Accessible Alternatives to the Rolex ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master is, put simply, the granddaddy of all traveller’s watches and its successor the GMT-Master II followed in its footsteps to become the epitome of GMT watch design. It combines a second, 24-hour hand with a rotating bezel used to mark a second timezone, split into day/night indication. It was arguably that bezel that made the collection famous; not only did the red and blue sections work as a day and night indicator, but the cool mix of colours also gave it the now legendary moniker of ‘Pepsi Cola.’ So legendary in fact that when Rolex revamped and re-introduced it back in 2018, waiting lists sprang up immediately.

Fortunately, like any icon the Rolex original inspired other watchmakers meaning there are plenty of accessible alternatives to the Rolex ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II. Here then are our top accessible alternatives to the Rolex ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

If you’re looking for a watch that skirts very closely to the aesthetics of the original – and has almost the kudos among collectors – look no further than Rolex stablemate Tudor and their (some might argue more authentic) take on the GMT-Master II. The crown and signature snowflake hour hands give the watch a unique Tudor twist, but otherwise its lovely retro timepiece that hits precisely the right notes. For 2023 Tudor have released an updated version with a white opaline dial that provides a contrast to the Rolex’s typical black dial.

Steinhart Ocean 39 Vintage GMT BLUE-RED Ceramic

From afar, this watch might pass as a vintage original with its faux-aged lume and the right numerals, hands and colours. That’s because Steinhart are masters of the art of homage, and the Ocean 39 Vintage GMT is no different. It’s also very well-made, with a ceramic bezel, 300m water resistance and ETA movement. No points for originality, but performance to cost ratio? Out of the park.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer GMT

TAG doesn’t have quite the same watchmaking chops as Rolex or Tudor (at least outside of their impressive Heuer 02 calibre) but the Aquaracer takes the GMT in a much sportier direction. With its multi-faceted case and distinctive horizontal stripes across the dial, there’s a lot going on visually and it makes for a high-octane riff on the classic traveller’s timepiece.

Timex Harborside

There a handful of Timex watches that qualify for inclusion on this list such as the Q Timex Reissue from a few years ago. However, their most recently released watch that qualifies is this, the Harbourside Coast Automatic 43mm. The Harbourside is a faithful homage right down to the Mercedes style hour hand and cyclops lens over the date. It’s also the biggest value proposition here at less than £200 for a watch housing a mechanical movement.

Oceaneva GMT Automatic 1250M

The performance specs of a Rolex just not good enough for you? Oceaneva’s GMT Automatic 1,250m puts the GMT-Master II to shame, combining a classic GMT bezel with a mind-boggling 1,250m water resistance. That’s more than 10x the depth rating of the Rolex. Plus, if you’re interested in some of the other iconic Rolex colourways, the GMT Automatic is also available in Batman and Sprite configurations.

Baltic Aquascaphe GMT Orange

This one might be a stretch of the imagination at first considering that it has a blue and orange bezel instead of a blue and red one. However, if I were talking to someone in person about the subject of affordable alternatives to the GMT-Master II, I would 100% recommend the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT. It has the same functions as the Rolex while being visually distinct, making it stand out in your collection on its own merit rather than being a design homage.

Spinnaker Cobalt Crimson

As the name of the Spinnaker Cobalt Crimson implies, it has a bezel split between blue and red, instantly giving it a flavour of the Rolex GMT-Master II. However, while the colourway may be similar to the Rolex, the structure of the Spinnaker is actually very different with broad, flat surfaces in an octagonal shape that almost give it a 1970s sports watch look. In some ways, it’s a hybrid between the design codes of the 60s and 70s giving it its own unique appearance for the accessible price of £540.

Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT Ceramic

You wouldn’t traditionally associate Ball’s highly technical aesthetics with the retro style of a Rolex GMT-Master II. And to a certain extent, the Roadmaster Marine GMT Ceramic has nothing in common with the Rolex except for the iconic blue/red bezel with a black dial. The rest of the piece is pure Ball, even down to the micro gas tubes that form the hour markers and hands and which provide luminescence to the display. It’s also notably more robust than the GMT-Master II with 200m water resistance, 5,000G shock resistance and a scratch and corrosion resistant titanum case.