rolex in der farbe einer pepsi | Rolex gmt master Pepsi

The "Pepsi" Rolex. The very name evokes images of vibrant red and blue, a playful yet luxurious aesthetic that has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. More formally known as the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II with the red and blue bezel, the "Pepsi" moniker is a testament to the power of branding and the enduring appeal of this iconic timepiece. While countless iterations have been produced over the years, the story of the Pepsi bezel, from its accidental beginnings to its current sought-after status, is a fascinating journey through Rolex's history of innovation and design evolution.

This article will delve deep into the world of the Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi, exploring its origins, evolution, variations, and the factors that contribute to its enduring collectibility. We'll touch upon the early issues with color consistency, the transition from aluminum to ceramic bezels, the intricacies of the various reference numbers, and the allure that makes it a staple in both serious collections and aspirational wish lists. We'll also explore specific examples, including those that have graced the auction blocks at prestigious houses like Sotheby's, and provide a comprehensive FAQ to address common questions about this legendary watch.

The Genesis of a Legend: The GMT-Master and the Birth of the Pepsi Bezel

The story begins in the 1950s, a period of rapid growth in international air travel. Pan American Airways (Pan Am) recognized the need for a watch that could simultaneously display two time zones, crucial for pilots navigating across continents. They approached Rolex, and the result was the GMT-Master, reference 6542, released in 1954. This marked the beginning of a horological icon.

While the initial GMT-Master didn't sport the Pepsi bezel we know and love today, it laid the foundation. The first bezel was made of Bakelite, a brittle plastic, and featured radium for luminescence. This proved to be problematic due to cracking and radioactivity concerns, leading to its replacement with an aluminum bezel insert.

The iconic red and blue color scheme arrived relatively early in the GMT-Master's evolution. It's widely believed that the two-tone bezel was initially conceived to differentiate day from night, with red representing daylight hours and blue representing nighttime. This practical consideration, coupled with the eye-catching color combination, quickly became a defining feature of the GMT-Master.

Navigating the References: A Journey Through Pepsi Evolution

The GMT-Master underwent several iterations, each characterized by a different reference number and subtle design changes. Understanding these references is crucial for any serious Pepsi enthusiast.

* Reference 6542 (1954-1959): The original GMT-Master, often referred to as the "Bakelite Bezel" due to its initial bezel material. These are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors. Later versions featured aluminum bezels. They lacked crown guards and had a smaller GMT hand.

* Reference 1675 (1959-1980): This is arguably the most important reference in the GMT-Master's history. It was produced for over two decades and saw significant changes during its lifespan. Key features include the addition of crown guards, a larger GMT hand, and a variety of dial variations (matte, glossy, etc.). The 1675 is a cornerstone of any serious vintage Rolex collection. The Pepsi bezel on the 1675 is a critical identifying feature.

* Reference 16750 (1981-1988): This reference marked a significant technical upgrade with the introduction of the hacking seconds function (the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out for time setting). It also featured a quicker date set function. While still utilizing an aluminum bezel, the 16750 offered increased functionality.

* Reference 16760 (1983-1988): Known as the "Fat Lady" or "Sophia Loren" due to its thicker case, the 16760 introduced the independent GMT hand, allowing the wearer to track a third time zone. This was a major advancement in GMT functionality. While available with a Coke bezel (black and red), it laid the groundwork for future Pepsi models.

* Reference 16710 (1989-2007): The successor to the 16760, the 16710 continued the independent GMT hand feature and was offered with Pepsi, Coke, and all-black bezel options. It was a versatile and popular model produced for nearly two decades.

* Reference 116719BLRO (2014-2018): This marked a significant shift with the introduction of the Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel in the iconic red and blue color combination. However, this reference was only available in white gold, making it a significantly more expensive and exclusive option.rolex in der farbe einer pepsi

* Reference 126710BLRO (2018-Present): The long-awaited return of the stainless steel Pepsi with a Cerachrom bezel. This reference is available on both the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee bracelet, offering a choice in aesthetics. The 126710BLRO remains one of the most desirable and sought-after Rolex models in production.