2018 Rolex "Pepsi" Watch Review & History - The Greatest GMT Master II Ever Made Or All Hype?

Рет қаралды 205,241

6 жыл бұрын

Today I have the great honor and pleasure of reviewing one of the most highly acclaimed luxury watches released in 2018.
The Rolex GMT Master II (Ref. 126710 BLRO) is not only a true horological icon, but one of, if not the best multi-time zone watches ever made. The Pepsi, after much anticipation is finally in steel and reborn for the twenty-first century. Was this modern update worth the wait, and is the hype justified? Is it still the greatest GMT watch ever made or just an overpriced cliché?
In this video I get to grips with the watch through an in-depth review, while sharing the history and evolution of its design and how this legend has changed. I then discuss its positives and negatives and compare it to my own late 90s model, the GMT Master II, reference 16710.
Join me for this long awaited review and let me know what you think about this watch in the comments below.
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Пікірлер: 541

@koen8844 6 жыл бұрын

Almost half an hour of pure class. Great review, TGV. The 24 click bezel is a great addition. Very functional indeed. Keep it up 👍. Regards, Koen

@maciej_m 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the longer, no-gloves wrists shots you've been adding into some of your latest videos. They really help! Please continue with them as the way it really wears is always a biggest concern of many of us. Kepp up the good job, Tristano!

@marccowley5432 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks TGV. A watch I have been lusting after for a while so great to get your take on it. Also fantastic to get a video pop up on a Sunday night (UK time). Keep up the good work! MC

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Marc, hearing that inspires me. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

@johnprice909 6 жыл бұрын

Nice review - always enjoy the bits about history that you preface these reviews with. That Jubilee bracelet has come a LONG way! I have my Dad's old two tone Datejust (mid to late 80s model), it's on a Jubilee bracelet that as you say, is loveable but rather "low spec". This GMT is a beautiful watch but out of my price range anytime soon. By the way, sent you an email regarding another matter. Ciao, John

@The134735 6 жыл бұрын

TGV, like you, I'm an '80s baby (born in '83) but this is the first time I have ever loved a Jubilee bracelet. Thanks for the great review!

@owentreadgold8658 6 жыл бұрын

As soon as I read the notification and saw that title I couldn’t resist but clicking on

@bubbab7792 6 жыл бұрын

Flawless background and history review as usual TGV. Not a big Rolex fan, but I admire their marketing and merchandise control. Nobody does it better. Nicely done Sir. All the best.

@stevedave5673 6 жыл бұрын

I never really understood the passion people feel for the GMT until this video, but I certainly do now. Beautiful pieces. Thank you for the educational and very entertaining video!!

@Don-ss9xv 5 жыл бұрын

This video is so well done. You have come a long way with continuous improvement. Cheers!

@theurbangentry 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Don, very kind of you to say. Best regards, TGV

@NO-TRUCKS-GIVEN 6 жыл бұрын

Great intro & I really like you went into such detail on the history of the gmt 👍🏻

@DiZdain 6 жыл бұрын

Seriously the best BLRO review on KZfaq. Phenomenal job with this. Stunning watch as well that truly deserves the recognition it gets.

@auxmike 6 жыл бұрын

This is a big one, mate. You hit a home run on this review! My hands would have been shaking the whole time:)

@Darko8997 6 жыл бұрын

Hi TGV! It has been a while ago since I last commented on your channel. I’m still a huge follower of this channel and I still think that many of the other watch channels lack the sophistication that your channel has. Thank you for your amazing work. Best regards, Darko

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Darko! I can never forget you. I apologize in case I missed any of your comments. Its getting almost impossible to reply to them all. Thank you so much for the kind words, as always, your comments and support is what makes it all worth it. I only hope I can keep trying to elevate my content. As for other channels, personally I only watch history documentaries and movies reviews on youtube, so I will take your word for it! :D It always makes me happy you are still with us, you are true gentry! Onwards and upwards my friend. Best regards, TGV

@66jingle 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely gorgeous, I have a Steinhart 'homage' which I love and the Sellita movement is spot on. Keep up the good work dear fellow! x

@rileychesters16 6 жыл бұрын

Really happy to see this upload. Always makes me smile when I see your videos pop up in my notifications. Hope you're having a wonderful day.

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, hearing that had just made my day better! I am having a great day, I hope you are too. Best regards, TGV

@vorticwatchcompany 6 жыл бұрын

Clear and as concise as possible history! Loved the review as well, maybe one day! Best, IC

@benmcgrath396 6 жыл бұрын

I've waiting for this review for ages. Cheers Guvnor!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry it took so long, these are so ruddy difficult to get a hold of! Thank you Ben, Best regards, TGV

@davidmichienzi101 6 жыл бұрын

Great review TGV, that's one of the reasons why I enjoy your channel. You always give your honest opinion, even with high end brands👍🇮🇹

@andychang7137 6 жыл бұрын

This is by far the best and detailed Rolex watch video Thanks and I’ve subscribed :)

@japd7897 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, as usual. Thank you!. Best from Spain!!!!

@TheSweede12 6 жыл бұрын

Another superb video. You are definitely in my holy trinity of utube channels

@themonk51 5 жыл бұрын

Informative review.

@TheAlf61 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful in depth review and video quality !

@leo9272 6 жыл бұрын

I love this channel. You got me into watches and I'm very gratefull for that! I can't thank you enough, but thank you!

@vincentchang6046 3 жыл бұрын

This is absolutely the best review I’ve ever seen so far !

@buikschuiver1 6 жыл бұрын

Very Nice review! Thanx

@peterr.7429 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful review , thank you so much

@williamtawiah887 6 жыл бұрын

I was having a look in the archives for a video to watch today and then I get a notification that tgv has made a new video!!!!!!!!! . best regards to you and the viewer's of the urban Gentry

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you William, your dedication it flattering and deeply appreciated. Onwards and upward my friend! Best regards, TGV

@JustWatchreviews 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent work as always TGV. Great watch!

@nlslmmns 6 жыл бұрын

Great review! Thx!

@jayh9144 6 жыл бұрын

The intro makes me want to go on vacation. Well done!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

LOL, thank you Jay. Very much appreciated, it had the same effect on me when I was editing it ;-) Best regards, TGV

@federiconapoli 6 жыл бұрын

Great review TGV, my compliments.

@small-differences 6 жыл бұрын

A much-anticipated review. You’ve skillfully set the BLRO in the appropriate context of its history and related references. I’m afraid Rolex have set their course with the red hue for their ceramic bezel, however, the engineering improvements from the movement to the bracelet certainly make this a worthy pick for those enamored with the legacy. ✌️❤️

@GroovyCachinDude 6 жыл бұрын

A really great review. Thank you.

@m0t3ki 6 жыл бұрын

one of the best watch reviews/videos ever from your channel. you sound more excited with this watch haha.. more of the new watches pls. i have a 116520 daytona.. looking to add a gmt master 1675 soon, have already put my name on both 116500 & 12610BLRO wait lists.. (doubt i m ever going to get it though, lul).. which is your favourite GMT though?

@Apatetika 6 жыл бұрын

TGV, your videos are so impressive, through these few years I’ve found your channel I’ve absolutely loved it. Through my profile picture and content, I don’t come across as a watch person, but I really am and am at awe of your collection! Going to have to skip this one however, money doesn’t grow on trees as they say, a man needs to eat!

@belsarerc 6 жыл бұрын

That is an epitome of perfection!!! Thanks a lot TGV!!!

@KKOKAJ 6 жыл бұрын

Those intros man, they emit quality!

@charlesfield9286 6 жыл бұрын

Another great vid thanks

@philjagelski1772 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderfully done and very informative. The watch itself is the perfect update and evolution of an endeared classic, adding more durability, reliability and precision. I think the two tone red/blue ceramic bezel is absolutely stunning, and this was definitely a show stopper at Basel. Two things to mention. First, I have never been a fan of the 'busy' look of the jubilee bracelet and wish Rolex would have offered it with the larger solid link style (i.e. Submariner). Although the jubilee now has small solid link segments (as compared with the old hollow rolled still strips) and the stretch problem was solved, its still too busy and gets dirty too easily. The second is a great observation you made regarding the old style 'lumed' bezel. If the Rolex gods can figure a way to offer a ceramic bezel with lume, they will absolutely have yet another home run! Please Rolex, can you do it!!!!

@snacklofter 6 жыл бұрын

Always nice to see a video pop up on a Sunday evening! Most enjoyable - atb - snack

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Snack :D Best regards, TGV

@MJagger89 6 жыл бұрын

Great review!

@barrycolmer324 6 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic review, loved it immensely and Im loving this channel. Only recently subscribed to it and its a big favourite of mine already. Not sure how I feel really, I love them both for different reasons and perhaps to own them both would be ideal? Actually it wouldn't, part of the fun in horology is the journey of owning something so beautiful. By all accounts, I have zero chance of owning the 2018 version anyway, which is a shame, as the GMT has been on my wish list since a young man. Its funny, my love of watches and of time generally comes from I don't know where, its just 'there' I even loved the sound of a ticking clock in my bedroom at grandmas as a child.....quite comforting lol! Anyway, I will hopefully be winning the bid for a Timex Marlin 69' around 9pm tonight? That was a great video also, keep it up!

@origamicrane685 5 жыл бұрын

Great review and comparison.

@ahmedhishamdr8485 6 жыл бұрын

The best review for this particular watch by far..well done and totally agree with your opinions about it👍

@claesronnenberg5829 6 жыл бұрын

You get a like for that intro alone!

@chumpey 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid T! Best review of this watch out there IMO. Stellar work Fella! :-)

@1Rolinha 6 жыл бұрын

Truly an amazing watch indeed. I especially love the innovations, and and improvements to what is a very iconic design. I agree with you on the colors of its ceramic bezel. It doesn’t “pop” as much as in previous models, but still looks great and is yet another advancement. Thank you very much for such a well researched and detailed review.

@user-so7dy5ov6y Жыл бұрын

Hi朋友下午好2-12早上我几点..在车站等你廈

@rever-mi6qz 6 жыл бұрын

loved the intro!

@ilyasymonenko3809 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent review, as expected from TGV. Lovely intro. But falls short from Tudor's Black Bay Chrono, if you get my drift (pun not intended). What are your thoughts on a TAG HEUER Monaco Calibre 11? Would love to see you review.

@VegasMilgauss 6 жыл бұрын

Great video - Thank you.

@vintagej7379 6 жыл бұрын

Beutiful time piece, I love the ceramic bezel it makes the watch come alive

@liamollen3105 5 жыл бұрын

Giving a like just for that intro! DAMN!

@ivgotyourcellnumber 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful. Well done review!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much :D Best regards, TGV

@kjeldpedersen666 6 жыл бұрын

Hi TGV Very good historical description of this models development over the years... I can see the strength of the new model and even kind of like the new bezels more discrete appearance. But then there’s the charm of the vintage ones. Hmm... For me the case is settled for economical reasons alone😝 Whatever model the Rolex GMT is a fantastic and iconic watch... Keep up the good work👍

@louisdanjou7031 6 жыл бұрын

Good Job as usual :)

@danoconnor6272 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! Do you have any duels coming up soon? Missing them. Would love to see Glycine's combat sub take on the C Ward Trident. Or perhaps the sexy new Tudor Black Bay 58 vs the Omega Seamaster.

@jonnyhunt6767 6 жыл бұрын

That aluminium bezel is so perfect !! I Love it's vibrancy! Another great vid mate.

@EnriqueGiliOrtiz 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an interesting review (I was waiting for it!). I especially love the new rose gold-steel version...It is an amazing watch in all senses. All the best!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Enrique, I adore that everose gold version too! Best regards, TGV

@cyberMythius 6 жыл бұрын

It’s good to hear about different reds and blues ... I thought that majority of guys is like me - able to recognize only RGB :)

@PhilipWing 6 жыл бұрын

Love the intro!

@azncaramel69 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome review! Just bought a Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211 this past weekend from Dan! It was an amazing buying experience, and he's stellar to work with. They're moving their storefront to a new location in Plano, and it's going to be in an amazing outdoor shopping center with equally amazing good eats and restaurants. If you ever get the chance, come to Dallas to check it all out! Many thanks to you, TGV, for inspiring my interest in horology! :D Now looking to maybe add a Nomos and Squale to my slowly growing collection!

@Palowaski 6 жыл бұрын

👍🏽🔥dynamite 💥your presentation is absolutely outstanding sir - such a beautiful piece but I can say I agree with you regarding your reference, that would be my preference🍻

@DenisHauser 6 жыл бұрын

Very nice Pepsi Rolex. (The old Batman in the comics was in black/blue.)

@leverkuhn67 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome review of this beautiful piece. I truly love this watch. And I really admire your insightful and smart comments and the quality of all of your videos. Even someone who's not particularly into watches (my wife, for example) can enjoy it. Thanks!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Reading your comment just made my day. Thank you so much for sharing that. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

@vinny8vinny 6 жыл бұрын

You got your hands on one.....excellent 👍🏻

@amde8554 6 жыл бұрын

I wanted to thank you for introducing me to non-fashion watches. I just received an Orient automatic watch and am loving it so far!

@rickmarsh9079 6 жыл бұрын

Great review.love that anniversary edition in 18k gold and green dial! If I wear my Rolex everyday it will stay on to the second for a month!

@chiliprepper7678 6 жыл бұрын

Still killing it with intros. 👍👍💀

@alfrepue8740 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing video as always!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alfre :D Best regards, TGV

@elix9099 2 жыл бұрын

Absolute perfection I'll come back to this video in 5 years when I get one.

@vvvhhhhhbb 3 жыл бұрын

Haha 8 minute and 30 seconds later the real quick history lesson is over. Brilliant review mate.

@mohammadzaman8713 6 жыл бұрын

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!! TGV being amazing once again Also how do I send you a private message? I've got two watches that you'll probably want to review!

@Kaparzo 6 жыл бұрын

A bit related to this video, I got my first 'real' watch today. The 'pepsi' SKX009J was my choice, in a large part thanks to you and your informative channel. I have become pretty addicted to your videos. The SARB017 is the next on my list! Thank you for all the help.

@martyhastings9347 6 жыл бұрын

yes like you said it "depends on which one does it for you" .....................that being said, i do so like the new one . thanks for sharing.

@dougm659 6 жыл бұрын

Nice work as always TGV, I was never that fussed about the GMT II but this latest batch of variations from Rolex are very impressive, the Root Beer is yummy but actually this one on the Jubilee bracelet is surprisingly cool. I think trying some on makes sense, one needs to feel it on the skin before slapping down the plastic, no?

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Doug and absolutely! Especially at this level, trying before buying is essential. So glad you appreciate the new GMTs, I think they are cracking too. Best regards, TGV

@dougm659 6 жыл бұрын

The Urban Gentry Tristano, did you see my suggestion about flying to Paris with La Compagnie? My wife and I use them when we travel from the UK to NYC and can’t praise them too highly. Maybe when we come over next year we could meet for a chat about, guess what? Ciao Doug

@mo_viking7075 6 жыл бұрын

By all means, keep yours. (one of my all time favorites) Solid review as usual, thx for sharing it.

@hazy0115 6 жыл бұрын

Great intro!

@sokete7 5 жыл бұрын

Outstanding review Governor👌🏿

@tonymaiettasr.7340 6 жыл бұрын

That ceramic bezel does it for me. If only I had " i soldi "

@donald2818 5 жыл бұрын

TGV, surprised to see a folded link bracelet on your watch. I knew the clasp was stamped steel back then but didn't realize that about the links.

@evaninnewport 6 жыл бұрын

another great vid TGV. thank you. this looks great but, as someone who doesn't travel overseas that much, the GMT function is superfluous. that extra hand just gets in the way. but I can certainly appreciate the complication for frequent travellers. cheers

@IggyBam 6 жыл бұрын

Great intro. Your videos finally made me pull the trigger on an SKX007 this week, and already I’m looking at used seamasters...

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you James, congrats on the SKX, welcome to one of the best owners clubs in horology ;-) As for a uses Seamaster, again, you can not go wrong with a good Seamaster, I very much like your style sir! Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV

@IggyBam 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, TGV. Keep doing what you’re doing

@khronokraze 6 жыл бұрын

A fantastic look at the history, variants and comparison of the famed GMT Master series of watches from Rolex. As nice as the latest GMT Master II is, I still like yours or any of the older ones which have the aluminum bezel insert. 1) As you say, the ceramic just doesn't quite have the pop and luster as aluminum 2) The ceramic will never fade and give that cool faded bezel look 3) The numbers on the modern GMT Master II's, not just this one, are a bit too big and bold. I think I much prefer the smaller more understated numbers on your style of GMT Master II. Additionally, visually, the spacing between the numbers on the older styles are more even than the newer ones. And, I agree. I would have loved to have Rolex go back to the very early GMT Masters which had the lumed bakelite insert. Perhaps bakelite was a bit fragile, but certainly they could make something comparable in sapphire, couldn't they? 1) It looks super cool and has this added dimension to the look of the bezel 2) Such a lumed bezel would be most useful with the lumed GMT hand. Since the lumed bakelite bezel had stopped being produced, it never made much sense to me why they continue to lume the GMT hand when you don't even have a GMT scale that is also lumed to use it with? Granted, you probably won't be viewing the watch in such absolute darkness. But, the practicality, or rather the lack of practicality in having only half the GMT information lumed and legible still remains.

@MrBrohoward71 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Review as usual however is there a watch created in the noughties that you didnt wish was smaller 😁😂🤣

@perkinwarbeck3029 2 жыл бұрын

Got mine today and I LOVE it! 2 years and two months on the wait list worth every day!!!

@davep2103 6 жыл бұрын

Timex Marlin brings back my youth. You have a nice one. Just as I remember mine.

@philo2197 6 жыл бұрын

The 3235 movement seems to be excellent. I got my SD 43 from the local AD on July 14 and just checked right now and it is about 1 second ahead.

@adibee88 6 жыл бұрын

Job Well Done TGV!

@theurbangentry 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! Best regards, TGV

@djwindhoek 6 жыл бұрын

Even though I haven't watched the video, I simply had to 'Like' it straight away because it's about the 2018 'Pepsi' GMT Master II :)

@andypccwliu8105 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic review TGV! The new GMT is overhyped so much that everyone will say they want one because of the crazy value. You are the first one to say NO. Thank you for your honest opinion. Thumb up

@stevenlomas8812 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely watch both of them old and new! Wonderful

@EDCwithAaron 6 жыл бұрын

I am suddenly falling in love with the root beer color scheme because of you. I'm hoping to get my first diver soon, after watching almost every video you've ever made, which has gotten me a new addiction, but am having a ghastly time deciding between the Seiko SKX (not sure which size) or the Orient Ray 2 black, or the Phoibos Reef Master. I also have 6.5" wrists so I'm nervous about how they will each wear. The 013 is the safest bet but I will miss the hacking/handwind. The phoibos has everything I could want but is a risky brand being lesser known, and 42mm. Help!

@pstamaria 6 жыл бұрын

Thx for another great review dude. I think Rolex were really smart to call the Black-Blue Bezel the ‘Batman’! I believe they called it that because in the 60’s, Batman was always depicted in a Blue & Black costume 😉

@lecorsaire2283 5 жыл бұрын

Philip Sta Maria They don’t call it that! All of these nicknames come from the watch community. Same with Hulk, Kermit, Coke, Root Beer, Bluesy. The only official nickname they have used in the past is president for the Day-Date.

@bobfrombrisbane1831 6 жыл бұрын

Great review TGV. The new Pepsi looks great and with 70 hour power reserve how could you go wrong? ⌚️⏱🍾

@adriengoux 5 жыл бұрын

Hi, Does anybody knows why existing models are not switching to the new movement ? I just try a white gold. The sales person was saying it’s a brand new movement but the Rolex website is saying it’s still the previous one. Thanks

@the.magnus 6 жыл бұрын

Love your videos sir

@watchbrocephus 6 жыл бұрын

I am a GMT root beer fan, and the new steel and rose gold one looks appealing. I have a Glycine Airman, and I love it. Your review is spot on! Best Regards Stu

@jpdavis6042 6 жыл бұрын

Ran across my old Pan Am, TWA and Playboy Club CC's (dated, man) a few days ago in a box, suppose there are collectors for them. Just scored a nice Explorer 214270, circa 2014, good condition , $4.2k. If one waits, nice pieces will come at the right price. Was unaware the featured GMT comes on the so classy and comfy Jubilee. Best, JP

@jeremycorrao 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent and honest review!! Loved it! I certainly agree with you regarding the bezel color. Colors look way off to me. Also, if Steinhart can lume a bezel, then I'm sure Rolex can. I don't think they want to. I imagine that they think it's tacky. Your GMT is so much more appealing IMHO! Cheers my friend!