You might be thinking, “I didn’t know Pepsi made watches.” And while you’re right, Pepsi themselves is not a watchmaker; their brand colors have inspired a trendy and timeless watch design. A Pepsi watch is simply one whose bezel resembles the famous red and blue logo, with each color rimming each half of the watch’s bezel. But why is this such a timeless and classic look for watches?
Pepsi Watches and the Rolex Brand
Rolex first developed the iconic Pepsi watch in 1955 for pilots, a revered member of society who could navigate the newest type of civilian travel: airplanes. Air travel in the 1950s was an event reserved for the elite, and to further Rolex’s name as a status symbol, this exclusive watch design was first piloted on Pan Am pilots. This specific Rolex Model, the GMT Master, allowed pilots to use a 24hour bezel and a bright fourth hand to tell the time in two different time zones. It then became the official watch for all Pan Am pilots. This project became an extensive marketing campaign for Rolex, who now sought the everyday traveler as the GMT Master’s customer.
Rolex released a subsequent model in 1982: the GMT Master II and 2021’s GMT Master II. And while Rolex is the top name in watch brands overall, many other great watchmakers adopted similar designs to give their own watches this instantly recognizable look. We’ll cover some of the best Pepsi bezel watches available in 2021 and see how they stack up against the original Rolex GMT Master II.
The Bet Pepsi Watches in 2021 (priced highest to lowest)
1. Rolex GMT Master II
This watch had to be top of the list, as it is the watch that started it all in terms of design and the dual time zone functionality. The 2021 version features a trademark ceramic of Rolex’s, making the bezel extremely durable. The bezel in this updated design also comes in a variety of colors, in addition to the classic red and blue: you can also choose from blue and black or brown and black. With the GMT Master II, you can, of course, have two time zones displayed at once. This is the most expensive option on our list of Pepsi-style watches but comes with the unrivaled quality and accuracy of the Rolex name.
2. Seiko Prospex X Padi SRPA21
Unlike the Rolex GMT watch, The Seiko Prospex X Padi unidirectional rotating bezel offers second markers rather than 24-hour-markers. This sturdy stainless-steel watch is a sportier type (from Seiko’s Diver line of watches) with water resistance up to 200m, deployment clasp, and hardlex crystal over the deep blue dial.
3. Seiko Prospex SRP779K1
Your choices between Seiko’s different diver watches and Pepsi bezels give you variety in terms of band/strap type, case size, and dial color. This Prospex iteration offers a black dial enhanced by silver hour markers and a partial Pepsi bezel also with silver markers. Your decision may just come down to the strap type, and this version offers a comfortable and sporty rubber wristband available in several colors or a stainless steel band.
4. Timex 39mm Waterbury Traditional GMT Watch
Timex is one of the leading watch brands when it comes to balancing budget with style, functions, and features. The Waterbury GMT presents the classic blue and red bezel with 24-hour markers for dual time zone capabilities. While it doesn’t weigh in quite as light as some of its pricier competitors, it does offer an affordable way to enhance your travels and style all at once.
$189
5. Q Timex Reissue 38mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Unlike the Waterbury GMT, this Timex bracelet watch offers a blue and red bezel encased with an elegantly corrugated stainless-steel case. Further elegance is added via the Reissue’s woven stainless-steel bracelet and the case’s smaller 38mm size.
6. Mathey-Tissot Vintage Quartz
The Vintage Quartz from Mathey-Tissot is one of the more affordable Swiss-made watch brands and is one of the simplest designs on our list of Pepsi bezel watches. The black dial is offset by silver hands and details, along with the bright colors of the bezel. All the watch’s details pop through its 42mm case and silver-tone stainless steel band. The quartz movement accurately tracks dates, hours, minutes, and seconds.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Model 1771
You do not have to break the bank for a good quality diver or Pepsi bezel watch. In fact, you can get a stylish one from Invicta’s Pro Diver line for under $100. The Model 1771 features a Japanese quartz movement to power the luminous hands, which rest over a navy-blue dial. The detailed dial features a chronograph and is encased by scratch-resistant crystal. Overall, the versatility of this watch for sport, function, and fashion makes it a solid option at an unbeatable price.
$49.90
Now you’ve seen some great watches for men, why not take a look at some stunning Rolex watches for the lady in your life?
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Last Updated on February 3, 2022
Bernadette has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (where she lives). She has a passion for writing and we like her contribution and style to our blog. Bernadette loves the outdoors and things like hiking, camping, and biking. Wishing she could travel more.
Bernadette is an editor, writer and proofreader for Superwatches. Currently lives in Alberta Canada.