Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Rolesor vs Rolex Rootbeer

Three new versions of the GMT-Master II made waves in last year’s Baselworld: the Pepsi in Oystersteel, with a Jubilee bracelet; the first solid Everose Gold GMT model; and its two-tone, Oystersteel and Everose Gold sibling.

The last one is officially called the Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Rolesor, but it has a passing resemblance to the sorely missed Rolex GMT-Master Rootbeer, which was discontinued in the 2000s. Can the Everose Rolesor be considered the new Rootbeer?

|
Check out the similarities and differences between the two, so you can decide:

Rolex GMT Master II Rootbeer & Rolex GMT Master II Steel Everose Gold

Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Rolesor

Rolex’s patented 18k rose gold alloy, the Everose gold, made its first appearance in the GMT-Master II line last year.

The two-tone version, ref 126711 CHNR, is officially called the Rolex GMT-Master II Oystersteel and Everose Gold. It can also be shortened to Everose Rolesor, the latter being Rolex’s term for their steel and gold metal combinations.

That it can be called a modern “Rolex Rootbeer” is still in contention. Rolex nicknames have never been assigned by Rolex itself, and is only made popular by watch enthusiasts. What makes it particularly debatable is that, instead of a gold and brown bezel seen on the traditional Rootbeer, the latest model has a chocolate brown and black bezel.

Rolex GMT Master II Steel Everose Gold Mens Watch 126711 Unworn

Rootbeer or not, it’s a handsome watch. The bezel’s colors are deeply saturated, and the demarcation of brown and black are very crisp. The molded numerals and graduations on the bezel are coated rose gold with PVD, resulting in subtle shine.

Aside from its bezel, what else separates it from previous models of the Rootbeer?

Movement – it’s equipped with a new version of the GMT-Master II movement, Caliber 3285. It benefits from Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, which has an improved geometry over the traditional Swiss lever. The result is better efficiency and a power reserve of 70 hours, instead of 48.

Dial – the model’s dial is only available in black, with the familiar Maxi dial design, this time with rose gold outlined markers and hands.

Coronet – sharp eyes will also notice a small Rolex coronet between the “Swiss Made” text at 6 o’clock. This is a visual indicator that the model is using Caliber 3285, and not the older 3186.

Since the model has a Cerachrom bezel, it will have larger crown guards and a beefier looking case compared to previous Rootbeer models with aluminum insert bezels.

left to right: Rolex GMT Master II Steel Everose Gold 126711 and Rolex GMT Master II Rootbeer Yellow Gold Steel 16713

The Rolex Rootbeer

So what actually makes a Rolex GMT-Master watch, a “Rootbeer”? The first Rolex Rootbeer appeared in the early 1960s, when the reference 1675/3 was released.

From pure steel and solid gold models, Rolex launched combined steel and yellow gold styles, one of which came with a brown dial and brown bezel. The latter’s bezel would later become bi-color, with a combination of brown and tan or cream. The combination of these hues resembled the popular drink, hence its now iconic nickname.

Rolex GMT Master Rootbeer Gold Nipple Dial Vintage Watch 1675

The soda nickname is undoubtedly the model’s most popular, but it’s so distinctive, it has earned many more. There’s the “Tiger Eye” or “Tiger Augen” from the gemstone that it resembles, and even “Clint Eastwood”, as it was the famous actor’s favorite Rolex.

The Rolex GMT-Master Rootbeer disappeared from the Rolex line-up sometime in the 2000s, but remained very much in demand in the pre-owned market.

Rolex has not declared the 2018 Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Rolesor as an updated version of the Rootbeer, but one can definitely see the similarities in their DNA, and their passing resemblance.

Whether or not one considers it the new Rootbeer, the new two-tone GMT-Master II is a standout watch for sure, while the Rootbeer models of the previous years will remain classics for decades to come.

____

SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO: