Been messing around with watches for a while now, and I’ve always been a sucker for that classic Rolex look. So, I decided to try my hand at building a “homage” to the GMT-Master II with the Pepsi bezel – you know, the red and blue one. It’s a real looker, and I figured, why not give it a shot?
Getting Started
First things first, I needed to gather all the parts. This was a bit of a treasure hunt, scouring the internet for the best deals and the right pieces. I didn’t want to break the bank, but I also wanted something that felt solid and looked the part. Some websites were selling this stuff for dirt cheap, but the quality was super dodgy, I wanted something better than that.
The Build
- Case: I found a decent stainless steel case that had a similar shape and size to the real deal. It wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough for my liking.
- Movement: This was the tricky part. I opted for a reliable automatic movement. It’s not a Rolex movement, obviously, but it keeps time pretty well.
- Bezel: Getting that iconic Pepsi bezel was key. I managed to find a ceramic one that had the right colors and markings. It snapped onto the case pretty easily, which was a relief.
- Dial and Hands: I went for a classic black dial with luminous markers and hands. Nothing too fancy, just something that looked clean and functional.
- Bracelet: I found a stainless steel bracelet that matched the case pretty well. It’s got that oyster-style look, which I’m a big fan of.
Putting it All Together
Once I had all the parts, it was time to assemble the watch. This was where things got a little hairy. I’m no watchmaker, but I’ve got a basic set of tools and I’m pretty handy. I watched a bunch of videos online and took my time, making sure everything was lined up and secure. Some parts were not compatible with each other, so I had to buy different parts to replace them, but I kept going.
The Result
After a few hours of tinkering, I finally had a finished product. And you know what? It looked pretty damn good! It’s not a real Rolex, of course, and it doesn’t have that same level of craftsmanship, but it’s a solid homage that captures the spirit of the GMT-Master II. And for a fraction of the price, I’m pretty happy with it. After I finished the watch, I sold some of the unused parts on the internet, so I got some of my money back from this project.
It’s been a fun project, and I’ve learned a lot about watches in the process. I mean, who wouldn’t want a Pepsi on their wrist? This way, I get the look without having to sell a kidney. Plus, I can proudly say I kinda put this bad boy together myself!
Would I do it again? Probably. It’s a bit of a hassle, but the end result is worth it. If you’re thinking about trying something like this, I say go for it. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and don’t expect perfection. Just enjoy the process of creating something unique, something that turns heads, without emptying your wallet.
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