Rolex Pepsi Watches

Rolex Pepsi: Overview & Key Specifications

The Rolex Pepsi is the nickname of the GMT-Master II models with the blue and red bezel insert. “GMT” stands for Greenwich Mean Time, which is the standard time used for aviation. Rolex built this watch for a purpose, but today, people wear this model because it looks fantastic and retains value very well.

Model Description and Naming

The official name for the modern version of the Rolex Pepsi Model is the GMT-Master II with reference 126710BLRO. Remember, BLRO stands for Bleu/Rouge, which is French for Blue/Red. Rolex fans, watch collectors, and the community gave it the “Pepsi” nickname because the color looks exactly like the soda brand logo. 

The story started in 1955 with the Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). The company needed a watch for its pilots who were flying longer distances. So, the company asked Rolex to make a watch that could show two time zones at once. Rolex made the bezel red and blue for a simple and more practical reason. The red part shows the daylight hours between 6 AM and 6 PM, and the blue part shows night hours between 6 PM and 6 AM. So, this mechanism helped pilots avoid jet lag and confusion.

Technical Specifications

The mechanism and technical features of the watch are exactly the same, even though the model has changed over 70 years. Here are the most important features of the Rolex Pepsi watch:

• Case Size: The case size is 40mm. It is the classic size that fits almost every wrist perfectly. 
• Material: The Rolex Pepsi features 904L stainless steel or Oystersteel material, which is harder and more resistant to corrosion than the standard steel used by other models and brands.
• Bezel: The bezel is an important component of the Rolex Pepsi watch because it is a bidirectional and rotatable bezel. Rolex has used Cerachrom or ceramic to make the insert, making it scratch-proof. Likewise, the colors do not fade under the sun. The company has coated the bezel numbers with a thin layer of platinum for readability. 
• Movement: It runs on the Calibre 3285, which is a self-winding and “Perpetual” mechanical movement. 
• Power Reserve: Rolex Pepsi has about 70 hours of Power Reserve. 
• GMT-Function: It has a “True GMT” function, which means you can jump the hour hand forward or backward independently without stopping the watch. So, this becomes a very useful feature when you land in a new country. 
• Water Resistance: The watch is waterproof to 330 feet or 100 meters. You can swim with it easily thanks to its Triplock winding crown. 

Main Variants

Rolex Pepsi has several variants, which means you must know the differences between the versions available in the market. That way, you can buy your desired watch. For instance, you can find this model with a Jubilee bracelet, which is the 5-link bracelet and looks a bit more dressy and elegant. It is extremely comfortable because the small links wrap around the wrist smoothly. Do you remember when Rolex launched the steel Pepsi in 2018? It was only available on Jubilee. 

The Rolex Pepsi model also comes with an Oyster Bracelet. It is the 3-link bracelet that looks sportier and stronger. The center links are shiny and polished, so they do not look brushed like the Rolex Submariner. Moreover, important reference families include: 

• Reference 1675: It is the vintage version produced between 1959 and 1980. These watches have an aluminum bezel and a plastic crystal. 
• Reference 16710: Collectors call this one “Neo Vintage.” Rolex launched these watches between 1989 and 2007, and these come with an Aluminum bezel and a sapphire crystal. These Pepsi watches are very popular because you can swap the bezel insert without hassle. 
• Reference 116719BLRO: These are white gold Rolex Pepsi watches with a blue dial or meteorite dial. 
• Reference 126710BLRO: Everyone wants this watch today, thanks to its beautiful design, ceramic bezel, and new 3285 movement.

Rolex Pepsi Prices: Retail vs Secondary Market

There are two prices for a Rolex Pepsi. The first one is “retail,” and the second one is “secondary-market” price, which you actually have to pay to get the watch today. The gap between these two numbers is huge.

Secondary-Market Price Overview

Supply and demand decide the price of a watch model, especially if you go to the grey market or secondary dealers. Right now, the demand for Rolex Pepsi watches is much higher than the supply. So, you are looking at prices between AED 70,000 and AED 90,000+ for a modern steel Pepsi. Several factors make the price go up, including the year of production, condition, the set, and the bracelet. For instance, a 2024 or 2025 watch is worth more than a 2018 model.

As you can see above, a 2024 unworn model costs more than a 2020 “Very Good” condition watch. Therefore, unworn or new is the top tier, and if it has Full Stickers, the price will jump even higher because collectors love peeling them off themselves. In addition, a “Full Set” means you have the Green Box, the White Tag, the Green Tag, the Warranty Card, and the manual. You lose thousands of Dirhams in value if you lose the card.

Official Retail Price List

Rolex Pepsi as an Investment

Many people ask, Is Rolex Pepsi a good investment? The short answer is: Yes, especially the Stainless Steel model. If you buy this model at retail price, you immediately have an asset worth almost double that amount on the open market. So, that’s instant equity. Rolex Pepsi is very safe compared to other watches, even if you buy it at the secondary market price. It is a “blue chip” watch. The price may go up and down a little bit with the economy, but it never crashes to zero.

Therefore, it is very liquid, which means if you need cash quickly, you can sell a Rolex Pepsi in one hour in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, or New York. If you are in Dubai, visit Watch Maestro. We will pay you a good price for your Rolex Pepsi watch. However, stay careful with the white gold version. While it is very beautiful, it takes a big hit on depreciation, especially if you buy it new. So, if you want a big profit, invest in the steel version of the Rolex Pepsi because it is the king of value retention.

Authenticity, Certification & Warranty

There are many fake Rolex Pepsi watches available on the market. So, you must be very careful. Here at Watch Maestro, our professionals recommend the following to check a watch’s authenticity:

• The Movement: Check the movement and see whether the hands interact smoothly. The feel is always consistent when you turn the crown to change the time. A real Calibre 3285 has a very specific “hand stack,” which is the order of the hands on the center pin. 
• The UV Test: Shine a UV backlight on the modern ceramic bezel to see it glow in a specific way. The ceramic manufacturing process is very hard to copy perfectly. 
• Laser Etching: There is a tiny and almost invisible laser-etched Rolex crown at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal. You need a loupe to see it. 

All Rolex Pepsi watches are a Superlative Chronometer, which guarantees the watch is accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day. Remember, this is more accurate than the standard Swiss COSC certification. Moreover, new Rolex watches come with a 5-year International Warranty, which follows the watch. If you buy a Rolex Pepsi from Watch Maestro, we will give you a limited one-year warranty.