Description

Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” – GMT Timepiece

The Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer combines the functionality of Rolex’s premier traveler’s watch with the luxurious warmth of Everose gold and stainless steel two-tone construction. The brown and black Cerachrom bezel creates an elegant, understated alternative to the bolder Pepsi and Batman colorways.

Current Reference: 126711CHNR

• Everose Rolesor (Everose gold and Oystersteel)
• Brown and black Cerachrom bezel
• Jubilee bracelet
• Caliber 3285 movement
• Black or brown dial options

Previous References:

• 126710BLNR (Everose, 2018-2023) – Brown dial variant
• 116710LN (Two-tone, previous generation)

Why “Root Beer”?

The nickname derives from the brown and bronze colorway reminiscent of root beer soda. While some Rolex nicknames are universally accepted (Pepsi, Batman), “Root Beer” occasionally refers to different variants:

Traditional Root Beer: Two-tone gold/steel with brown bezel
Modern Interpretation: Some collectors apply this to any brown-dialed GMT
Our Definition: Two-tone Everose and steel with brown/black bezel (126711CHNR)

The Everose Advantage

Rolex’s proprietary Everose gold alloy differs from standard rose gold through superior fade resistance. Traditional rose gold can lose its pink hue over time, fading toward yellow. Everose maintains its warm color indefinitely through:

Platinum Addition: Small amounts of platinum stabilize the copper that creates rose gold’s color
In-House Foundry: Rolex casts its own gold alloys, ensuring consistency
Testing: Every Everose component undergoes color verification

This means your Root Beer’s luxurious warmth remains constant decades after purchase.

Why Choose Two-Tone?

Two-tone Rolex watches occupy a unique position between all-steel sport watches and full precious metal luxury pieces:

Advantages:

Visual Interest: The Everose accents catch light beautifully, creating depth and dimension
Versatility: Dressier than steel, more casual than full gold
Value Proposition: Substantial gold content at fraction of full gold pricing
Distinctive: Less common than steel GMT-Master II variants
Aging: The Everose won’t tarnish or fade, maintaining appearance indefinitely

Considerations:

Pricing: Typically 40-60% more than steel equivalents
Weight: Heavier than steel due to gold density
Target Audience: Appeals to those wanting luxury presence without full gold statement
Resale: Strong market but smaller buyer pool than steel sports models

Reference 126711CHNR Specifications

Case: 40mm Everose Rolesor (Oystersteel with Everose gold bezel)
Bezel: Cerachrom insert in brown and black, 24-hour scale
Crown: Everose gold with Triplock triple waterproofness system
Dial: Black (primary) or brown (occasional production)
Movement: Caliber 3285, 70-hour power reserve
Bracelet: Jubilee with Everose center links
Water Resistance: 100 meters

Unlike the steel Pepsi and Batman which trade well above retail, the Root Beer often trades near or slightly below retail, creating value opportunities for buyers.

Root Beer Investment Perspective

Current Market Dynamics:

The Root Beer occupies an interesting position: it’s a current production Rolex GMT-Master II but without the massive waitlists and premiums of steel sport models. Authorized dealers sometimes have availability or shorter wait times.

Why the Price Difference from Steel?

1. Higher Retail Price: At ~$16,850 vs. ~$10,700 for steel, fewer buyers can afford entry
2. Two-Tone Preference: The watch market currently favors all-steel sport models
3. Gold Market: Precious metal watches correlate somewhat with gold prices
4. Collector Focus: Serious collectors often prefer all-steel or all-gold over two-tone