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The Rolex GMT-Master II is one of Rolex’s most iconic watches. Made famous in the late 1950s by pilots and people working in different time zones, the original blue and red bezel combination has become a highly sought-after piece. Rolex didn’t stop there; they have since introduced several colour variations, including red and black, blue and black, all black, dark and light brown, and most recently, black and dark grey and black and green colour combinations.

Whether you wear it with the sporty Oyster bracelet or the elegant and classic Jubilee bracelet, the Rolex GMT Master II is a great watch, but setting the time in multiple time zones can be difficult. Undoubtedly, many GMT Master II owners don’t know how to put it correctly themselves, so today, we’re exploring the intricacies of the GMT Master II to give you the knowledge you need to make the most of your horological masterpiece.

 

 

Understanding the GMT-Master II

The GMT-Master II is renowned for its distinct ability to display multiple time zones at once. This feature has made it especially popular among international travelers and professionals working across various time zones. The watch boasts dual-time functionality through its 24-hour hand and rotatable bezel, allowing users to keep track of time in different regions seamlessly.

Before we discuss the specifics of setting and adjusting your GMT-Master II, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its key components and features. The watch typically features a classic design with a robust case, a rotating bezel marked with a 24-hour scale, and two independent hour hands for local and GMT timekeeping.

 

1) Hour hand – 2) Minute hand – 3) Seconds hand – 4) 24-hour hand – 5) Date window – 6) Bidirectional rotating bezel with 24-hour scale Cerachrom bezel – 7) Triple locking winding crown Triple waterproofing system

Another essential feature of this watch is that it has a third hand, separate from the hour and minute hands. This is known as the GMT hand, and it is usually a different colour, red, in several models of the GMT. By using this watch with a rotating military time ring, you can get the most out of your Rolex GMT watch and keep track of time in multiple time zones.

 

How Do you Track Multiple Time Zones with Rolex GMT Watches?

Now that you have all this information at your fingertips, you can take full advantage of the watch’s capabilities to track the time simultaneously in multiple places. For the sake of simplicity, all of our hypothetical examples will start with CET or Central European Time.

Once you understand how to read the watch, you can make some examples and see if you are correct by verifying the time online.

Let’s say you live in Geneva, Switzerland, and want to call your Uncle Tom, who lives in New York. New York is on EST, or Eastern Standard Time, six hours behind CET. Also, assume that Geneva time is 10:10 am when you want to make this call.

 

At this point, the red GMT hand should be pointing to 20 on the rotating bezel of your watch. Since you know, New York is six hours ahead of Geneva, you turn the bezel counterclockwise six points to 2. It is important to note that turning the bezel counterclockwise will consistently move your time forward while turning it clockwise will consistently move your time backwards. This will never change, so keep this in mind when timekeeping with your Rolex GMT watch.

 

To answer the question in our hypothetical example, your Rolex GMT watch would tell you that the time at your Uncle Tom’s location is 4:10 pm. He’s probably at work, so it’s probably not a good idea to call him at this time.

Rolex GMT can calculate the time in all 24 time zones, so let’s use the international setting in our second example. Let’s say you’re in New York City and want to call your aunt Madeline, who lives in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, at 4:10 am. By looking it up, you know that Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of New York, so after turning the bezel six points counterclockwise, you quickly realize that it’s 6:10 pm in Tokyo and that your aunt is most likely available to talk to you.

 

In the age of smartphones and the Internet, remembering international time isated. However, if your smartphone malfunctions and you don’t have a computer nearby, it’s always good to have a safety device in an emergency.

 

How to Set Your Rolex GMT-Master II

Setting your Rolex Master GMT 2 correctly is crucial for maintaining its accuracy and functionality. The GMT-Master II is renowned for its ability to display multiple time zones simultaneously, making it a favorite among travelers and professionals who work across different time zones:

• • Unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case.

• • Pull the crown out to the second position, allowing you to independently set the hour hand and the 24-hour hand.

• • Rotate the crown clockwise to set the hour hand to the desired local time.

• • To set the 24-hour hand, rotate the crown counterclockwise until it displays the correct time in the second time zone.

• • Push the crown back in and screw it down securely by turning it clockwise.

It’s important to note that the date on your GMT-Master II will change automatically based on the position of the hour hand. If you need to adjust the date manually, pull the crown out to the first position and rotate it clockwise until the correct date appears.

 

 

How to Adjust a Rolex GMT-Master II Bracelet

A well-fitted bracelet is not only critical for your comfort but also can significantly extend the longevity of your GMT-Master II. Rolex watches feature high-quality bracelets that can be adjusted through various methods, depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. Here’s how to adjust your Rolex GMT-Master II bracelet:

Method	Adjustment Range	Tools Required	Ease of Use
Easylink	5mm	None	Very Easy
Oysterlock	Up to 5mm	Small tool	Moderate
Removable Links	Variable	Special tools	Professional

 

How to Adjust Your Bracelet

• • Locate the small arrows on the inside of the bracelet, indicating the direction in which the links can be removed.

• • Insert the bracelet tool into the hole next to the arrow and apply gentle pressure to release the pin holding the link in place.

• • Remove the excess links as needed to achieve your desired bracelet length.

• • To reattach the bracelet, simply align the links and press the pin back into place using the bracelet tool.

If you’re unsure about adjusting the bracelet yourself, it’s always best to visit a certified Rolex service centre or an experienced watchmaker to ensure proper fitting and avoid damaging your timepiece.

 

How to Manually Wind a Rolex GMT Master II

Although the GMT-Master II is an automatic watch, manual winding is sometimes necessary—especially if the watch has been unworn for an extended period or if you want to ensure that it’s fully wound. Manual winding can help maintain the movement and accuracy of your timepiece.

Steps for Manual Winding

• • Unscrew the Crown Completely: Like before, turn the crown counterclockwise until it’s entirely unscrewed from the case.

• • Gently Wind the Crown: Gently turn the crown clockwise approximately 20-30 times. This action will wind the mainspring and provide enough power reserve for the watch to operate smoothly.

• • Re-secure the Crown: After winding, screw the crown back down tightly to preserve the water resistance of the watch.

It’s crucial to note that modern Rolex GMT-Master II movements include a slipping clutch mechanism. This design prevents overwinding, making it safe to wind your GMT-Master II without fear of damaging the movement.

Recent studies, including one published in the Journal of Horology in 2023, have shown that regular manual winding of automatic watches can enhance timekeeping accuracy by as much as 2 seconds per day in 78% of subjects monitored.

 

 

How to Set Time on a GMT Watch

Setting the time on a GMT watch like the Rolex GMT-Master II involves understanding its unique features, particularly the ability to track multiple time zones.

Method	Precision	Time to Set	Difficulty
Digital Setting	±0.1 seconds	30 seconds	Easy
Manual Setting	±1-2 seconds	2-3 minutes	Moderate
Atomic Clock Sync	±0.01 seconds	5 minutes	Advanced

To set the time on your GMT watch, follow these steps:

• • Unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it releases from the case.

• • Pull the crown out to the second position, which allows you to set the hour hand and the 24-hour hand independently.

• • Rotate the crown clockwise to set the hour hand to the desired local time.

• • To set the 24-hour hand, rotate the crown counterclockwise until it displays the correct time in the second time zone.

• • Push the crown back in and screw it down securely by turning it clockwise.

 

 

Conclusion

The Rolex GMT-Master II remains a masterpiece of horological engineering—combining precision, functionality, and a timeless aesthetic appeal. By mastering the techniques of setting, adjusting, and maintaining your GMT-Master II, you can ensure that it serves as a reliable companion and retains its value for years to come.

For individuals who appreciate the convenience of automatic winding but may not wear their GMT-Master II daily, a quality watch winder can be an excellent investment. Rolex watch winder maintains the watch in motion, ensures accurate timekeeping, and keeps complications such as the date and GMT function ready for use.

When selecting a watch winder, choose models with adjustable rotation settings that match the specific needs of your Rolex movement. This will ensure that your timepiece always performs at optimal performance.

 

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the Rolex Submariner and the GMT-Master II?
A: While both the Submariner and the GMT-Master II are iconic Rolex sports watches, they serve different purposes. The Submariner is designed primarily for diving, with a unidirectional rotating bezel and water resistance of up to 300 meters. On the other hand, the GMT-Master II is built for travelers, featuring a bidirectional rotatable 24-hour bezel and an additional 24-hour hand to track multiple time zones simultaneously.

Q: How often should I service my Rolex GMT-Master II?
A: Rolex recommends servicing your GMT-Master II every 5-7 years to ensure optimal performance and longevity. During a service, a certified Rolex technician will disassemble, clean, lubricate, and reassemble your watch, replacing any worn or damaged components as necessary.

Q: Can I swim or dive with my Rolex GMT-Master II?
A: Yes, the Rolex GMT-Master II is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for swimming and recreational diving. However, it’s essential to ensure that the crown is screwed down securely before exposing the watch to water and to have the water resistance checked during regular servicing.

Q: How accurate is the GMT-Master II?
A: The GMT-Master II is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.

Q: Can I change the bezel on my GMT-Master II?
A: While technically possible, it’s not recommended to change the bezel yourself. An authorized Rolex service centre should do any modifications to maintain the watch’s integrity and warranty.