Description
The Root Beer is one of the longest-running colour themes in the GMT-Master lineup, dating back to the 1970s — a nickname coined for the warm brown-and-gold bezel that reminded collectors of the colour of root beer soda. This reference 126711CHNR, reintroduced at Baselworld 2018, is the modern expression of that legacy: a 40mm Oyster case pairing robust Oystersteel with 18K Everose gold on the bezel, crown, and centre bracelet links — a combination that gives the watch a warmth no steel-only piece can achieve.
The highlight is the black and brown bi-colour Cerachrom bezel: under direct light, the brown section pops and appears almost like honey, complementing the Rolesor bracelet perfectly. Under dimmer conditions it appears more subdued, almost blending with the black — making this reference endlessly interesting to wear. The black dial carries 18K gold hour markers and Mercedes hands, evoking the gilt dials of vintage Rolexes — a warm, cohesive palette that sets this GMT apart from every other reference in the lineup.
At its core, the Calibre 3285 automatic movement powers the timepiece, offering a 70-hour power reserve, a Chronergy escapement, and Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification. The independently adjustable GMT hand allows effortless tracking of a second time zone — the original purpose of the GMT-Master, born from Rolex’s partnership with Pan Am in the 1950s. A watch with half a century of heritage and no intention of dating itself.
