Discover why the Rolex GMT-Master is one of the brand’s most popular watches at the Time Zone to Time Zone exhibition

If you have ever wondered why the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master is such a cosmopolitan icon that holds such esteem and value, all you have to do is head down to the Time Zone to Time Zone exhibition at Paragon presented by Rolex and Cortina Watch.

Held at Paragon’s Level 1 main atrium from Oct 24 to Nov 2, the show celebrates the professional tool watch that accompanied the rise of commercial aviation and globetrotters, and how it has become a symbol of humanity’s ongoing journey of exploration and connection. For jet-setting Singaporeans who prize both functionality and style, there is perhaps no better watch than the Rolex GMT-Master, a versatile daily timekeeper that is still in high demand today.

Launched in 1955, the Rolex GMT-Master was created in response to the dawning era of intercontinental travel, when pilots and adventurers began crossing time zones with ease. Thanks to its precise movement and 24-hour hand, wearers could easily and reliably read a second time zone. From the very beginning, this model’s distinctive two-colour, 24-hour graduated bezel reflected the advancements of its time.

At this exhibition, thematic panels depict key milestones highlighting the technical and design evolution of the historic GMT-Master and its modern descendent, the GMT-Master II, which was introduced in 1982. From Plexiglas to aluminium to ceramic bezels, from the debut calibre 1036 GMT to the current calibre 3285 movement, from the increasing luminscence of the Chromalight display, and the bracelet design iterations, there is so much to learn.

In fact, the 1982 calibre 3085 introduced an independently adjustable hour hand, which was a breakthrough that coincided with the renaming of the watch as the GMT Master-II.

Naturally, the human endeavour in excellence demonstrated by Rolex resonates with an international community of like-minded explorers, aviators, artists, and wanderers. Visitors will uncover the early stories of famous figures who, with the GMT-Master on their wrist, shaped the history of flight.

And through personal accounts from contemporary personalities, one will discover that even after leaving the cockpit, the watch’s legendary status as the ultimate contemporary travel companion continues to flourish as a bridge between people.

While the experience concludes with a short documentary film that traces the fascinating path of the GMT-Master, we are sure that it is just the beginning for both seasoned collectors and the mere curious. Various available versions of the GMT-Master II — whether in Oystersteel, yellow Rolesor, or 18ct yellow gold — will be on display. Best of all, Time Zone to Time Zone is free to enter from 10am to 9pm daily.