The Rolex GMT-Master II 'Pepsi' is a highly sought-after timepiece, but has its production come to an end? This question has been on the minds of many watch enthusiasts, and the answer might be more complex than expected.
The Rumor Mill's Buzz
There's a rumor circulating that Rolex is discontinuing the iconic red and blue 'Pepsi' GMT-Master II. But why? The common explanation, that the bezel is too challenging to manufacture, seems dubious when considering Rolex's manufacturing prowess. It's hard to believe they can't maintain color consistency for the Cerachrom bezel.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Craig Karger, founder of Wrist Enthusiast and Wren Watches, has noticed something peculiar. He points out that the Pepsi models are vanishing from authorized dealer websites, and their prices are skyrocketing on secondary markets like Chrono24. Forum discussions suggest that dealers are no longer accepting orders for this famous GMT watch, and production may have halted in January, causing a stir among potential buyers.
Disappearance and Speculation
While the Pepsi variants are still visible on the Rolex website's configurator, they are notably absent from the Bucherer website, in both Oystersteel and 18k white gold options. This doesn't confirm the discontinuation, but it adds fuel to the fire of speculation.
The secondary market pricing is a key aspect to monitor. Although Chrono24 is known for ambitious listings, the recent price increases for the ref. 126710BLRO are notable. However, the most puzzling aspect is the complete disappearance of the Pepsi from authorized dealer websites, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Future of the GMT-Master II
Will Rolex discontinue the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO by Watches and Wonders 2026? If so, what will replace it? A new Pepsi model or the anticipated black and red 'Coke' bezel? Interestingly, Rolex marks 1955 as the GMT-Master's launch year, making 2025 the 70th anniversary. Could this be the perfect time for a GMT-Master II revamp?
It's challenging to envision a Rolex collection without the iconic Pepsi bezel. After all, there was a significant gap in its availability in steel from 2007 to 2018. The journey from the discontinuation of ref. 16710 to the Cerachrom Pepsi debut in 18k white gold in 2014 was a long wait for steel enthusiasts.
As the story unfolds, the fate of the Rolex GMT-Master II 'Pepsi' remains a captivating mystery. Will it return with a new twist, or is this the end of an era? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
