Rolex launched the GMT-Master I in 1955 to help pilots and travelers track two time zones at the same time. It was designed with Pan Am Airways to make long flights easier for their pilots. The watch features a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel, letting users read both local time and GMT. The “Pepsi” model, with its red-and-blue bezel, became a favorite for its bold look. Rolex stopped making the GMT-Master I in 1999, but collectors still love it. You can find these vintage models on the second-hand market, often sold at high prices because of their history and design.

The GMT-Master II came out in 1983 with new features, incorporating advanced features and modern design updates that enhance both functionality and style. One of the most notable improvements is the independently adjustable 24-hour hand, allowing users to set a second-time zone without affecting the local time display. This innovation enables the GMT-Master II to track up to three time zones simultaneously—two using the hands and a third by rotating the bezel.