In an opening salvo of releases that immediately became the first buzz topic of Basel 2018, The replica Rolex and Tudor have launched ‘Pepsi’ GMTs at the same time; Rolex with a GMT-Master II with two-color blue and red Cerachrom bezel and the Tudor Black Bay GMT, with two-color red and blue aluminium bezel. The fake Rolex is one of three new versions of the GMT-Master II and houses a brand new movement, the new-generation calibre 3285. The first new version, in ‘Oystersteel’, is equipped with a bi-directional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour two-color Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. The new Tudor Black Bay GMT in steel is also a completely new movement, the MT5652, with 70 hours of power reserve and a fully integrated GMT, just like the Rolex replica. The fake Tudor also has a snowflake style GMT-hand and comes with a stainless steel bracelet, leather or fabric band.
There was lots of buzz and chatter about a steel Coke GMT-Master II for Rolex, and to be frank, there was no noise at all about a Black Bay GMT, simply because rumors about it ran so hot in other years and proved groundless. Therefore, there was genuine surprise on both fronts. Not least because both brands went Pepsi, when there seemed a more solid argument for a Coke from Rolex.
The 72 hour power reserve on the new fake Rolex Pepsi with its 3285 movement smashes the existing 48 hours on the 3186, and the redesigned case and lugs prove that thought has been put into the overall package, which is dressier than the recent GMTs on Oyster bracelet.
The major reason we’re impressed on the Tudor front, though admittedly a tiny bit flummoxed because so much effort in recent years has been put into separating the two brands and giving them few grounds for comparison, is that they feel the brand stands on its own two feet enough for it to survive a simultaneous release with Rolex of practically the same offer – a steel sports replica watch with a GMT.
It’s been years since a GMT on a jubilee and it stands for a renaissance of models like the pepsi that have become pretty difficult to get and has enjoyed massive price spikes. On the other hand, Tudor is not reviving but revivifying, this is the first BB with a GMT. Rumours abounded that it would be the Pelagos first, but there you go, the Black Bay, a more bankable option on every measure, wins again.
Rolex have approached the new Pepsi with a sensitivity that will embed their status as the ‘most reputable company in the world’. Far from cosmetic changes, the nuanced reshaping of the lugs and case sides, entirely new engine in the 3285 movement and the decision to release it in steel shows enormous respect for the potential wearers. That is if you’re able to get it. As for Tudor, you have to respect the courage. To go toe-to-toe with fake Rolex on the same model is going to invite comparisons, and they feel that the value proposition stands alone.