Alright, folks, let me tell you about this little project I got into. It’s about making a Rolex GMT-Master II with that classic “Pepsi” bezel – you know, the red and blue one. I’ve always loved the look of that watch, but getting a real one? Forget about it! Way too expensive. So, I decided to try my hand at creating a knockoff, just for fun, of course.
First thing I did was look around online to see what the real deal was going for. I saw one listed for almost 25 grand! Can you believe that? For a watch! That’s when I knew I was definitely on the right track with this whole imitation thing. I mean, who has that kind of money to throw around?
Next, I started researching. I wanted to know everything about this watch. I found an old article comparing the steel Pepsi model with some white gold one from a few years back. Then I stumbled upon some watch collector’s forum, and man, those guys are serious! They were talking about all sorts of models, like the Submariner and Skydweller, but I just focused on the GMT-Master II stuff. Someone even posted about wanting to buy an Orient Mako2 pepsi watch. I thought “Why are we being tortured with an article about yet another Rolex timepiece that can’t easily be purchased?”
I learned that the new Pepsi bezel version is pretty much the same as the older ones, except for the color, obviously. It’s still got that 40mm case and some fancy Rolex 3186 movement. But honestly, I didn’t care much about the technical stuff, then I focused on what is a pepsi bezel. I just wanted it to look good, so I started looking for parts that would fit the bill.
Finding the Right Parts
This was the trickiest part, I gotta say. Finding parts that look like the real thing but don’t cost a fortune is a real challenge. I searched high and low, let me tell you. Finally, I found a few online stores that sold replica watch parts. Bingo! I ordered a case, a movement, and of course, that iconic red and blue Pepsi bezel. I even found some hands and a dial that looked pretty darn close to the original.
Putting It All Together
Once all the parts arrived, it was time to get to work. Now, I’m no watchmaker, but I’m pretty handy. I watched a bunch of videos online and read some tutorials. It was definitely a learning experience, that’s for sure. I messed up a few times, but eventually, I got it all put together.
The Final Product
And you know what? It turned out pretty good! I mean, it’s not going to fool any serious watch collector, but for a homemade knockoff, it’s not bad at all. It’s got that classic Pepsi look, and it actually keeps time pretty well. I’ve been wearing it around, and I’ve even gotten a few compliments on it. People ask me where I got it, and I just tell them it’s a “special edition.”
So, there you have it. That’s the story of how I made my own Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi bezel watch. It was a fun little project, and I learned a lot along the way. Plus, I saved myself about 25 grand! Not a bad deal, if you ask me.
- Main Takeaway: It’s possible to make a decent-looking Rolex GMT-Master II imitation without spending a fortune.
- Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different parts.
- Lesson Learned: Patience is key when working with small, delicate watch parts.
I followed a guide about how to master this imitation. Overall, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It’s a fun conversation starter, and it’s a reminder that you don’t always need to spend a ton of money to get something you like. Sometimes, a little bit of DIY spirit is all you need.
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