Rolex leaned into precious metals this year. Among other models, the popular GMT-Master II received a precious metal case, bracelet, and a (very) special dial.
Launched at Watches and Wonders 2025, the latest Rolex GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” features the same 40 mm diameter case and 70-hour automatic winding caliber 3285 introduced in 2018. It’s fitted with the same bi-directional bezel and brown and black ceramic bezel insert, with a water-resistance rating of 100 meters, the GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” offers hours, minutes, central seconds, date, and a second time zone in 24-hour format, and an Oyster bracelet. Nothing is new, with the exception of the dial. And what a dial it is.
Made from natural stone, combining tiger’s eye, red jasper, and hematite, this new dial will be a conversation piece that stands out compared to standard GMT-Master IIs, this year, and for years to come.
Gold reached a historic high of $3,500 per ounce in April 2025, after skyrocketing approximately $1,000 per ounce in just 12 months. Whether this was the impetus for Rolex choosing such an expensive precious metal, currently more than triple the price of platinum per ounce, or if it was just part of a planning process set in motion months or years ago, is unclear.
What’s clear is that Rolex tends not just to set trends, but to know trends before they happen. Perhaps that’s a result of years of sales data (and other data) it compiles, or maybe it’s just an innate knowledge of its wealthy retailer and client network, or at the most basic level, could the decision be a result of the dogmatic nature in which the crown operates?
At $49,400, the GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” in Everose Gold (Ref. 126715CHNR) is more than four times the price of the standard $10,800 to $11,000 Bruce Wayne GMT-Master II (Ref. 126710GRNR), which was announced in 2024.
It would be interesting to know how many ounces of gold were used. Regardless of that number, it’s safe to assume that four Bruce Wayne GMT-Master IIs will appreciate better than one GMT-Master II “Tiger Iron” in Everose Gold — even if gold continues to climb above its historic peak.
Photos by Rolex.
