Rolex Predictions 2025: Ceramic Coke GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II lineup has evolved significantly over the past decade, but one fan-favorite colorway has yet to return: the red-and-black “Coke” bezel. Discontinued in 2007 with the retirement of the reference 16710, the Coke GMT has been missing in the ceramic era.

A recently uncovered Rolex patent, detailing the production of a red-and-black ceramic bezel, suggests that a ceramic Coke GMT may finally be possible. If that’s the case, Rolex could introduce one as early as 2025. But if history tells us anything, the Coke’s return may come at the expense of another GMT-Master II.

Coke and Pepsi GMTs: Coexistence

Image Source: Crown and Caliber

Rolex has offered both Pepsi (red-and-blue) and Coke (red-and-black) bezel options at the same time before. The reference 16710, the last aluminum-bezeled GMT-Master II, came with a Pepsi, Coke, or all-black bezel insert. Before that, during the production of the first GMT-Master II, the Coke-bezeled ‘Fat Lady’ 16760 (1982–1988), Rolex continued producing the Pepsi-bezeled GMT-Master 16750. There’s never been a time when a Coke GMT was available and a Pepsi GMT was not.

When Rolex transitioned the GMT-Master II to ceramic in 2007, the Coke bezel was left behind. The first Cerachrom GMT, the reference 116710LN, featured a solid black bezel. A Pepsi GMT returned in 2014, but it was only available in white gold until Rolex introduced the steel Pepsi in 2018. The Coke has remained absent, but that may not be the case much longer.

The Patent That Changes Everything

Image Source: espacenet.com

The biggest clue that a Coke GMT may be on the horizon is a Rolex patent, filed in 2022 and published in early 2024, for a red-and-black ceramic bezel manufacturing process. The patent documentation, originally in French, specifically outlines methods for producing a stable, two-tone ceramic component with red and black coloration—a color combination that Rolex has never previously achieved in ceramic.

Here is a translated quote from the ‘Summary Of The Invention’ section of the patent: 

“More specifically, a first object of the present invention is to propose a solution for manufacturing a ceramic component that makes it possible to obtain a ceramic whose colour is controlled, notably making it possible to obtain a multicoloured, notably two-tone, notably red and black result.”

Red ceramic has long been one of the hardest colors to produce due to pigment instability at high temperatures, which makes creating a sharp red-and-black contrast especially difficult. The fact that Rolex has gone through the effort to patent a production method for this color pairing strongly suggests that a Coke GMT is at least being considered.

Would Rolex Swap Out a Model for the Coke?

Rolex has more GMT-Master II variations than ever before, including multiple Pepsis, the left-handed Sprite, three versions of the black-and-grey GRNR, the blue-and-black Batman, and the two-tone/full gold Root Beer. If a Coke GMT is coming, it wouldn’t be surprising for Rolex to discontinue at least one of these models to make room.

The Pepsi GMT seems like the most obvious target, with hyper-limited availability and well-known production challenges. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the Pepsi is doomed. Rolex could just as easily discontinue the Sprite, Root Beer, or Batman to make room for the Coke while keeping the Pepsi in production.

A White Gold Coke Before a Steel One?

If a ceramic Coke GMT is coming, Rolex may follow the same playbook they used for the Pepsi bezel: introducing it in white gold first before eventually rolling out a steel version.

In 2014, Rolex debuted the first Cerachrom Pepsi bezel on a white gold GMT-Master II, only expanding the option to steel in 2018. This allowed them to fine-tune the production of red ceramic before scaling up for a more accessible model.

If a white gold Coke were to replace the white gold Pepsi, it would make sense that a steel Coke could eventually replace a steel Pepsi down the line. Rolex typically doesn’t flood the market with too many bezel variations at once, so the idea of a “one in, one out” swap isn’t far-fetched.

What It Means for Collectors

A ceramic Coke GMT-Master II would be one of the most exciting Rolex releases in years. If Rolex phases out a current GMT-Master II model to make room for it, that outgoing reference—whether it’s the Pepsi, Sprite, Batman, or Root Beer—could instantly become more collectible.

If you want to brush up on the history of the Coke GMT before a potential re-release, check out our Coke GMT-Master Buying Guide for a deep dive into past references.

Whether a Coke GMT arrives in 2025 or 2030, Rolex’s newly revealed patent is the strongest indication yet that this bezel could make a comeback. Until then, all we can do is speculate—and wait for Watches and Wonders Geneva to see if this long-anticipated release finally becomes reality.

We’ll be covering all Rolex releases live from Watches & Wonders Geneva. Follow @everestbands on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date.