Alright, let’s dive into this little project of mine. I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and I got this idea to try and make a “homage” to the Rolex GMT-Master II, you know, the “Root Beer” one. It’s a pretty iconic watch, and I wanted to see if I could recreate the look without, well, spending a fortune.
So, first things first, I needed a base watch. Something that wouldn’t break the bank but still had a decent build quality. I spent some time reading through reviews, and ended up going with this Stuhrling one I found mentioned. It was from a GMT collection called “Seacolt GMT Collection,” they call it, and it actually looked pretty similar to the Rolex. Plus, it came in a few different colors, so I had some options to play with.
Now, the real star of the show is that brown bezel, right? That’s what makes the “Root Beer” stand out. I knew I wouldn’t find an exact match, but I figured I could get close. I saw that Rolex released a two-tone GMT-Master II with a brown bezel a while back, the reference 126711CHNR, I think it was. That was kind of my inspiration.
Starting to Modify
Once I had the Stuhrling, it was time to start modifying. I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous about taking apart a brand-new watch, but hey, gotta risk it for the biscuit, right? I carefully removed the original bezel. Then, replaced it with a brown one I found that was the closest match I could get.
- Disassembly: Took apart the watch, which was a bit nerve-wracking.
- Bezel Swap: Replaced the original bezel with a brown one. This was the trickiest part, trying to get it to fit just right.
- Dial: I also found a brown dial online that had a bit of that “Root Beer” vibe.
- Reassembly: Put the whole thing back together, making sure everything was aligned.
Check the Results
Honestly, it took a few tries to get it right. The bezel was a bit tricky to fit properly, and I had to make a few adjustments to the dial to make sure it sat flush. But after a bit of tinkering, I finally got it all put together. I saw some info about a Rolex Root Beer 126711CHNR, saying it had a 40mm case, I guess mine was close enough in size, they didn’t mention much about case sizes.
And you know what? It actually turned out pretty good! It’s not a perfect replica, obviously, but it definitely captures the spirit of the “Root Beer.” It’s got that same two-tone look, with the brown bezel and the stainless steel case. I even managed to find a brown dial that kind of matches the original. It looked like that all-Everose GMT-Master II ref. 126715CHNR a little bit, but I don’t think mine had the same price tag, it was over forty thousand Euros or something.
It’s a fun little project, and it’s cool to have a watch that looks like a high-end piece without actually being one. I even saw an auction for a real Root Beer Rolex, and while mine isn’t quite the same, it’s a fun conversation starter. I’m not trying to fool anyone, it’s just a neat way to appreciate the design of the original. If you’re into watches and you’re looking for a little DIY project, this is definitely something you could try. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and maybe mess up a few times before you get it right!
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