The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116748SARU is a high-luxury professional travel watch featuring a 40mm case and Oyster bracelet crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. This model is defined by its extraordinary bi-colored rotating bezel, which serves as a GMT indicator through a meticulous arrangement of 18 baguette-cut sapphires and 18 rubies, further accented by 11 diamonds and a single triangular diamond at the zero marker. The watch features a black lacquer dial with luminous hour markers and hands, providing a stark contrast to the vibrant gem-set bezel while maintaining excellent legibility under various lighting conditions.
In terms of technical performance, the timepiece is powered by the COSC-certified caliber 3186 automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of approximately 50 hours and exceptional resistance to shocks and temperature variations. Its primary complications include a dual time zone function, allowing the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously via the 24-hour hand and the rotating bezel, along with an instantaneous date display visible through the Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock. The Oyster case utilizes a Triplock triple waterproofness system to ensure water resistance up to 100 meters, while the sapphire crystal provides scratch protection for the dial.
General reviews of the 116748SARU highlight its status as a significant collector’s piece that successfully bridges the gap between a high-performance tool watch and fine jewelry. While critics often note that the inclusion of precious gemstones reduces the practical legibility of the GMT bezel for aviation or professional use, enthusiasts value the model for its extreme rarity and the master-level factory gem-setting that Rolex provides. The watch is frequently praised for its substantial weight and the luxurious feel of its high-polish and satin-brushed yellow gold surfaces, though its bold aesthetic is often described as a polarizing departure from the more understated stainless steel models in the GMT-Master II collection.