Rolex Unveils the Definitive Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master Thematic Exhibition
- Natalie Chan
- Oct 24
- 2 min read
Rolex and Cortina Watch cordially welcome you to explore the historical significance of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master and GMT-Master II at the Time Zone to Time Zone display.
Who would have anticipated that the emergence of flight and its subsequent mastery would simultaneously extend and contract the world as we perceive it today? Traveling to distant destinations is now a concrete reality; global connectivity has diminished the distance between continents, transforming what once required weeks to traverse the oceans into a matter of hours. The advent of commercial aviation necessitated the monitoring of various time zones for a specific group, particularly pilots. In response to this necessity, Rolex identified and developed a mechanical solution in the form of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master, which incorporated the dual-time zone complexity.
The pivotal year was 1955, when the inaugural Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master reference, the 6542, was introduced, showcasing a bi-directional bicolored bezel and a 24-hour hand, commonly referred to as the GMT hand, as recognized today. The GMT hand does a complete rotation every 24 hours, and the bi-directional bezel allows the wearer to track a second time zone.
In 1959, Rolex established the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master as an emblem of connectivity when Captain C. N. Warren navigated the Boeing 707 on Pan Am's inaugural non-stop flight from New York to Moscow. Captain Warren stated, “The flight was navigated by Rolex.” In that same year, eight members of the British Army regiment commenced the Pegasus Overland circumnavigation mission. Rolex provided each participant with an Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master as they journeyed across 34 nations in Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa over the course of 51 weeks.
Since then, akin to its distinctive Submariner counterpart, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master has surpassed its function as a utilitarian watch and evolved into a symbol of the sophisticated jet-set lifestyle. Throughout history, the watch that influenced aviation has progressed to integrate Rolex's technological advancements. Following many improvements, such as the launch of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 1983 and 11 movement upgrades from the caliber 1036 GMT (1955) to the present calibre 3285, this famous timepiece continues to lead in aerial exploration and beyond.
Rolex and Cortina Watch welcome everyone to explore the historical significance of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master and GMT-Master II at the thematic display, Time Zone to Time Zone. The exhibition showcases significant milestones through thematic panels, drawing from both legendary narratives and modern releases. It culminates in a little documentary clip chronicling the evolution of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master. The Time Zone to Time Zone exhibition will be held at Paragon, Level 1, Main Atrium, from 24 October to 2 November 2025.
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