Here’s the latest on the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” situation.
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What happened: Rolex reportedly discontinued the GMT-Master II Pepsi (red-blue bezel) program, with authorised dealers told no further deliveries would be made. This marked a formal end to production for that specific bezel combination, triggering a sharp revaluation in the secondary market. This development was reported by multiple outlets in early 2026, including Handelszeitung, and echoed by market commentary and video analyses that discussed dealer notices and price movements. The broader press coverage in April 2026 highlighted Watches and Wonders 2026 as a pivot point where Rolex’s stance became clear to collectors.[1][2][3][4][9]
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Price impact: On the secondary market, Pepsi prices surged after the production halt, with sources noting prices rising from roughly £24,000 to around £25,100 in early 2026, and expectations that the rise could continue as supply tightens. Independent watch channels and marketplace analyses described “exploding” prices and scarcity on resale platforms following the announcement.[2][3][4][1]
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Market context: The Pepsi has long been one of Rolex’s most coveted models due to its iconic red/blue bezel. The move to discontinue aligns with broader industry attention on Rolex’s catalog shifts during major events like Watches and Wonders 2026, where the brand announced new models but omitted the Pepsi from the lineup, emphasizing the company’s selective product strategy tied to its centenary celebrations.[4][9]
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What collectors should consider: If you own a Pepsi, expect continued upward pressure on prices in the near term, especially for well-preserved pieces with complete provenance and box/papers. If you’re a buyer, be prepared for premium pricing and longer wait lists on newer Pepsi references if any reissues or replacements are announced later; as of Watches and Wonders 2026, no direct Pepsi replacement had been introduced, though Rolex rolled out other commemorative or new models.[9][4]
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Practical steps in Prague area: Check with authorized dealers for current availability, verify any waitlists, and compare secondary-market prices on reputable platforms to gauge fair value. Stay alert for official dealer communications and Rolex press notes from Watches and Wonders 2026 for any subsequent clarifications or new introductions.[1][4]
Illustration (example scenario): If a Pepsi sold for about £24k at the start of 2026 and rose to £25k+ after the halt, a buyer might see a 5–10% premium over similar GMT-Master II references (depending on condition and accessories), with potential further gains if supply remains tight and no immediate successor is announced.[4][1]
If you’d like, I can summarize the key price ranges from major markets (UK/US/EU) and track any new announcements as they emerge, or help you evaluate a specific Pepsi listing you’re considering. Please tell me your preferred region and whether you own or are buying as an investment.
Citations:
- Rolex Pepsi discontinuation and dealer notices[1]
- Market price movements and secondary-market behavior[3][2][1]
- Coverage from Watches and Wonders 2026 and related context[9][4]