The New Rolex GMT-Master II with Tiger’s Iron Dial

Rolex has long been synonymous with timeless design and meticulous craftsmanship. The latest iteration of their iconic Rolex GMT-Master II, reference 126715CHNR, elevates this legacy with a dial carved from tiger’s iron – a striking metamorphic stone making its debut in the brand’s storied catalog. This bold departure from traditional black or brown dials infuses the watch with an organic, dynamic aesthetic, blending the raw beauty of nature with Rolex’s signature precision.

Historically, vintage Rolex yellow gold and two-tone GMT-Master II models featured dials in classic black or rich brown hues. Yet in the modern era of ceramic bezels, spanning the last two decades, Rolex’s rose gold iterations have adhered strictly to monochromatic elegance – until now. Unveiled at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025, the Everose gold “Root Beer” GMT-Master II emerges reimagined, its face transformed into a canvas of tiger’s iron. Composed of tiger’s eye, red jasper, and silver hematite, this semi-precious stone ripples with golden-orange veins and crimson undertones, evoking the flicker of a desert sunset. Unlike the uniform tones of traditional tiger’s eye, the interplay of minerals creates a mesmerizing depth, as though the dial itself breathes with geological history.

Beyond its dial, the watch remains faithful to the DNA of its predecessor, sharing the reference number 126715CHNR. Subtly distinguished by an internal designation (-0002 versus -0001 for the black-dial variant), this model mirrors the design language of its sibling. The 40mm Oyster case, forged entirely from Rolex’s proprietary 18k Everose gold, exudes understated opulence. Its Triplock crown and screw-down caseback ensure 100 meters of water resistance, while the Cerachrom bezel – a two-tone symphony of espresso brown and onyx black – frames the dial with Rolex’s signature durability. The sapphire crystal, crowned by the iconic Cyclops lens, completes the harmonious blend of form and function.

Beneath its storied exterior lies the Caliber 3285, a self-winding movement revered for its reliability. Engineered with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, it withstands the rigors of travel while maintaining precision within -2/+2 seconds daily. The movement’s flyer GMT complication allows seamless tracking of dual time zones, its 70-hour power reserve ensuring unwavering performance. True to Rolex’s ethos, every component – from the Chronergy escapement to the 31 jewels – is a testament to horological excellence.

The bracelet, a three-link Oyster design in matching Everose gold, balances heft with refinement. Its Oysterlock clasp, equipped with the Easylink extension system, offers 5mm of on-the-fly adjustment – a nod to practicality within luxury. While identical to its black-dial counterpart, the bracelet’s luster amplifies the dial’s fiery textures, creating a cohesive statement of rugged sophistication.

More than a mere aesthetic update, the tiger’s iron dial redefines the “Root Beer” GMT-Master II as a bridge between earth and artistry. It is a replica watch for the connoisseur who craves both heritage and novelty – a masterpiece where geology meets horology, wrapped in the warm embrace of Everose gold.

Rolex does not simply tell time; it narrates a story of elemental forces, precision engineering, and the audacity to reimagine tradition. The tiger’s iron GMT-Master II is not just a watch – it’s a wearable ode to the earth’s hidden splendors.