Very few brands have matched the pride and prestige of a Rolex. Renowned for its iconic watches at the pinnacle in the luxury watchmaking ecosystem, the Swiss horological giant has created timeless timepieces revered for their artisanal brilliance, elegance, finesse, and coveted Swiss precision. Rolex has pioneered Swiss watchmaking, having been established at the top, adhering to exclusivity and rarity. The Rolex GMT-Master II, a quintessential Rolex addition that embraces excellence, is more than just a watch; it is a true masterpiece of precision engineering.
A classic for globetrotters, this flamboyant Rolex release has surprised collectors and enthusiasts. Etching its name deep inside the hearts of all luxury watch connoisseurs, especially pleasing avid travelers, the watch's unique ability to track multiple time zones makes it an inseparable companion for those who appreciate not just form and functionality but history garnished with timeless elegance, all engulfed in a timepiece.
But how does one unlock the full potential of the Rolex GMT-Master II? Moreover, how do you set the watch to effectively and precisely track up to three time zones? If you are a proud owner or find this legendary timepiece fascinating enough to upgrade your Rolex collection, this guide would be the perfect pick to let you explore the fascinating history of the GMT-Master II. It will then provide step-by-step instructions on setting it and thus depict ways to make the most of this unbeatable Rolex addition.
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The First GMT-Master II- Truly Iconic
The Rolex GMT-Master II debuted in 1983, capitalizing on the opportunity to build upon the legacy, unrivaled aura, and class of the original GMT-Master introduced in 1955. Designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways for their pilots, the GMT-Master got its name and fame. It is widely recognized as an aesthetically pleasing presence with its unique ability to track two time zones simultaneously.
With the introduction of the GMT-Master II, Rolex added an independent hour setting for even greater convenience. This made it possible to track a third time zone and solidified its status as the ultimate travel watch.
Renowned for its captivating beauty and bold, aspirational designs, the Rolex GMT-Master II's signature 24-hour rotating bezel was an elite upgrade to its edgy design, as aesthetically pleasing as the watch could be, known as a symbol of sophistication, flamboyance, and having earned such a high stature for its practicality. With those modern iterations added to its historic appeal, the watch set high standards, revolutionizing luxury Swiss horology. It put forth its uniqueness with Cerachrom bezels and state-of-the-art movements, ensuring the piece remains relevant and desired across generations.
Steps to Set the Rolex GMT-Master II
First, there are two terms we'll be using throughout this article that you need to know: 'home' time and 'current' time. "Home time" refers to the time in your usual location, where you live. While some traditionalists prefer to keep the GMT hand set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for global reference, others apply it more personally. While in flight mode, the GMT-Master II seamlessly adjusts to new time zones. Facilitated with the ability to help you adjust the 12-hour hand by your destination's local time, it lets the 24-hour GMT hand stay on your home time. That way, you can quickly read the current time on the main dial and glance at the bezel to check your home time—no mental math needed.
One of the standout features of the GMT-Master II is its ability to track three time zones simultaneously. While setting the watch may seem daunting at first, it is simpler. Follow these instructions to make the most of this remarkable functionality.
Reading the Crown Positions
If you do not deal with the intricacies of setting your watch directly, it becomes crucial first to understand the crown's position. Knowing how the crown's position serves a unique purpose is vital.
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Position 0 (Flush)
The crown is screwed into the case entirely. This is the default position, so the next move is to unscrew before you go further and make any adjustments. It ensures that the watch remains water resistant, hence the position 0.
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Position 1 (Manual Winding)
Turning the crown in this position winds the movement. Wind it upwards to ensure the watch is fully powered. The position thus allows manual winding and not those hands being adjusted.
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Position 2 (Quickset Hour Hand Adjustment)
This position is defined by the crown being pulled to the first notch. This is the position where you get complete control of the main hour hand. The main hour hand jumps forward or backward in one-hour increments. The date window here moves forward or backward as the hour hand hits midnight. This position independently adjusts the local time hour hand without affecting the minute or GMT hand.
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Position 3 (Time and GMT Hand Setting)
This position allows you to set the GMT hand and synchronize it with the 24-hour bezel.
Time Setting on the Rolex GMT-Master II
To track three time zones, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Carefully unscrew the crown to pop it out into Position 0. Then, it must be pulled to Position 1. Wind the movement manually to ensure your watch has adequate power.
Step 2:
Pull the crown out to position 3. Rotate it to set the GMT hand to the Greenwich Mean Time (or any other home time zone you'd like). Make sure you align it with the 24-hour bezel for accuracy.
Step 3:
Once the GMT hand is set correctly, you must rotate the crown to Position 2. This is to adjust the local time hour hand to reflect your current time zone. The local hour hand moves independently; the minute and GMT hour hands stay unchanged during this adjustment.
Step 4:
Set the 24-hour rotating bezel by aligning it with the time you wish to track as your second-time zone.
Step 5:
To track a third-time zone, the bezel must be rotated to the desired hour offset relative to the GMT hand. For instance, the GMT hand displays 12 p.m., so rotating the bezel three clicks clockwise allows you to track any region three hours ahead.
Step 6:
Push the crown back into Position 0 and screw it in tightly to restore water resistance.
Step 7:
Double-check all settings for accuracy before wearing the watch to ensure you are in control. Congratulations! Your Rolex GMT-Master II will now track three distinct time zones, showcasing its incredible functionality and design.
Gauging the Third Time Zone on a Rolex GMT-Master II
The interpretation of a third-time zone is quite simple yet sophisticated. Remember, the GMT hand will correspond to the bezel scale as soon as the second time zone is aligned with the rotating bezel. Here, the sophisticated watch design allows you to gauge multiple time zones seamlessly and intuitively in one go. This feature adds to the accuracy and precision guaranteed by the watch, making it most beneficial for globetrotters and travelers.
Rolex GMT-Master II and Its Relevance in this Digital Age
The GMT-Master II offers something far more meaningful when you have smartphones to do the bulk of the work. Built beyond practicality, the watch holds a confident watchmaking prowess. Representing craftsmanship, elegance, finesse, and functionality of the highest order, this icon of timeless horology serves as a wearable work of art that blends aesthetics with impeccable functionality. The timepiece is a statement piece, the perfect company to accompany your life's most memorable moments.
However, a Rolex's reliability is not like that of a phone. To top it all off, it is way more practical in terms of design aesthetics, form, functionality, and the rich Swiss legacy. The exquisite engineering behind the mechanical movement ensures that you can always trust your GMT-Master II to perform, no matter how and wherever you are placed in the world, with the time zone simply not of any concern.
Rolex GMT-Master II: Your Travel Companion Forever
The Rolex GMT-Master II is not just a regular watch. It is adored for being an enduring companion for those wanting to cherish adventure and sophistication. With its unique ability to track multiple time zones, the watch is a piece of artisanal brilliance, crafted with excellence, becoming an unrivaled tool for modern-day explorers. If you're considering investing in a GMT-Master II, look no further than Time Source Jewelers. At Time Source Jewelers, we sell pre-owned and unworn luxury Swiss watches, ensuring you receive an authentic, collector-quality timepiece.
WHY Time Source Jewelers?
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We curate a selection of top-quality watches, from American classics to Swiss masterpieces, all certified as authentic collector pieces.
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Unlike other sellers, we own every product, guaranteeing exceptional quality and authenticity.
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Our team of over 10 passionate watch experts is ready to assist with any inquiries regarding watch history, market trends, or technical details.
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Every watch we sell is evaluated and authenticated by skilled Swiss watchmakers, ensuring it meets the highest standards without compromising its value or heritage.
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Plus, all our watches have a 2-year TSJNY warranty for your peace of mind.
Explore our collection and find your ideal Rolex GMT-Master II or other luxury timepieces today.
