Quench your thirst on the first dry day of January with two Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” models

Talk about acquired taste. Root beer certainly does. Its unique flavor comes from the sassafras tree. I like it, but some people think it tastes like rusty water. The same goes for the Rolex GMT-Master (II) “Root Beer.” You either love it or hate it. I’ve always been a fan of this watch. I’m not usually a fan of brown watches, but the soft, creamy, dark deliciousness that characterizes root beer is completely to my taste. But what exactly does it taste like? Is it a vintage GMT-Master Ref. 1675/3 steel and yellow gold, acrylic crystal and tritium luminous? Or maybe the current GMT-Master II with pink gold and ceramic bezel insert?

There are not one, but two watches in the current Rolex catalog bearing the nickname “Root Beer.” There is an all-Everose GMT-Master II Ref. for 43,900 euros. 126715CHNR and €17,500 pink gold and steel (Everose Rolesor) ref. 126711CHNR — “root beer” and “root beer light”, if you will. The two-tone diet version is the most historically accurate, but it is very different from the vintage GMT-Master 1675/3 that debuted in 1970. The original watch was yellow gold with a dark brown dial and came with a Jubilee or Oyster. bracelet. GMT-Masters with brown bezels are often mistakenly referred to as rootbeers, but only models with brown and cream bezels are true rootbeers. Incidentally, actor and director Clint Eastwood often wore this watch, giving him his Hollywood star nickname in addition to soda-related watches.

Dry January begins with two Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer models

Rolex created the GMT-Master Ref. Used from 1675/3 to 1979. Then, in 1980, the brand replaced it with the Ref. 1675/3. 16753 (no slash) has a new movement with quick-set date. Next up was the GMT-Master II Ref. 16713, which was produced from 1989 to 2006. In 2018, Rolex finally released the full gold 126715CHNR and the two-tone 126711CHNR. The black and brown bezel earned it the nickname Root Beer. I understand why, but it’s wrong. Not only is there no brown and cream bezel, but the dial is black instead of brown. Rolex’s current GMT-Master II Root Beer Reference uses the brand’s signature pink Everose gold instead of the more classic yellow gold.

reference. 16753 — Image: Bob’s Watch

reference. 16713 — Image: Boulan & Sons

reference. 16713 (Celty) — Image: Maunder Watches

When the modern root beer drinker picks it up, its excellent manufacturing quality is immediately noticeable. The perfect finish makes these watches both robust and soft to the touch, making them instantly comfortable on your wrist. Both references are great and dare I say “iconic” because of their pedigree. This means a connection to Pan Am’s entire backstory and historical root beer.

The habit disappeared

I could go on raving about Oyster bracelets, adjustable clasps, and everything else, but I’ll stop because I’ve already read it all. I’ll start working on it right away. I don’t get any root beer vibes from either of these two watches. The 40mm case diameter and ceramic bezel and Oyster bracelet (Jubilee bracelet not available) are too buffed and smooth. Both models are as handsome as underwear models. I’m a little too eager to show off how good I am. But these new versions seem to have lost the original’s quirky country club charm and slight twist of dandyism. The newer versions are too intimidating, but the 1970s watches are especially seductive. Sure, newer watches are better, but older ones are cooler and that’s what’s best.

Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer Future Watch

After picking up two gorgeous GMT-Master IIs and looking at their ancestors, I can’t help but fantasize about Rolex serving up real root beer at Watches and Wonders 2025. I envision a steel and yellow gold watch for one of the two models. -Tone Oyster or preferably a Jubilee bracelet with a deep, dark, sparkling brown dial and maroon and cream colored ceramic bezel. There is no full gold version, only the same two-tone color as the original. Rolex has put GMT-Master II “Pepsi” back on the menu, allowing the brand to once again offer authentic, proper root beer.

If you’re not interested in the current root beer flavors and don’t want to wait until April’s Watches and Wonders, you can always order vintage root beer on Chrono24. The original ref. 1675/3 is the most expensive, vintage but very effervescent Ref. 16753 costs between 10,000 and 13,000 euros. I would pay a similar amount for a young root beer referee. 16713 too. You know what I mean, there are “lower cost alternatives” too. Not only does Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G have a distinctive dark, soft, and creamy appearance, its design also closely approximates the original sweet taste of first-generation root beer. Let us know your favorite flavor in the comments section.

Watch specifications