Alright, let’s talk about this little project I got into, trying to make a knock-off of the Rolex GMT-Master II, you know, the one with the “Root Beer” bezel. It’s been a wild ride, let me tell you.
Getting Started
So, first off, I started digging around for info. I hit up Amazon, checked out some reviews on American brands like Stuhrling. I also looked into Timex, they’ve got this Allied Three GMT, seemed kinda neat. But I was really after that Rolex vibe, that “Root Beer” look that just pops, you know?
The Real Deal
I dove deep into what makes the actual Rolex GMT-Master II tick. I read that some folks call the 126711CHNR the modern “Root Beer,” made with Everose gold and steel. It’s a beauty. The bezel, the crystal, everything’s just perfect on the real ones. I found out they were re-released in 2018, paying homage to the old-school Root Beers.
My Process
Now, trying to imitate this, it wasn’t easy. I tried to find materials that looked like Everose gold, but let’s be real, nothing beats the real deal. I spent hours trying to get the bezel right, that two-tone brown and black, it’s tricky. I experimented with different materials, trying to get that same shine and durability.
- Sourcing Materials: This was tough. Finding stuff that looked like the real deal but didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
- Crafting the Bezel: Man, this was the hardest part. Getting that color combo and the feel just right took forever.
- Assembling the Watch: Putting it all together, making sure it ticked and looked the part, it was like solving a really complicated puzzle.
The Outcome
After all that, did I get a perfect replica? Nah. But I got something that kinda resembles the GMT-Master II. It’s got that Root Beer vibe, and honestly, it’s not half bad for a homemade project. It’s more of an “inspired by” piece rather than a straight-up copy.
What I Learned
This whole thing taught me a lot about watches, especially how much detail goes into making something like a Rolex. It’s not just about slapping some parts together. It’s about precision, quality, and a whole lot of history. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a fun challenge, and I ended up with a cool-looking watch. Plus, I learned that the real Rolex has a waitlist of like two years, and the most popular models like the Daytona 116500 or the Submariner 116610 are super hard to get and they hold their value like crazy. Maybe I’ll just save up and try to get on that list instead.
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