engraved numerals are coated in a thin layer of platinum (Source 3.1, 3.4, 3.5).

The timepiece is fitted with the robust Oyster bracelet (flat three-piece links) in satin-finished 18K White Gold with polished centre links. This bracelet is secured by the folding Oysterlock safety clasp, which features the patented Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link (Source 3.1, 3.4).

Key Features

The centerpiece is the vibrant Blue Lacquer Dial. This dial is a less common and highly desired configuration for this reference. The rich blue hue offers a strong contrast against the red and blue bezel, providing excellent legibility. The hour markers are applied geometric shapes (triangles, circles, rectangles) crafted from 18K White Gold and filled with Chromalight luminescent material (Source 3.1, 3.2). The arrow-tipped GMT hand is typically finished in red, matching the bezel color.

The display features the conventional hour, minute, and seconds hands, a 24-hour GMT hand, and the instantaneous date at 3 o’clock, magnified beneath the Cyclops lens. The local hour hand can be adjusted independently for travel (Source 3.3).

Under the dial lies the reliable Calibre 3186 movement.  This self-winding mechanical movement is the predecessor to the current 3285 calibre. It features a blue Parachrom hairspring and a 24-hour GMT function. It is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, guaranteeing exceptional precision of +/- 2  seconds per day.