Brown Is the New Black
When Rolex released the GMT-Master II “Root Beer” (Ref. 126711CHNR) in 2018 — a brown-and-black Cerachrom bezel on an Everose Rolesor (steel + rose gold) case — the reaction was lukewarm. Brown? On a GMT? The Pepsi and Batman got all the attention, all the waiting lists, all the Instagram posts. The Root Beer was the GMT that nobody queued for.
Four years later, the Root Beer has quietly become the connoisseur’s GMT — the reference that serious collectors choose after they’ve owned a Pepsi or Batman and want something warmer, more distinctive, and actually obtainable at an AD.
Why “Root Beer”?
The nickname dates to the 1970s-80s: Rolex produced GMT-Master references (1675, 16713, 16753) with brown and gold bezels that reminded collectors of root beer soda. The modern 126711CHNR’s brown/black Cerachrom bezel paired with Everose gold revives this colorway in ceramic for the first time.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 40mm × 12.5mm, 904L + 18ct Everose gold |
| Bezel | Brown/black Cerachrom ceramic, bidirectional 24h |
| Movement | Cal. 3285 (70h, true GMT, Chronergy) |
| Bracelet | Oyster, Rolesor (steel + Everose center links), Glidelock* |
| Crystal | Sapphire + Cyclops |
| WR | 100m |
| Retail | $16,500 |
| Secondary | $16,000-$18,000 |
*The Oyster bracelet on the Root Beer includes the Oysterclasp with Easylink extension — not the Glidelock found on the Submariner.
Why the Root Beer Works
- Color warmth: The brown/black + Everose creates the warmest color palette in the GMT lineup. Where the Pepsi is bold and the Batman is cool, the Root Beer is inviting. It feels like a fireplace, a leather armchair, a glass of aged whiskey.
- Everose durability: Rolex’s proprietary rose gold (with 2% platinum) never fades. Conventional rose gold gradually loses its pink hue; Everose maintains it permanently. The Root Beer will look identical in 2056.
- Availability: While Pepsi and Batman have 2-3 year AD waiting lists, the Root Beer is often available within months (sometimes walk-in at less popular ADs). This is the GMT for people who want a new Rolex NOW.
- Value proposition: At $16,500 retail, the Root Beer costs $5,600 more than a steel GMT Pepsi ($10,900). But it includes 18ct Everose gold worth $4,000+ in raw material. The premium for precious metal is modest.
Root Beer vs Pepsi vs Batman
| Spec | Root Beer | Pepsi | Batman |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bezel | Brown/Black | Blue/Red | Blue/Black |
| Material | Rolesor (steel+gold) | Steel | Steel |
| Bracelet | Oyster | Jubilee or Oyster | Oyster or Jubilee |
| Retail | $16,500 | $10,900 | $10,900 |
| Secondary | $16,000-$18,000 | $15,000-$18,500 | $13,500-$16,000 |
| Character | Warm, sophisticated | Bold, heritage | Stealth, modern |
The Root Beer trades at similar levels to the Pepsi despite costing $5,600 more at retail — meaning the Root Beer buyer loses significantly less money as a percentage. It’s the best financial deal among current-production GMTs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the brown bezel too unusual?
In photos, the brown can look unexpected. In person, it reads as a rich espresso/chocolate tone that pairs naturally with brown leather, earth-toned clothing, and warm skin tones. Most converts report that the Root Beer looks dramatically better in person than in photographs.
Oyster or Jubilee Root Beer?
The Root Beer is only available on Oyster — Rolex hasn’t released a Jubilee version. This gives it a sportier character than the Jubilee-equipped Pepsi. Some collectors prefer this; others wish for a Jubilee option.
Do you carry Root Beer GMT?
Yes — our GMT-Master II collection at DR.WATCH includes Root Beer, Pepsi, Batman, and Coke bezel variants. 904L Oystersteel, Everose gold-spec accents, true GMT movements. Free worldwide shipping + 1-year warranty.
