SwissWatchExpo Blog Time to Know: Explore the Brands Decoding the GRNR: A Full Guide to Rolex’s Black & Grey GMT-Master II (Steel, Rolesor, & Gold)

Decoding the GRNR: A Full Guide to Rolex’s Black & Grey GMT-Master II (Steel, Rolesor, & Gold)

A close-up of the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR on an Oyster bracelet, focusing on the black dial, green GMT hand, and black and grey bezel.

In the watch world, few things cause a stir like a new color for the Rolex GMT-Master II. While the vibrant “Pepsi” and “Batman” bezels are icons, Rolex has introduced a sophisticated player in recent years: a subtle Black Grey GMT-Master II.

This bezel, designated “GRNR” (for Gris/Noir, or Grey/Black), has quickly formed a new trilogy of watches. It started with precious metals in 2023 and culminated in the most anticipated release of 2024: the stainless steel version.

Almost immediately, the steel model earned a perfect nickname: the “Bruce Wayne.”

Compared to the head-turning “Batman”, the Black Grey GMT-Master II is darker, more understated, and all about stealthy, sophisticated elegance. It’s the billionaire alter-ego, not the caped crusader.

Let’s decode the entire GRNR family.

 

Two stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II GRNR watches side-by-side, comparing the three-link Oyster bracelet on the left with the five-link Jubilee bracelet on the right.
A side-by-side comparison of the two bracelet options for the steel 126710GRNR: the sporty, three-link Oyster bracelet (left) and the more formal, five-link Jubilee bracelet (right).

The Steel “Bruce Wayne”: The Black Grey GMT-Master II (Ref. 126710GRNR)

This is the one everyone was waiting for. Introduced in 2024, the 126710GRNR finally brings the new black and grey Cerachrom bezel to the classic stainless steel case.

This isn’t a replacement for its colorful siblings. It’s a new option for the collector who wants the legendary GMT function in a more versatile, monochromatic package. The grey (day) and black (night) bezel is professional, pairs with anything, and flies perfectly under the radar.

A key detail on this new Black Grey GMT-Master II is the splash of color: the “GMT-Master II” text and the 24-hour hand are in a vibrant green, giving it a unique character.

Key Feature: The 126710GRNR is offered on both the five-link Jubilee bracelet and the sporty, three-link Oyster bracelet, giving buyers a choice right out of the gate.

 

Shop Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne Watch


 

A close-up of the full 18k yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II 126718GRNR, highlighting the black and grey bezel with gold numerals and the matching Jubilee bracelet.
The solid 18k yellow gold version (ref. 126718GRNR) represents the peak of luxury in the GRNR lineup, featuring numerals and markings on the bezel in matching yellow gold.

The Origin Story: The 2023 Precious Metal Models

Before we got the “people’s” steel version, Rolex introduced the GRNR bezel in 2023 on two precious metal models. This “gold-first” strategy immediately established the black and grey bezel as a luxurious and refined choice.

The Full Gold (Ref. 126718GRNR) 

The 126718GRNR features a solid 18k yellow gold case and is paired exclusively with a matching yellow gold Jubilee bracelet. Historically, the five-link Jubilee was reserved for Rolex’s dressier lines like the Datejust. While it has recently appeared on steel GMTs, seeing it in full, heavy yellow gold on a modern sports watch is a significant statement of luxury. This bracelet, known for its supple comfort and intricate, light-catching links, is secured with a robust Oysterlock safety clasp and includes the practical Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link.

The combination of the warm, heavy gold with the cool, neutral black and grey bezel creates a watch of pure, unadulterated luxury.

The Rolesor (Ref. 126713GRNR)

The classic “two-tone” Rolesor model, the 126713GRNR, combines Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. This reference is often called the “Bumblebee,” a fitting name given its distinct black and yellow color palette; but it has also earned the nickname “Zombie” among some collectors, likely due to the moody monochromatic tones of the grey and black bezel.

Like its full-gold sibling, this model was also introduced on a two-tone Jubilee bracelet. It strikes a perfect balance between everyday sportiness and timeless luxury.

 

A detailed shot of the two-tone Yellow Rolesor Rolex GMT-Master II 126713GRNR, showing the black and grey bezel, black dial, and steel and yellow gold Jubilee bracelet.
The Yellow Rolesor model (ref. 126713GRNR) combines Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold, offering a classic two-tone aesthetic for the modern black and grey GMT.

 

Shop Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold Watches


 

The complete Rolex GMT-Master II GRNR family shown in a lineup: the two-tone Rolesor on an Oyster bracelet, the stainless steel on a Jubilee bracelet, and the full yellow gold on an Oyster bracelet.
The full black and grey bezel collection. From left to right: the two-tone Yellow Rolesor (126713GRNR), the stainless steel (126710GRNR), and the solid 18k yellow gold (126718GRNR).

Why This Watch Matters: The “GRNR” Family

So, what do all three of these Black Grey GMT-Master II models have in common? Besides the bezel, they all share the same modern Rolex GMT engine.

Core Specs (All Models):

Movement: Calibre 3285 (in-house automatic)

Power Reserve: ~70 hours

Case Size: 40 mm

Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

Dial: Black lacquer, with a green 24-hour hand and green “GMT-Master II” text

 

Shop Rolex GMT-Master II Watches


 

An angled view of the stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR, featuring the black and grey Cerachrom bezel, a black dial with a green GMT hand, and a five-link Jubilee bracelet.
The stainless steel GMT-Master II (ref. 126710GRNR) on the elegant Jubilee bracelet. This model introduced the new black and grey bezel to the steel sports collection.

Final Thoughts

The “Bruce Wayne” and its precious metal brothers represent a brilliant new direction for the GMT-Master II line. It’s a watch that doesn’t need to shout for attention. It’s confident, mature, and arguably the most versatile GMT Rolex has produced in a decade. The full GRNR trilogy—in steel, two-tone, and full gold—is complete, solidifying the Black Grey GMT-Master II as a pillar in the Rolex sports catalog.

While the GRNR represents the latest in Rolex innovation, it’s just one of many icons. Whether this guide confirmed your love for the Black Grey GMT-Master II or sparked your interest in another legendary model, your journey doesn’t have to end here.

We invite you to explore our vast, curated selection of certified Best Quality , pre-owned timepieces from Rolex and the world’s top watch brands. Visit SwissWatchExpo.com to find the watch that’s waiting for you.

 

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