Rolex Pepsi

History of the Rolex GMT-Master ‘Pepsi’

Since the debut of the Rolex GMT-Master in the mid-1950s, the Rolex ‘Pepsi’ has been a part of its catalogue. It began its journey in 1954 with the reference 6542.

During this time, the world was seeing a surge in transcontinental flights, and the pilots needed a reliable way to track multiple time zones simultaneously. Rolex responded to Pan Am's request by creating the GMT-Master with a fourth 24-hour hand.

The Rolex GMT-Master with the signature ‘Pepsi’ bezel in blue and red was released to cater to the needs of travellers and pilots alike. This distinctive bezel colour combination doesn’t just stand out visually but serves a greater purpose. The red half symbolises the ‘Daytime’ while the blue counterpart symbolises ‘Nighttime’.

This innovation, along with the addition of a fourth 24-hour hand to the traditional second, minute and hour hands, allowed pilots to simultaneously track the home and destination time, revolutionising aviation timekeeping forever.

Over the years, Rolex has made the iconic blue-and-red bezel of the ‘Pepsi’ in Bakelite, aluminium, and now in Cerachrom ceramic. While the GMT-Master II Pepsi available today differs from the one of yesteryear, certain design traits and functions continue to unite all generations of this instantly recognisable timepiece.

Today, the Rolex Pepsi is one of the most iconic and sought-after watches globally, whose enduring appeal stems from its rich history and unique design.

Key Features of the Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’

Rolex released the GMT-Master II in the early 1980s and the GMT-Master II “Pepsi” Ref. 126710BLRO at Baselworld 2018. This iconic luxury pilot’s watch is known for its bold design and practical dual time zone functionality.

Here are its key features and details:

• Pepsi Bezel

It has a two-tone red and blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, featuring moulded 24-hour graduations. The bezel is bidirectional and helps track the second time zone. Originally designed for PAN AM pilots to distinguish the day/night hours, the red and blue ‘Pepsi’ bezel is the model’s most defining feature. It is resistant to scratches, fading and corrosion.

• Design

Crafted from high-performance, highly robust 904L stainless steel, the GMT-Master II Pepsi features a 40mm case, a black dial, and a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date window.

• GMT Functionality

Designed for international travel, the black dial features an additional red, triangle-tipped hand that rotates once every 24 hours, allowing the wearer to track the second time zone (home time) on the bezel while the local time is adjusted independently.

• Movement

The in-house Calibre 3285 mechanical movement powers the Rolex 126710BLRO Pepsi. It offers a 70-hour power reserve and superior precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. It also features Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, which improves efficiency and long-term reliability.

• Oyster/Jubilee Bracelet

The GMT-Master II Pepsi comes with either the sporty Oyster or the dressier Jubilee bracelet, both equipped with the Easylink 5mm comfort extension link. The bracelets are designed for ultimate comfort, security and longevity.

Buying Pre-Owned Rolex Pepsi UK

When you’re looking to buy a Rolex like the GMT-Master Pepsi, there’s often a long waiting list, making it difficult to buy brand-new models from retail. Thus, if you’re seeking a Rolex Pepsi in the UK, buying pre-owned can be a quicker, more convenient way to purchase this sought-after model.

Pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master/GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ models in the UK are best purchased from reputable watch dealers, offering guaranteed quality and authenticity. While there are several places selling used Rolex watches in the UK, including online marketplaces, auction houses, local shops, and private sellers, always buy from experienced dealers with a verified reputation to safeguard your investment.

Based in London, The Luxury Hut offers a curated collection of vintage, modern and popular Rolex Pepsi models. With over 40 years of combined experience, we’ve established a solid reputation based on the trust of our valued customers and strive to help each client find what they’re looking for.

Why Buy a Used Rolex Pepsi From The Luxury Hut?

Buying any used Rolex Pepsi from The Luxury Hut is an easy, quick, and convenient transaction, as you can be completely assured of the watch’s condition, quality, and, most importantly, authenticity. We have a strong reputation in the industry for providing the highest-quality pre-owned luxury watches in the UK, and we back it up with our top-notch service and handpicked timepieces.

Any used Rolex GMT-Master, including the Pepsi, you choose from our vast collection is fully certified and has successfully passed our stringent testing methods before being listed for sale. For added assurance, we offer a 12-month warranty, a 14-day easy return policy, and an Authenticity Certificate with every watch.

Discover Rolex Pepsi watches from different eras, including vintage, popular and hard-to-find pieces at exceptional prices. Choose from different sizes and bracelet styles to suit your preference. There’s no waiting, and you can buy your favourite Pepsi model immediately.

We can either ship the watch directly to your doorstep via our fully insured, free shipping service, or you can schedule a visit to our London store to try the watch before buying. We’d be happy to assist you either way. For more details, feel free to reach out to us directly on 0207 242 9160.