Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II: with flying colours

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Showcased at the 2014 BaselWorld watch fair: the 40mm Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116719 BLRO – 78209, water-resistant to 100m and powered by the Calibre 3186 automatic movement. It features the half-red, half-blue Cerachrom bezel and is in 18K white gold. Priced at CHF36,500 (Swiss francs) or around US$41,100 / SGD52,000 / MYR135,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld

Showcased at the 2014 BaselWorld watch fair: the 40mm Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116719 BLRO – 78209, water-resistant to 100m and powered by the Calibre 3186 automatic movement. It features the half-red, half-blue Cerachrom bezel and is in 18K white gold. Priced at CHF36,500 (Swiss francs) or around US$41,100 / SGD52,000 / MYR135,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master with its iconic bezel in red and blue is back (Note: The original GMT-Master was launched in 1955). This time, the half-red, half-blue bezel on the 2014 GMT-Master II showcased at the 2014 BaselWorld watch fair is in Cerachrom.

This 2014 GMT-Master II model features the second time zone display (with the 24-hour indication on the bezel) and is powered by the chronometer-certified Calibre 3186 automatic movement which is equipped with a blue Parachrom hairspring.

The GMT-Master II (Reference 116719 BLRO – 78209) is in a 40mm diameter case in 18K white gold. The bracelet is in 18K white gold and its length can be conveniently increased by around 5mm thanks to the Easylink rapid extension system that Rolex has patented.

The gold explains why this Rolex GMT-Master II is priced at CHF36,500 (Swiss francs) or around US$41,100 / SGD52,000 / MYR135,000.

With the scratch-resistant blue and red Cerachrom bezel inserts that are also unaffected by ultraviolet rays, the glorious blue and red colours on this particular Rolex GMT-Master II will remain timeless.

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A: A few firsts

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The 40.5mm Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A in stainless steel. Powered by the Calibre CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H, it has displays of the day, date and month, the power reserve and the day and night indication. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld

The 40.5mm Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A in stainless steel. Powered by the Calibre CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H, it has displays of the day, date and month, the power reserve and the day and night indication. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld

One main highlight from Patek Philippe for 2014 at the BaselWorld watch fair is the Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960/1A.

This is not only the brand’s first Ref. 5960 housed in a stainless steel case, it is also the first steel watch from Patek Philippe to feature the “drop” links bracelet (in steel).

The Ref. 5960/1A in steel has a dial that features what the brand states is “a new graphic look” that makes it highly legible.

On every first day of the month for this annual calendar watch, the date display will show a red Arabic numeral “1”.

Patek Philippe’s Annual Calendar Chronograph 5960/1A in steel comes in a 40.5mm diameter steel case and is powered by the Calibre CH 28-520 IRM QA 24H column wheel chronograph movement with a modern vertical clutch disk and the Spiromax balance spring made of Silinvar.

The Ref. 5960/1A in stainless steel is a refreshingly delightful sporty timepiece especially with the red-lacquered chronograph and minute counter hands.

With the arrival of the Ref. 5960/1A in steel, it is also understood that earlier Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5960 models in gold and platinum will be discontinued. This is indeed “valuable” news that will definitely delight existing owners of the Ref. 5960 in either gold or platinum.

Other Patek Philippe articles on timewerke.com that may be of interest:
i. Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Ref. 5990/1A: the push for more
ii. Patek Philippe’s new booth at BaselWorld 2014: a luminous glass pavilion
iii. Patek Philippe Ref. 3417 Amagnetic: in demand, present “tense”