A Week with the 'Pepsi'

This past week I took the “Pepsi” for a test drive. The Rolex GMT-Master II with the red and blue cerachrom ceramic bezel insert, reference 126710BLRO. Nicknamed the “Pepsi” and first introduced in the 50s, the red and blue color-way has been an increasingly popular watch since the modern ceramic bezels launched in 2014. I have always shied away from the colored ceramic bezels but I figured it was time to try it out and see what all the hype is about.

I’ve worn the black on black GMT-Master II as my go-to daily watch for the past 5 years. The understated touch of green on the dial and GMT hand show off just the right amount of personality. In contrast, the bolder red and blue ceramic insert seemed a tad overwhelming for my taste. I also felt like the jubilee bracelet wasn’t quite my style.

Well I’m here to tell you I was wrong. I know I’m incredibly late to this party and I’m basically coming to the same realization as almost everyone else who’s ever picked this watch up, but wow, I really like it. It’s looked great with everything I’ve put on. Not once did I feel like it was too much for my wrist and the jubilee bracelet is super comfortable.

After wearing it for a week I’m pretty certain that the Pepsi is going to earn a permanent spot in my rotation. There’s something about the red and blue that feels both nostalgic and modern at the same time. I really dig it.

Recently, rumors have been swirling that Rolex plans to discontinue this color-way in 2024 due to production issues with the two-color ceramic bezel. The bezel is actually first created in all red and the blue color is laid on top of the red. Apparently this makes it very difficult to manufacture the perfect colors to Rolex’s standards and over time has shown to fade. Is this enough to actually pull the watch from the catalog? Rolex has discontinued the Pepsi bezel in the past but when they reintroduced it in 2014 on white gold and then again in 2018 on steel we thought it might be here to stay. In 2021, Rolex doubled down on the Pepsi, introducing it for the first time on oyster bracelet. Rolex likes to keep any sort of changes like this close to the vest and usually these rumors are just that.. a rumor.

Nonetheless, we’ve been snagging a few to keep in our collection just in case these disappear from the Rolex line up in 2024 👀 

Shop in-stock Pepsi’s on gigantiwatches.com

Did you know the Pepsi also comes in white gold? Check out the subtle telltale difference in the rich blue dial on the white gold GMT-Master II.

This is a true, if you know you know, piece. So if you love the Pepsi look but are looking for something a little more unique that will definitely catch the eyes of true collectors this watch is definitely for you.

I'd love to hear from you! Got a Rolex story that's close to your heart? Maybe a favorite watch that's been your loyal companion through thick and thin? Shoot me a reply to this email, leave a comment below, or better yet, come visit us and let's chat about it. Our collection is always evolving, and who knows, you might just find your next watch story waiting on our site.