The 2025 Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Root Beer’ Revives a Classic

Rolex unveiled a sultry counterpart to its headline-grabbing “Pepsi”: the GMT-Master II “Root Beer,” cloaked in earthy brown tones and the warm embrace of Everose gold. This iteration revives a cult-favorite aesthetic from the archives, reimagined with modern materials and a refined duality-offered in Rolesor (Rolex’s signature steel-and-gold blend) or solid 18k Everose gold. Far from a mere reissue, the design whispers of aged whiskey and autumn leaves, its brown-and-black Cerachrom bezel harmonizing with the rose-gold alloy’s rosy undertones to create a watch that’s both rugged and opulent.

Crafted in Rolex’s 40mm Oyster case, the two variants cater to distinct tastes. The Rolesor model (ref. 126711CHNR) balances Everose gold accents against Oystersteel’s cool sheen, its bidirectional bezel framing a rich chocolate-brown upper half that transitions to deep black-a nod to twilight hours. The all-Everose version (ref. 126715CHNR), meanwhile, envelops the wearer in uninterrupted warmth, its monochromatic palette exuding understated luxury. Both share a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and the iconic Cyclops lens, magnifying the date with Rolex’s signature legibility.

Central to the design is Everose gold, Rolex’s proprietary alloy engineered to resist fading-a subtle rebellion against traditional rose gold’s tendency to dull. The metal’s pinkish-red hue interacts uniquely with light and skin tone, shifting from muted copper in low light to a radiant blush under the sun. This chameleonic quality ensures the watch adapts to its environment, whether paired with a leather jacket or a tailored suit.

Inside beats the Caliber 3285, a movement already celebrated in the “Pepsi” release. Boasting a 70-hour power reserve and fake Rolex’s “Superlative Chronometer” precision (±2 seconds/day), it incorporates 10 patented innovations, including the anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring and Chronergy escapement. The independent jumping hour hand remains a traveler’s ally, allowing seamless timezone adjustments-a feature as practical as it is sophisticated.

Aesthetic choices extend to the bracelet: the three-link Oyster, a stalwart of tool-watch heritage, features brushed and polished links that mirror the Rolesor’s two-tone contrast. The clasp integrates the Easylink extension system, granting 5mm of on-the-fly adjustability-a nod to comfort for globetrotters and daily wearers alike.

Pricing positions the Rolesor at 13,400 CHF, while the solid Everose model commands 35,000 CHF-a significant leap that underscores gold’s enduring allure. Yet compared to the white-gold “Pepsi,” the two-tone “Root Beer” emerges as a relative bargain, offering a touch of precious metal without the exclusivity (or scarcity) of its steel-and-ceramic sibling.

Rolex aficionados may debate whether the “Root Beer” rivals the “Pepsi’s” instant icon status. But therein lies its charm: this is a watch for those who prefer subtlety over spectacle. The brown-and-gold palette evokes vintage elegance without leaning on nostalgia, while the modern movement ensures it’s anything but a relic. For collectors, it’s a compelling alternative-a piece that feels familiar yet fresh, much like rediscovering a classic novel in a beautifully bound edition.

As with all rose gold replica watches, the “Root Beer” demands a wrist-on appraisal. Photographs struggle to capture how Everose interacts with skin tone or how the bezel’s gradient shifts in natural light. Yet one truth remains: in a lineup often dominated by bold primaries, this model is a sonnet-a reminder that luxury can whisper, and that even icons have softer sides.