The White Gold Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite”

It was the Land-Dweller that stole the limelight, and understandably so. In any case, it’s not typically that The Crown presents a wholly new assortment with a groundbreaking motion innovation in addition. I did really feel sorry for the opposite novelties, although. The pastel-tinted Oyster Perpetual watches had been fairly pretty, for example, however they acquired trampled on by the mighty Land-Dweller. One other watch that went beneath the radar was a reference that may usually have stood out. It was a watch with a wonderful heritage and even introduced a primary for the model. Neither the watch nor the characteristic was debated. I’m speaking concerning the inexperienced Cerachrom dial within the left-handed white gold Rolex GMT-Grasp II “Sprite.”

Let’s not beat across the bush: the Rolex MT-Grasp II “Sprite” — or “Destro” or “Lefty” — is a clumsy watch. It performs with the thoughts in a most unsettling approach. After I first noticed the watch at Watches and Wonders 2022 and dealt with it for an prolonged interval earlier this yr, it made me really feel borderline uncomfortable. My mind registered one thing that made my arms attempt to right the “mistake” by turning the black and inexperienced bezel in order that it sat “accurately” when placing the watch on my left wrist with the crown on the fitting aspect. This solely provided short-term consolation, nonetheless, as a result of the watch is unusable when worn this manner. One should both settle for the reverse structure and put on it on the fitting wrist or stroll away and attempt to acquire a standard, non-lefty model.

What about that inexperienced Cerachrom dial within the left-handed white gold Rolex GMT-Grasp II “Sprite?”

Predicting that probably the most area of interest GMT-Grasp II fashions would disappear from the catalog this yr appeared like a protected wager, however Rolex proved as soon as once more how unpredictable it’s. The metal “Sprite” continues to be alive and kicking, and it now has an expensive relative in white gold. The reference 126729VTNR (€48,450) is a 40 × 11.9mm watch on a white gold Oyster bracelet with brushed and polished hyperlinks and a folding Oysterlock clasp. All of the numbers and specs are the identical because the metal model, though the precious-metal newcomer doesn’t provide the selection between an Oyster and a Jubilee bracelet.

To be full, the dial (extra about that first for the model later) options utilized white gold hour markers and arms with Chromalight inserts that glow blue. On the dial, we additionally encounter a tiny distinction with the metal “Sprite.” The white gold model exhibits a GMT hand with a steel-colored stem as a substitute of a inexperienced one; that is, fairly clearly, for readability functions.

Contained in the case beats the acquainted 4Hz Rolex caliber 3285. This COSC-certified chronometer motion with 70 hours of energy reserve options all of the Rolex bells and whistles, resembling a Chronergy escapement and a Parachrom hairspring.

A primary for Rolex

On to the shiny inexperienced ceramic dial. Rolex produces the Cerachrom dial roughly the identical approach it creates its dials in pure stone. It’s comparable as a result of the stone or ceramic materials disc is fitted onto a brass plate. It’s fascinating to see how ceramic has advanced with Rolex. In 2005, the model’s first ceramic bezel insert, together with platinum-filled markings, debuted in black. Eight years later, the primary bicolor one in black and blue got here out. Now, 2025 marks the debut of the model’s first ceramic dial.

The 18K Everose gold GMT-Grasp II with a tiger iron dial subsequent to the brand new “Sprite” with a inexperienced Cerachrome dial crafted in an identical approach

Talking of which, in daylight and synthetic gentle, the precise coloration match of the shiny bezel insert and dial creates a really uniform look. Possibly three years of GMT-Grasp II “Lefty” subconsciously ready me for a brand new iteration, or no less than it conditioned my mind such that I wouldn’t expertise the identical shock I did in 2022. Both approach, fxthe newest “Sprite” goes down approach simpler than the primary one. The inexperienced dial additionally befits a unusual creation higher than an ordinary black one. Once you go all extravagant on prime, don’t put on Levi’s 501s on the underside. As an alternative, go all in with a “no guts, no glory” mindset.

Future ceramic dials

Now that Rolex has launched a inexperienced ceramic dial, will the model additionally begin fabricating dials in several colours with the identical materials? The reply might be “sure” as a result of why develop a manufacturing course of only for one (fairly restricted) watch? Keep in mind, Rolex produces in bulk. The model does it very fastidiously and exactly, however Rolex is a mass producer with a manufacturing variety of round one million watches per yr. The chances for ceramic dials are huge. A shiny crimson dial to match the bezel of a precious-metal “Pepsi” pops to thoughts. However that’s not a watch I constructed in my head. I’ve one thing a bit extra subdued in thoughts.

What if Rolex created a Submariner Date in brushed RLX titanium with a matte deep-sea-blue ceramic dial and matching bezel insert? It might be useful due to the matte surfaces, befitting the device watch. However it might even be smolderingly luxurious due to the darkish blue hue of the matte dial and bezel. What do you suppose? Ought to Rolex contemplate making this “Sub,” or do you may have different concepts for ceramic dials? Please let me know within the feedback.

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