While the Rolex Land-Dweller dominated attention at Watches & Wonders 2025, the brand quietly celebrated the 70th anniversary of its GMT collection with two new luxury iterations: a white gold model featuring a first-ever green ceramic bezel and an Everose gold version with a striking Tiger Iron stone dial. Though Rolex rarely emphasizes anniversaries, past milestones—like the Submariner “Kermit” or platinum Daytona—have set high expectations. This year’s GMT tribute leans into understated sophistication, letting the materials speak for themselves.
A Rare Stone Dial for a Historic Line
The GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” is only the second model in the collection’s history to feature a stone dial, following the 2019 white gold “Pepsi” with a meteorite face. Unlike the Daytona or Submariner, which experimented with mineral dials decades earlier, the GMT series long remained a utilitarian tool watch. This rarity makes the Tiger Iron edition particularly noteworthy for collectors.
The dial’s composition elevates its appeal: tiger iron is a natural composite of tiger eye (golden-brown shimmer), hematite (metallic grey-black), and red jasper (deep red flashes). This trio creates a dynamic, almost geological texture, with each dial varying in pattern—some emphasize hematite’s sleek darkness, while others showcase jasper’s fiery streaks. The version photographed for this article evoked comparisons to Table Mountain’s rugged silhouette, blending organic artistry with Rolex’s precision.
Design and Mechanics: A Nod to Heritage
The Everose gold case and bracelet pair with a two-tone black-and-brown Cerachrom bezel, a callback to the 1970s “Root Beer” GMT-Master. Despite its bold presence, the watch maintains a slim 11.9mm profile. Powering it is Rolex’s calibre 3285, equipped with a 70-hour power reserve and the brand’s Chronergy escapement, though it stops short of incorporating the new Dynapulse technology announced earlier this year.
Collector Considerations
Natural materials ensure no two Tiger Iron dials are identical, meaning buyers must embrace serendipity—Rolex prioritizes quality over uniformity, as seen in past stone-dial Day-Dates. This variability may polarize purists, but for many, the dial’s uniqueness is its strength.
Conclusion: A Subtle Tribute with Lasting Impact
Though not marketed as an anniversary piece, the GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” serves as a fitting homage to seven decades of Rolex’s travel watch legacy. Its fusion of rare materials and restrained luxury underscores the brand’s ability to innovate while honoring tradition. For collectors, it’s a reminder that Rolex’s most meaningful statements often lie in the details.
