This month, Rolex unveils the GMT-Master Exhibition: Time Zone to Time Zone, a comprehensive showcase tracing the legacy of one of the world’s most iconic travel watches.
First introduced in 1955 at the dawn of the jet age, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master quickly earned its place in horological history. While not the very first dual-time watch, its innovative design—featuring a distinctive 24-hour, bi-directional two-tone bezel—allowed wearers to read three time zones simultaneously. This clarity and functionality granted the watch immediate classic status.
The original GMT-Master was born from a practical request by Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), which sought a reliable timepiece to help its pilots navigate multiple time zones during transcontinental flights. This professional endorsement bolstered the GMT-Master’s reputation, making it the go-to watch not only for commercial aviators but also for pilots reaching the outer edges of space. It soon became an essential tool for the emerging class of global travelers.
Over the decades, the GMT-Master has undergone numerous updates, evolving into the GMT-Master II while maintaining its instantly recognizable style and desirability.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of this legendary travel companion, Rolex is hosting the GMT-Master Exhibition: Time Zone to Time Zone from May 26 to June 8 at the Freespace venue within Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District. More than just a tribute to a timepiece, the exhibition celebrates a world made smaller and more connected by this quintessential “Oyster” watch.
