Rolex Two-Tone "Root Beer" GMT Master - 1978

Yeah, we get it.

The thought of a Two-Tone Rolex often conjures images of ancient Datejusts dangling from you uncle's tanned, wrinkly wrist as he tells obnoxious stories at the family barbeque. We all have those memories (or at least have watched The Sopranos) and have sought to stay far away from any suggestion of similarity to them. With that said, it is to some degree understandable why steel timepieces with gold ornamentation have been on the outs with the latest generation of enthusiasts.

However, after some careful consideration, elapsed time, and some wrinkling of our own, we have realized that we have been dead wrong about them. Two-tone Rolexes aren't the old man watches we thought they were. They are, in fact, every bit as cool as their steel counterparts - or possibly even cooler. They add a subtle suggestion of experience and success to the simple nature of the Rolex Oyster without getting too loud.

Maybe we'll chalk it up to maturation of taste, evolving sense of style, or some level of accomplishment that two-tone models once so commonly commemorated. The bottom line is that we've come to really love them, and whether it is a Datejust, Turn-O-Graph, Sub, or GMT Master, we find ourselves lusting after their subtle flash on the daily.

Maybe you're the same way. Maybe you've had a secret love for them all these years and have been hiding it. Maybe you think we're crazy.

Whatever the case, there is no denying the wrist presence of the two-tone GMT. The gold elements (bezel ring, crown, markers, and hands) play off the dial and insert brilliantly, giving a sophisticated yet sporty feel. This version is known amongst collectors and enthusiasts as a "Root Beer" GMT, so known for its beautiful brown dial and two-tone bezel insert. 

This particular watch is additionally interesting because it is an early two-tone model, Reference 1675 - not the latter version (Ref. 16753) like the vast majority on the market. Furthermore, it has an early execution matte brown dial with "nipple" hour markers. However you slice it, this is a fucking handsome configuration!

Let's also not forget that underneath all that outward beauty is a downright brilliant GMT Master with second timezone - quite possibly the most useful timepiece complication and functionality we can think of. Whether you pair it up with the included Crown & Buckle nylon straps (with Gold hardware, natch) or Clint Eastwood-ify it with a matching Two-Tone Jubilee bracelet, this watch is an incredibly versatile and wearable choice in a variety of settings and is a truly stunning example of one of the most-undervalued vintage sport Rolexes on the market, so don't miss it!

Picture credit to Watches in Movies.