About the Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer
The Root Beer nickname traces back to Rolex GMT-Master bezels of the 1960s and 1970s that paired brown and gold tones, beloved by pilots and jet-setters of the era. Rolex revived and refined the colorway with the launch of the 126711CHNR and 126715CHNR references, using a two-tone Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert combining brown and black segments that are virtually scratch-proof and fade-resistant. Reference 126711CHNR pairs Oystersteel with an 18k Everose gold bezel and crown guards, while reference 126715CHNR is crafted entirely in 18k Everose gold, positioning it at the pinnacle of the GMT-Master II lineup. The inclusion of the Tiger Iron meteorite-like stone dial variant on the 126715CHNRTI further elevates the collection into genuine horological art.
What to Look For
Buyers choosing between Root Beer GMT-Master II references should weigh the two-tone 126711CHNR against the full Everose gold 126715CHNR, as the all-gold version commands a significant premium and offers greater rarity. Dial choice is a key value driver: the black dial is the more widely available configuration, while the Tiger Iron dial on the 126715CHNRTI is produced in far more limited numbers and typically trades at a notable premium over its black-dial sibling. Condition, box-and-papers completeness, and service history all influence pricing across every variant in this collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CHNR mean on a Rolex GMT-Master II?
CHNR is Rolex's internal designation for the brown and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert used on the Root Beer GMT-Master II references. The letters indicate the two-color combination of the bidirectional rotating bezel, which pairs a rich brown segment with a black segment to recreate the vintage Root Beer aesthetic in a modern, highly durable material.
What is the difference between the 126711CHNR and the 126715CHNR?
The 126711CHNR is a two-tone reference built on an Oystersteel case and bracelet with an 18k Everose gold bezel and crown guards, while the 126715CHNR is crafted entirely in 18k Everose gold. The all-gold 126715CHNR is rarer, commands a higher market price, and is also available in a Tiger Iron stone dial configuration known as the 126715CHNRTI.
Are the Root Beer GMT-Master II watches available for sale at Bizak and Co. authenticated?
Yes, every Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer listed for sale at Bizak and Co. undergoes authentication review before being offered. Our inventory includes references 126711CHNR and 126715CHNR in both black dial and Tiger Iron dial variants, all verified and ready to ship to buyers in the United States and internationally.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.
