What to do if you want a Pepsi, but you don’t want to wait?

Russell Sheldrake

Waiting lists suck, and there’s no other way to describe them. But they have become a reality of this hobby for so many of us, and so in the spirit of finding solutions where it seems like there are none, I’ve compiled a list of watches I think could scratch that itch of a GMT-Master Pepsi without having to put your name down on a seemingly never-ending list. And even better, these red and blue bezel watches all come in at different price points. So if you just fancy getting something more accessible for now while you wait for the eventual phone call, some of these might be perfect.

Q Timex GMT

I’m a big fan of the way Timex democratised watch design, with an almost singular ability to make iconic designs in a sensitive yet original way that doesn’t aim to harm to original, but rather pay homage to it and introduce it to another market segment altogether. And that’s exactly what the Q Timex GMT does. It takes the ever-recognisable Pepsi GMT look, gives it a Timex twist, and then offers it at an affordable price. Price: US$229

Lorier Hyperion

This one is for those who don’t fancy the new, ceramic GMT-Master II, but have always had their eye on a vintage GMT-Master. The Lorier Hyperion brings that old-world charm thanks to the gilt details on the dial, thin bezel, and hesalite crystal. But instead of having to battle it out at auction or remortgage the house, this Miyota-run GMT keeps its price well within three figures. Pair that with the flat, five link bracelet, and sharp, pointed lugs, this watch could have time travelled from a previous generation. Price: US$599

Baltic Aquascaphe GMT

It’s French, it’s fresh, and on a slim beads of rice bracelet. As alternatives to the GMT-Master II go, I’m stretching the very notion of the American drink here, as the red on the Aquascaphe bezel is, well, orange. But what the heck, just have a look at the fresh pop it makes, surrounding a classic skin diver dial. Here, the Baltic Aquascaphe has strayed from the usual Pepsi colour scheme and instead presents a delicate navy for the top half (night) of the bezel and a zingy orange for daytime. An intricately etched caseback helps you navigate the time zones of the globe. Price US$993

Bulgari Aluminium GMT

This is probably the watch that falls furthest away from the standard GMT formula that has been set by the GMT-Master. The Bulgari Aluminium is possibly one of the most underrated designs in modern watchmaking. Its lightweight case, articulated bracelet, and bold branding help make it stand out from the crowd. And when you throw in the added functionality of a GMT with that classic red and blue colour combination, it makes this version a tempting offer. Price: US$3,700

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Is this the most obvious choice? It’s no secret that Tudor has built a massive following ever since its burgundy-bezelled Black Bay debuted, and we have forgotten what a huge turnaround this was for the brand. From the poor man’s Rolex to having close-to-Rolex waiting lists for the Black Bay 58, the Black Bay GMT almost feels like a Rolex with another name. While there has been plenty of love showered on the new Black Bay 58 GMT that came out earlier this year, that still doesn’t come in the iconic Pepsi colours. So, while the original may be a little larger, it still has to make an appearance on this list. Price: US$3,780

The original

You might find it hyped, ubiquitous and topped by a prohibitively long waiting list. But still, the GMT-Master II Ref.126710 BLRO is for many a proper grail watch and epitomises the Crown’s catalogue of sports watches. Within the confines of a sleek, comfortable 40mm case in the warmth of 904L steel alloy, the comfort is sublime. It will take you all of five seconds with it on your wrist to appreciate Rolex’s unique brand of horological evolution. This story, however, is about finding an alternative to this, no matter how (very, very) comfortably it sits on your wrist, and how almost liquid the Cerachrom bezel makes the rich colours of day and night materialise. Price: US$9,350