The gold Rolex GMT-Master or GMT-Master II is nothing new. In fact, there have been several iterations or references over the years. One of my favorites is the GMT-Master ref. 16758 – which is also the one owned by my Fratello colleague Mike. I would choose the all-gold GMT-Master II (16718) version, as I like having individually adjustable hour hands when crossing time zones.

When Rolex introduced the Stellar Gold GMT-Master II 126715CHNR in 2018, I was excited about it, and I still am. This year, however, Rolex has introduced a new member of the GMT-Master II family in yellow gold, ref. 126718GRNR and a steel and gold (which Rolex calls “Rolesor”) model, ref. 126713GRNR. unlike the previous Everose and Everose Rolesor models of 2018. Unlike the previous Everose and Everose Rolesor models, the newly added models are exclusively equipped with Jubilee straps.
Rolex’s Jubilee bracelet is one of the most comfortable bracelets I’ve ever worn (and I’ve included it in my overview of the best bracelets). I have a Datejust, the first Rolex watch to be equipped in 1945. Since then, Rolex has slowly but effectively improved the Jubilee strap to what it is today – a soft strap with an iconic design (I’m not just saying that) and an Easylink comfort extension that adds 5 mm to the length. Putting the GMT-Master II on a Jubilee strap gives it the same retro vibe as the “Root Beer” models of previous decades.
In addition to the all-gold GMT-Master II with Jubilee bracelet, replica Rolex also offers a two-tone version (Ref. 126713GRNR). My colleagues like this version a little better than the all-gold version, but as always, good taste evolves. Jokes aside, according to them, it’s mostly because the gray half of the bezel matches the steel part of the watch a bit better. I agree to some extent, but I’ve noticed that in real life, the gray part of the bezel is not even that easy to distinguish from the black part. And I don’t mind the black and gray color scheme of both versions. It goes well with my hair (or what’s left of it) these days.
Of all the watches I saw at the watch show, the 2023 Rolex GMT-Master II model, both the all-gold and the Rolesor, was the most memorable to me. Of course, other watches have more advanced technology or higher standards of (hand) finishing, but that’s where the appeal comes in. The GMT-Master II with the Jubilee strap is a very attractive sports watch with additional complications.