Securing the Rolex GMT-Master II 'Pidan'

From 'Cement Grey' to 'Pidan': A Rolex Hunt in Macau

Every watch enthusiast knows the thrill of walking into an Authorized Dealer (AD) with a specific reference in mind, only to be told it's been discontinued for years. That's exactly what happened to one collector during a recent trip to Macau. His target? The Rolex GMT-Master II in the much-coveted 'Cement Grey' dial configuration. But as he soon learned, the grey-dial GMT had been out of production for some time, despite persistent rumors of 'new old stock' with same-day warranty cards circulating in the grey market.

The Unexpected Warmth of Rolex Sales Staff

Despite the disappointment, the experience at the Rolex boutique was surprisingly pleasant. The sales associate, far from the stereotypically aloof Rolex employee, invited him in for a try-on. During the conversation, he shifted his focus to the 'Pidan' (皮蛋圈) – the nickname for the two-tone black-and-grey Cerachrom bezel on the GMT-Master II ref. 126713GRNR. The 'Pidan' moniker comes from the resemblance to the preserved egg, a Chinese delicacy with a dark, translucent jelly-like appearance. The sales associate noted that this model was indeed available, and the collector left his name and number for both the 126713 and its steel counterpart, the 126503.

Next-Day Call: Both References Available

To his surprise, the very next day, the boutique called to say both the 126503 and 126713 were in stock. He decided to go with the 126713, the two-tone Everose gold and Oystersteel version, and his initial skepticism about two-tone watches quickly evaporated. 'I used to think two-tone bracelets or steel bracelets looked old-fashioned,' he admitted, 'but now I find them quite attractive. Maybe I'm getting old?'

Why the Rolex 126713GRNR 'Pidan' Is Worth a Second Look

The GMT-Master II ref. 126713GRNR is a fascinating piece. It combines the robust Oystersteel case with a two-tone Jubilee bracelet featuring Everose gold links, creating a dressier look than the all-steel versions. The black and grey Cerachrom bezel, which gives it the 'Pidan' nickname, is subtle yet distinctive, and pairs beautifully with the black dial. This is a watch that works equally well in a boardroom or at a weekend gathering.

Availability and Buying Tips

While the 'Cement Grey' (ref. 126711CHNR is often confused, but the grey-dial 126719BLRO is a different story) has been discontinued, the 'Pidan' 126713 remains in production and is becoming more available at ADs, especially in tourist-friendly cities like Macau.
Registering your interest at multiple ADs can increase your chances. Be polite and specific about the reference you want.
If you see a 'new old stock' grey-dial GMT with a same-day warranty card, be cautious – it's likely a grey-market piece with a premium, not an AD purchase.
Consider trying on both the 126503 (steel) and 126713 (two-tone) to see which suits your style. The two-tone adds a touch of luxury that photos often don't capture.

Authenticity and Verification

As with any high-value Rolex purchase, ensure you buy from an Authorized Dealer or a reputable grey-market seller. Check the warranty card, serial numbers, and the watch's overall finishing. At USAONE WATCHES, we emphasize the importance of verifying authenticity before committing. This collector's experience highlights that persistence and a friendly attitude can pay off, even in the world of hard-to-get Rolexes.