The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126711CHNR, better known as the “Root Beer,” is proof that Rolex can still have a little fun with a design that's been around for more than seventy years. Introduced in 2018, this modern interpretation of the classic two-tone GMT combines stainless steel with 18k Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy, and pairs it with a black-and-brown ceramic bezel. The Root Beer nickname originally belonged to the vintage brown-dial GMT-Masters of the 1970s, particularly the yellow-gold and two-tone references that have developed a serious following among collectors. While the modern version trades those warm brown dials and aluminum bezels for a glossy black dial and ceramic insert, it manages to capture much of the charm that made the originals so appealing. At 40mm, it's unmistakably a modern Rolex sports watch, but the brown bezel and warm Everose gold give it a personality that's a little more interesting than your typical black-and-steel GMT. It's got some flash, sure, but it's the good kind.

Inside is Rolex's automatic caliber 3285, featuring a 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and an independently adjustable local hour hand. That last feature is what makes the GMT-Master II such a great travel watch. You can jump the local hour hand forward or backward when changing time zones without stopping the watch or disturbing the minutes and seconds, while the additional 24-hour hand tracks a second time zone. The bidirectional ceramic bezel can also be used to reference a third time zone, which is pretty handy if your travels take you a little farther than the local coffee shop. The 126711CHNR features a solid-link Oyster bracelet with polished Everose gold center links, an Oysterlock safety clasp, and Rolex's Easylink comfort extension. The combination of polished and brushed surfaces gives it plenty of presence, while the black dial keeps the overall design grounded. It's a very well-executed balance of practical engineering and precious-metal luxury, which is something Rolex has been doing awfully well for a long time.

For collectors, the modern Root Beer occupies an interesting spot in the GMT-Master II lineup. It doesn't have the bright colors of a Pepsi or the all-business look of a black-and-blue Batman, but that's exactly why some collectors gravitate toward it. The black-and-brown bezel changes character depending on the light, and the Everose gold has a warmth that works particularly well with the vintage-inspired color combination. It's also one of those watches that looks considerably better on the wrist than it does in photographs. The 40mm case has enough presence to feel substantial without becoming overwhelming, and the two-tone construction makes it surprisingly versatile. You can wear it with a T-shirt and jeans just as easily as you can dress it up, which is exactly what a good sports Rolex ought to do. The Root Beer has always been the slightly unconventional member of the GMT family, and the 126711CHNR carries that tradition forward beautifully. It's a little funky, a little luxurious, and just different enough to keep things interesting. Not every GMT needs to be a Pepsi.