The Rolex GMT-Master II in yellow gold is a 40 mm, solid 18 ct gold dual-time watch, and the current reference is the 126718GRNR with a grey and black Cerachrom bezel on a gold Jubilee bracelet. Earlier gold GMT-Master II models used a plain black ceramic bezel on an Oyster bracelet, and a two-tone version mixes steel with gold. This guide sets out which gold references exist, how the bezel options differ, and how a gold GMT wears compared with steel. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk, not an authorised Rolex retailer, and every watch mentioned is sourced to order rather than held in stock.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Sources: Rolex, GMT-Master II collection and Wikipedia, Rolex GMT-Master II. Specifications can vary by production year, so confirm the exact unit before you commit.
Which yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II references exist?
There are three gold-case families worth knowing: the current solid gold 126718GRNR, the discontinued solid gold 116718LN, and the two-tone 126713GRNR that pairs steel with yellow gold. The table compares what is publicly documented for each.
| Reference | Case and bracelet | Bezel | Movement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126718GRNR | 40 mm, solid 18 ct yellow gold; gold Jubilee bracelet | Grey and black Cerachrom | Caliber 3285, about 70 hours of power reserve | Introduced in 2023; current line |
| 116718LN | 40 mm, solid 18 ct yellow gold; gold Oyster bracelet | Black Cerachrom | Caliber 3186 | Discontinued; sources place the end of production around 2019 |
| 126713GRNR | 40 mm, yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold) | Grey and black Cerachrom | Caliber 3285 | Introduced in 2023 alongside the 126718GRNR; current line |
The steel Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR shares the 40 mm case size, so the gold models are the same proportions in a richer material. For a wider view of the family, see our pages on the Rolex GMT-Master II and the older Rolex GMT-Master.
What bezel colors do gold GMT-Master II watches come in?
The mainstream yellow gold options are a black ceramic bezel and a two-tone grey and black ceramic bezel, with a green dial variant of the older reference as a collector-driven exception. The 116718LN is the black-bezel gold GMT: black bezel, black dial, gold hands and markers. The 126718GRNR swaps in a grey and black Cerachrom insert, the 24-hour scale split between the two shades, against a black dial.
The older 116718 family also appears with a green dial and a black bezel, usually called the anniversary green. Sources describe the green dial as a distinct variant rather than the standard production watch, so treat it as its own search. If you are weighing it, read how the lineup compares in our guide to the Pepsi versus Batman GMT-Master II bezels for the other famous two-color GMT looks.
Is the 126718GRNR a different watch from the 116718LN?
Yes, and the differences go beyond the bezel color. The 126718GRNR uses the newer caliber 3285, which Rolex rates for roughly 70 hours of power reserve, while the 116718LN uses the older caliber 3186. The newer watch also arrives on a Jubilee bracelet rather than the Oyster bracelet, which changes both look and feel on the wrist.
Buyers who want a restrained, all-black gold watch often look for the discontinued 116718LN, while buyers who want the current movement and the two-tone bezel look to the 126718GRNR. Because the older reference is no longer made, finding one means sourcing a specific pre-owned unit and checking its condition, paperwork and service history.
How does a yellow gold GMT-Master II differ from a steel one?
A gold GMT-Master II is heavier and warmer, and it is a dressier object than the steel version, even though the movement and the function are the same. One published review of the 126718GRNR puts its weight at roughly 226 g, which is clearly more than a steel sports watch of the same size. The bracelet is solid gold as well, so the weight sits on the wrist all day.
| Feature | Yellow gold 126718GRNR | Steel 126710GRNR |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Case metal | 18 ct yellow gold | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Grey and black Cerachrom | Grey and black Cerachrom |
| Movement | Caliber 3285 | Caliber 3285 |
| Water resistance | 100 m | 100 m |
| Bracelet | Gold Jubilee | Steel Oyster or Jubilee (both offered) |
If you are still choosing between sporty and dressy, our guide to the best gold Rolex watches puts the GMT beside other gold references, and the GMT-Master II versus Submariner comparison helps if travel versus diving is the real question.
Who is a yellow gold GMT-Master II best suited to?
It suits a buyer who travels, wants a watch that can sit under a cuff, and prefers a statement material over a tool-watch look. Gold is more visible than steel, so it reads as dressy in an office or at dinner and bold with casual clothes. Practical points to weigh:
- Everyday wear. Gold is softer than steel and marks more easily, so expect fine scratches on a daily-worn case and bracelet.
- Travel. The independent 24-hour hand tracks a second time zone, and the bezel lets you read a third, exactly as on the steel model.
- Look. Yellow gold is a traditional choice, but it is a taste question, so try one on first if you can.
- Condition. On a pre-owned gold watch, check polishing history, bracelet stretch and the integrity of the ceramic insert.
You can browse the Rolex GMT Master yellow gold collection to see the family, or start from the full Rolex range. Entries are examples of what we can source, not stock we hold.
What should you check before buying a gold GMT-Master II?
Confirm the reference, the bezel insert, the bracelet and the paperwork, because gold models differ in ways that affect both use and resale. Ask for clear photographs of the exact unit, the serial and model numbers, the card or papers if available, and any service records. Compare the quoted unit with the reference table above to make sure it matches the watch you want. Our sourcing process confirms these details before you commit.
Quick answers
What is the current Rolex GMT-Master II in yellow gold?
The current solid yellow gold model is the 126718GRNR. It is a 40 mm watch with a grey and black Cerachrom bezel, a black dial, the caliber 3285 and a gold Jubilee bracelet. It was introduced in 2023.
Does the yellow gold GMT-Master II come with a black bezel?
The discontinued 116718LN has a black ceramic bezel and black dial on a gold Oyster bracelet. The current 126718GRNR instead uses a grey and black two-tone bezel.
Is the gold GMT-Master II water resistant like the steel model?
Yes, public listings give the 126718GRNR the same 100 m rating as the steel GMT-Master II. It is a travel watch rather than a dive watch.
Does gold wear differently from steel?
Yes. A gold case and bracelet are heavier and show fine scratches more readily, though many owners polish or simply accept the patina. The movement and function match the steel model.
Can Bizak & Co. source a yellow gold GMT-Master II?
Yes, we source on demand. Tell us the reference or look you prefer, and we find a specific unit and confirm its details before you commit.
Related reading: Pepsi vs Batman GMT-Master II, GMT-Master II vs Submariner and the best gold Rolex watches.
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