The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126713GRNR arrived in 2023 and brought yellow gold back to the two-tone GMT lineup in a way that feels surprisingly different from the colorful GMTs we usually associate with the model. Rolex pairs its classic 40mm Oyster case in Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold with a two-color grey-and-black Cerachrom bezel, black dial, and two-tone Jubilee bracelet. The grey half of the bezel is subtle enough that it can almost disappear in certain lighting, while the gold numerals, crown, center links, and bezel edge give the watch plenty of presence. It's a GMT that somehow manages to be flashy and restrained at the same time, which isn't an easy trick when this much yellow gold is involved.

Inside is Rolex's caliber 3285, the modern automatic GMT movement with an independently adjustable local hour hand and approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The gold 24-hour hand can remain set to home time while the conventional hour hand jumps forward or backward in one-hour increments when traveling, without stopping the movement or disturbing the minutes and seconds. The 3285 also features Rolex's Chronergy escapement, blue Parachrom hairspring, and Paraflex shock absorbers, while the case offers 100 meters of water resistance through the Triplock crown. Basically, underneath all that gold is still a legitimately useful travel watch.

The Jubilee bracelet might be what really makes the 126713GRNR work. Five-piece links already give the GMT a slightly dressier personality, and alternating Oystersteel with polished yellow-gold center links leans all the way into that idea. Rolex still fits it with the more sporting Oysterlock safety clasp and 5mm Easylink extension, so it remains comfortable and practical enough for everyday wear. The black-and-grey bezel keeps the watch from becoming too loud and lets the yellow gold do most of the talking. If you're going to wear a two-tone GMT, I don't think there's any reason to be shy about it. This is a proper travel watch wearing a gold bracelet, and that's a pretty fun combination.