Watch Paparazzi

Actor Tom Cruise spotted wearing Rolex

Tom Cruise was recently photographed wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126719BLRO, the white gold iteration of one of watchmaking's most iconic dual-time-zone instruments. The sighting puts a spotlight on a reference that occupies a genuinely unusual position in Rolex's catalogue — luxurious yet utilitarian in its original DNA.

The GMT-Master lineage traces back to 1955, developed in partnership with Pan American World Airways to meet the needs of transatlantic pilots tracking multiple time zones simultaneously. The 126719BLRO, introduced at Baselworld 2019, continues that tradition while elevating the formula entirely. Its 40mm Oystersteel case is replaced by 18k white gold, paired with a matching white gold Oyster bracelet. The bi-directional rotatable bezel carries the signature red-and-blue Cerachrom ceramic insert — the colorway collectors have long called 'Pepsi' — in a combination that reads simultaneously dressy and purposeful. The blue lacquered dial houses a red GMT hand, reinforcing the bezel's two-tone language. At its core sits the Calibre 3285, a manufacture movement offering a 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, and Parachrom hairspring — among the most technically accomplished movements currently in series production.

From a collector standpoint, the 126719BLRO occupies a singular niche. White gold Rolex sports references are historically rare; the reference sits above even the steel 126710BLRO 'Pepsi' in terms of exclusivity, and unlike yellow or Everose gold GMT variants produced previously, the white gold execution is a relative newcomer with limited production history. That scarcity, combined with the perennial desirability of the Pepsi colorway, gives this reference a collector profile that few Rolex references can match.

Tom Cruise has long demonstrated a genuine affinity for functional, high-specification watches — consistent with someone who holds a private pilot's licence and has documented his real-world aviation experiences. A GMT-Master II, purpose-built for dual-timezone tracking, is not an arbitrary choice for a figure who routinely crosses multiple time zones on film shoots and press tours.

At a retail price of $40,600 USD, the 126719BLRO sits at the upper end of the GMT-Master II range. On the grey market, demand consistently pushes values above retail, reflecting both restricted boutique availability and the enduring global appetite for the Pepsi configuration in any metal.