Is Pepsi Rolex Discontinued? The Definitive Guide to the GMT-Master “Pepsi”

The short answer is no—the Rolex “Pepsi” (officially the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO) is not discontinued as of 2025. However, confusion persists due to past production pauses, material changes, and the watch’s legendary scarcity. This pillar page provides a comprehensive, authoritative overview of the Pepsi Rolex’s history, current status, subtleties of its discontinuation rumors, and everything a collector or buyer needs to know.
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## Topic Map: What This Page Covers
1. **What Is the Rolex “Pepsi”?**
– Defining the iconic bezel and model
2. **Is the Pepsi Rolex Discontinued? (Current Status)**
– Official Rolex stance and market reality
3. **History of the Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi: A Timeline**
– Key references and discontinuations (1675, 16700, 116710BLRO, 126710BLRO)
4. **Why Do People Think It’s Discontinued?**
– Common misconceptions and production pauses
5. **The Pepsi vs. Batman vs. Coke vs. Root Beer: Comparison**
– Differentiating the modern GMT bezels
6. **Current Production and Availability (2025)**
– Where to buy, waiting lists, and secondary market pricing
7. **Future of the Pepsi Rolex**
– Rumors of ceramic updates, steel vs. precious metal
8. **Collecting Advice and Investment Potential**
– Value retention, condition, and rarity
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## 1. What Is the Rolex “Pepsi”?
The “Pepsi” nickname refers to the Rolex GMT-Master’s signature red and blue bidirectional rotating bezel—a color scheme that debuted in 1954 to aid pilots in tracking a second time zone. Over the decades, the model has evolved through:
– **Steel cases** (most iconic)
– **White gold** (brief period)
– **Ceramic (Cerachrom) bezels** (from 2014 onward)
The modern reference **126710BLRO** features a 40mm Oystersteel case, Jubilee bracelet, and a ceramic bezel in red/blue. It is currently in production.
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Learn about the original 1954 GMT-Master ref. 6542 in [our history of Rolex travel watches](https://example.com/rolex-gmt-history).”
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## 2. Is the Pepsi Rolex Discontinued? (Current Status)
**No, the Pepsi Rolex is not discontinued.** As of 2025, Rolex continues to produce the steel GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO. However, several factors fuel the misconception:
– **Rolex does not announce discontinuations**—models simply vanish from the catalog at Baselworld or during annual releases.
– **Production is extremely limited**, creating a perception of mythical scarcity.
– **Past discontinuations of Pepsi variants** (e.g., the white gold ref. 116719BLRO in 2019) add to confusion.
**Official confirmation:** The 126710BLRO remains listed on Rolex’s website and is regularly updated (e.g., new clasp technology in 2023).
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Compare current Rolex sports model availability in [our 2025 Rolex catalog guide](https://example.com/rolex-2025-catalog).”
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## 3. History of the Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi: A Timeline
Understanding which Pepsis have actually been discontinued requires a clear chronological breakdown:
| Reference | Years Produced | Bezel Material | Status Now |
|———————|—————————|———————-|—————————–|
| 6542 (original) | 1954–1959 | Bakelite/acrylic | **Discontinued** |
| 1675 | 1959–1980 | Aluminum | **Discontinued** |
| 16750 | 1981–1988 | Aluminum | **Discontinued** |
| 16700 | 1988–1999 | Aluminum | **Discontinued** |
| 16710 (Pepsi) | 1989–2007 | Aluminum | **Discontinued** (ended production 2007) |
| 116719BLRO (white gold)| 2014–2019 | Cerachrom (ceramic) | **Discontinued** (replaced by 126719BLRO in 2019) |
| **126710BLRO (steel)** | **2018–present** | **Cerachrom** | **Still in production** |
**Key takeaway:** The classic aluminum Pepsi (16710) was discontinued in 2007—this is often misremembered as the death of the Pepsi. The ceramic steel version is alive and well.
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Read a full vintage vs. modern comparison in [our Rolex GMT-Master model guide](https://example.com/gmt-master-generations).”
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## 4. Why Do People Think It’s Discontinued?
Several overlapping reasons fuel the persistent rumor:
– **The 2018 reintroduction surprise:** Rolex stopped making the steel Pepsi in 2007, then brought it back in 2018 as the 126710BLRO. Many assumed it was a limited run.
– **Rolex’s secrecy:** No official launch events or discontinuation notices; watches appear and vanish without fanfare.
– **Supply vs. demand:** Authorized dealers often claim “discontinued” to justify massive markups or waiting lists.
– **Influencer speculation:** YouTubers and forums repeatedly hypothesize discontinuation based on minor production delays.
**Reality check:** Rolex has no financial reason to kill its most iconic colorway in steel. The Pepsi is a cornerstone of its sport watch lineup.
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Separate fact from fiction in [our article on common Rolex myths](https://example.com/rolex-myths-debunked).”
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## 5. The Pepsi vs. Batman vs. Coke vs. Root Beer: Comparison
A critical subtopic for buyers deciding between GMT models:
| Model (Nickname) | Reference | Bezel Colors | Material | Discontinued? |
|———————-|————-|————————|——————–|———————|
| **Pepsi (current)** | 126710BLRO | Red/Blue | Steel + ceramic | **No** |
| Batman | 126710BLNR | Blue/Black | Steel + ceramic | **No** |
| Coke | 16710 (old) | Red/Black | Steel + aluminum | **Yes** (2007) |
| Root Beer | 126715CHNR | Brown/Black | Everose gold | **No** (white gold version discontinued) |
**Note:** The ceramic “Coke” (black/red) does not exist in production—only vintage aluminum models. Many think the Coke is discontinued, but it was never reissued in ceramic.
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Which GMT bezel is right for you? See [our bezel color guide](https://example.com/rolex-gmt-bezel-colors).”
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## 6. Current Production and Availability (2025)
**Production status:** Active. Rolex manufactures the 126710BLRO in two bracelet options: Jubilee (standard) and Oyster (introduced 2021).
**Availability:**
– **Retail:** Almost impossible to buy at an authorized dealer without a significant purchase history. Waitlists are years long.
– **Pre-owned market:** Prices hover around **$18,000–$22,000 USD** (as of early 2025), nearly double the retail price of ~$10,700.
– **New variants:** In 2024, Rolex added a **left-handed (destro) Pepsi** with the crown on the left side—a highly limited collector piece.
**Why so scarce?** Rolex limits production to maintain exclusivity and demand. The Pepsi is one of the most sought-after models globally.
> **Internal link opportunity:** “Check [our pre-owned Pepsi price tracker](https://example.com/rolex-pepsi-price-trends) for real-time market data.”
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## 7. Future of the Pepsi Rolex
Speculation is constant, but likely future scenarios based on Rolex’s pattern:
– **Material upgrades:** Possibly a titanium case (as seen in the Yacht-Master 42) or a new ceramic formula.
– **Movement updates:** The current 3285 calibre may receive improved accuracy or power reserve (currently 70 hours).
– **Discontinuation risk:** Low for the steel variant. If Rolex ever kills the Pepsi, it will likely be when a new generation of bezel technology replaces ceramic (not soon).
– **Limited editions:** Watch for special anniversary models (100th anniversary of Rolex in 2028?).
**Insider tip:** Rolex rarely discontinues a model that is selling at a 100% premium. The Pepsi is their cash cow.
> **Internal link opportunity:**