In short: on a Rolex GMT-Master II 126710, the first marks almost always appear on the clasp, on the polished links of the Jubilee bracelet and on the case flanks. The Cerachrom ceramic bezel resists scratches very well: it is the steel around it that marks. Whether your GMT is a “Pepsi”, a “Batman” or a “Bruce Wayne”, the case is the same: what changes the protection is the bracelet.
The areas that scratch first on a GMT-Master II
The 126710 is a 40 mm Oystersteel watch designed to be worn on the move. Here, in order, are the areas that mark fastest.
1. The Oysterlock clasp
The clasp cover rubs against the desk and the edge of the laptop every time you type. On a GMT worn every day, it is almost always the first area to mark.
2. The centre links of the Jubilee
The Jubilee bracelet has five links per row, including polished centre links that reflect light like a mirror: the slightest micro-scratch shows immediately. It is the area that visually “ages” fastest on a GMT on Jubilee.
3. The case flanks and edges
The polished flanks and edges take the knocks of daily life, and of travel: airport security trays, armrests, luggage zips. They are also the edges buyers look at first when you resell.
4. Around the 24-hour bezel
The point of a GMT is to read a second time zone by turning the 24-hour graduated bezel. Turning it again and again, your fingers rub the steel around the insert. The Cerachrom insert itself is known to be extremely scratch-resistant.
Pepsi, Batman, Bruce Wayne: one single case
The GMT-Master II 126710 comes with several two-tone bezels: red and blue (126710BLRO, the “Pepsi”), blue and black (126710BLNR, the “Batman”), grey and black (126710GRNR, the “Bruce Wayne”). They share the same 40 mm case. For protection, the only question is therefore: Jubilee or Oyster?
Watch out for neighbouring references, which each have their own kit: the 126720VTNR (“Sprite”, crown on the left) and the previous generation 116710.
The other GMTs: what changes from one generation to the next
- 126720VTNR “Sprite”: crown and date on the left, green and black Cerachrom bezel. The exposed areas are the same as on the 126710, but mirrored: it is the right flank of the case that ends up on the hand side.
- 116710: the previous generation, already fitted with a ceramic bezel, but delivered on an Oyster bracelet. The clasp and the flanks remain the first areas to mark.
- 16700 (GMT-Master): an older generation, with an aluminium bezel insert rather than ceramic. Unlike ceramic, aluminium scratches and fades over time: on this model, the condition of the insert weighs heavily on value, and whatever is still intact deserves to be preserved.
Jubilee or Oyster: which one marks more?
With equal wear, the Jubilee shows its micro-scratches sooner, because it has more polished surfaces. The Oyster bracelet, with three flat links, marks too, but the wear is spread over wider surfaces. Most of our GMT customers choose the Jubilee, and that is where bracelet protection makes the biggest difference.
Protecting a GMT you wear every day and when travelling
Repolishing a GMT erases micro-scratches by removing metal, and the edges never regain their original sharpness. It is better to stop the marks from setting in:
- When travelling: take it off before going through security rather than putting it bare in the tray, and keep it away from zips in your luggage.
- At the office: wear it on the wrist that does not type, when possible.
- Every day: a PreserveLayer™ film cut for the 126710 freezes the current condition of the case, lugs, crystal and clasp, and of the bracelet with the Premium kit.
The kit for your GMT-Master II 126710
→ GMT-Master II 126710 on Jubilee bracelet · from €79
→ GMT-Master II 126710 on Oyster bracelet · from €79
Essential kit (€79): case, crystal, lugs and clasp. Premium kit (€149): everything in Essential + the bracelet. On a Jubilee, we recommend the Premium, to protect the polished links.
Do you have another GMT? See the kits for the 126720 Jubilee, 126720 Oyster, 116710 and 16700. Not sure of your reference? Here is where to find it.
Frequently asked questions about the GMT-Master II
Pepsi, Batman or Bruce Wayne: is it the same kit?
Yes, for the case: the 126710BLRO, BLNR and GRNR share the same 40 mm case. Simply choose the kit that matches your bracelet, Jubilee or Oyster.
My GMT is a 116710: does the 126710 kit fit?
No. The 116710, the previous generation, has its own kit, cut for it. Check the reference on your warranty card.
What about the 126720VTNR “Sprite”, with the crown on the left?
It has its own kits, on Jubilee and on Oyster, cut for its left-crown case.
Can the ceramic bezel of a GMT-Master II scratch?
The Cerachrom insert is known to be extremely scratch-resistant. The visible marks around the bezel generally affect the steel surrounding it, not the ceramic.
Jubilee or Oyster: which kit should I choose?
The one that matches your bracelet: Jubilee and Oyster links do not have the same shape, and each kit is cut for one or the other. On a Jubilee, the Premium kit also protects the polished centre links.
By the ChronoSkin team, French maker of protective films for watches. Updated 2 November 2026.