Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR
About This Watch
The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR, affectionately nicknamed the "Root Beer," is a two-tone masterpiece that combines Oystersteel with Rolex's proprietary 18k Everose gold. The brown and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert evokes the classic "Root Beer" GMT-Masters of the 1970s and 1980s, which were favorites of pilots and globe-trotters. Everose gold is Rolex's exclusive rose gold alloy, patented in 2005, which contains a precise amount of platinum that prevents the gold from fading over time, maintaining its warm pinkish hue indefinitely. The combination of the chocolate-brown and black bezel with the warm Everose gold accents creates a distinctive look that is both vintage-inspired and thoroughly modern. The black dial with Everose gold hour markers and hands provides excellent contrast and readability. Inside, the caliber 3285 with its 70-hour power reserve represents the latest in Rolex movement technology. The Oyster bracelet in Rolesor features alternating steel and gold center links that catch the light beautifully. This reference appeals to collectors who want the sportiness of a GMT-Master II with the warmth of rose gold, without the full commitment of a solid gold model. It is a travelers watch with true character.
In-Depth Review
# The GMT-Master II 126711CHNR: Rolex's Two-Tone Statement
Rolex's decision to pair steel with Everose gold in the GMT-Master II 126711CHNR represents a calculated shift toward contemporary luxury aesthetics without abandoning the model's professional foundation. Introduced in 2018, this Rolesor variant combines Oystersteel's durability with 18k Everose gold accents on the case, bezel, and bracelet, creating a watch that reads as refined rather than ostentatious. The brown and black ceramic Cerachrom bezel insert—a subtle departure from traditional GMT colorways—distinguishes it from its all-steel sibling while maintaining legibility. Beneath the dial lies the Rolex 3285 caliber, a robust automatic movement with a generous 70-hour power reserve that reflects modern manufacturing standards. With 100 meters of water resistance and sapphire protection on the dial, the watch handles both boardroom environments and genuine travel without compromise.
The 126711CHNR appeals to established collectors and professionals for whom a single watch must serve multiple roles. Its 40mm diameter sits comfortably on varied wrist sizes, while the two-tone construction offers dressier occasions what a steel sports watch cannot quite achieve. This is the choice for the executive who travels internationally, values understated prestige, and seeks an alternative to the ubiquitous steel GMT.
In the luxury sports-watch segment, competing options include the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean in gold and the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time. Against these alternatives, Rolex's offering balances heritage, build quality, and market positioning. The secondary market price of approximately $21,000—substantially above the $16,900 MSRP—underscores continued demand despite
Specifications
Movement
| Movement Type | Automatic |
|---|---|
| Caliber | Rolex 3285 |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 31 |
Case
| Case Diameter | 40.0mm |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 12.1mm |
| Case Material | Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold) |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Bezel | Bidirectional rotating, brown and black Cerachrom ceramic insert |
| Dial Color | Black |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 48.0mm |
Features
| Water Resistance | 100m / 328ft |
|---|---|
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster bracelet, Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold |
| Clasp | Oysterlock folding clasp with Easylink comfort extension |
| Weight | 160g |
| Complications |