It doesn’t take the watch-collecting community long to assign nicknames to new watches with interesting design elements, and that’s exactly what they did with the two-tone GMT Master II ref. 126713GNRN, also known as the “Rolex Zombie.” The most notable feature is the black and grey “Zombie” bezel, which many find more understated than its more colorful counterparts. Adding yellow gold, a finish absent from the GMT lineup since 2018, to the mix has made this watch one of the most talked-about sports watches in recent years. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Zombie’s design, how it got its nickname, current prices, and more.
Key Takeaways
- The Rolex Zombie is the nickname for the GMT-Master II reference 126713GRNR.
- Rolex officially launched the watch at Watches and Wonders 2023.
- The model is made of Rolesor, combining Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold.
- Its defining characteristic is the black and grey Cerachrom bezel, which stands in contrast to the warm gold elements.
- The name “Zombie” comes from the muted, almost lifeless grey color on the bezel, especially when compared to Rolex’s more vibrant GMT bezels.
- Some collectors also call it the “Bumblebee” because of the black and yellow gold color combination.
Read on to learn more about the 126713GRNR’s features as well as the story behind its nickname and how it performs on the pre-owned market.
What is the Rolex Zombie? The Official Reference and Design Details
Rolex released the GMT Master II in 1982 following the original GMT Master from the 1950s. The difference between the two collections is that the GMT Master II has an independent GMT hand. Fast-forward to 2023 and the release of the Yellow Rolesor ref. 126713GRNR. This model marked the highly anticipated return of yellow gold in the collection and also introduced a new ceramic bezel colorway: black and grey. The unique color scheme quickly became a hot topic among collectors.
The Zombie is a 40mm Rolex in two-tone or “Rolesor” as Rolex calls it. 18k yellow gold adorns the bezel, crown and center links, while the rest of the watch is in durable 904L-grade Oystersteel. It’s also important to note that as a current GMT ref. 126713 uses the caliber 3285 with an impressive 70-hour power reserve, and is a Superlative Chronometer, so it’s certified by Rolex to be accurate within two seconds per day.
Key Specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Reference Number | 126713GRNR |
| Year Introduced | 2023 |
| Case Diameter | 40mm |
| Material | Yellow Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18k Yellow Gold) |
| Bezel | Bidirectional, 24-hour graduated Black and Grey Cerachrom insert |
| Movement | Calibre 3285 (Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding GMT) |
| Bracelet | Jubilee (Standard) |
Why is the Rolex GMT-Master II Nicknamed the “Zombie”?
Rolex has never officially named any of its watches. Names such as Pepsi, Batman and Root Beer are all terms created by the collector community. In fact there is a long history of nicknames in the collector community based on visual cues. The Zombie is no different, the nickname is inspired by the color of the grey used on the bottom section of the bezel insert.
The grey half of the Cerachrom bezel is the primary inspiration for the Zombie nickname. In comparison to more vivid hues like blue, red and green on other GMT-Master IIs, this grey color is much more muted and seems devoid of life, hence the Zombie nickname. Bright yellow gold makes the grey appear even more muted. The nickname Zombie emerged on collecting forums like Reddit because it aptly described the watch’s unique visual contrast.
Another nickname you will hear from collectors for this watch is “Bumblebee”. The Bumblebee name is inspired by the black and yellow gold color combination as opposed to the grey. Both are accurate for the reference but the Zombie nickname has become more prevalent because it more specifically describes what makes this particular GMT stand out.
Rolex Zombie Price, Availability, and Investment Potential
As with other highly desirable Rolex sports watches, retail availability of the Zombie watch is going to be a challenge. Rolex boutiques usually have a long waiting list for any GMT-Master II reference and the 126713GRNR is no different. When it was introduced at Watches and Wonders 2023, the excitement surrounding it from the collector community had to do with the fact that it was an interesting new twist on a two-tone GMT recipe. The demand that was created at launch, coupled with Rolex’s distribution strategy, has made a Rolex boutique walk-in purchase unlikely for most.
The secondary market is another way to buy the Zombie, but it usually costs more than retail. Pre-owned prices are usually higher because demand is strong and supply is limited. Collectors who don’t want to wait or want a watch right away often go this route.
Market Performance and Secondary Pricing (2024/2025)
Here’s a quick look at current market prices for the Rolex Zombie. Remember, prices can change depending on the watch’s condition, whether it comes with box and papers and overall market trends.
| Metric | Detail |
| Official MSRP (approx.) | ~$18,500 USD |
| Pre-Owned Market Price | ~$18,000 – $22,000 USD |
| Investment Outlook | Strong, holding a premium above retail |
Is the Rolex Zombie a Good Investment?
We always say you shouldn’t buy a watch just as an investment but the Rolex Zombie does have good potential to hold value in the long term. Since it’s a newer GMT, there aren’t as many on the secondary market compared to other, more established models. Plus, its unique nickname is already popular with collectors, and watches with memorable names often stay in demand.
Two-tone Rolexes have become popular again after years of stainless steel models leading the market. Pairing gold with steel gives these watches a sporty yet elegant look that appeals to a lot of buyers. The Zombie stands out even more because of its unique bezel colors. With the reliable caliber 3285 movement and Rolex’s strong reputation, we think the 126713GRNR is likely to hold its value or even appreciate over time.
Comparing the Rolex Zombie to Other Popular GMT Nicknames
The GMT-Master II family includes several watches with established collector nicknames. Understanding how the Zombie fits into this landscape can help clarify what makes each model special.
- Zombie vs. Bumblebee: Zombie and Bumblebee are two different names for the same watch: ref. 126713GRNR. The difference is a matter of emphasis: when people say Zombie, they are referring to the grey part of the bezel, and when they say Bumblebee, they are referring to the black and gold elements of the watch. However, in usage Zombie has come to be the more common name for this specific 2-tone grey and black colorway.
- Zombie vs. Root Beer: Root Beer is a nickname for GMT-Master and GMT-Master II models that have brown and black bezels (also cream and gold tones on older models), and often (but not always) with two-tone finishes. Zombie and Root Beer are similar but have different color aesthetics: the grey and black bezel of the Zombie has a cooler, more modern feel, while the brown and black of the Root Beer have a warmer, earthier feel.
- Zombie vs. Bruce Wayne: “Bruce Wayne” is a nickname for the all stainless steel GMT-Master II ref. 126710GRNR, which was also released in 2023 and has the same grey and black bezel color as the Zombie. The difference between the two watches is that Bruce Wayne is all steel, and Zombie is a Rolesor watch with yellow gold parts.
The Undead Appeal of the Two-Tone 126713GRNR Rolex GMT
The GMT-Master II 126713GRNR has a signature look that’s helped it stand out from the crowd in the full rainbow of luxury sports watches. This combination of 18k yellow gold with the reserved, low-key cool of black and grey bezel shows Rolex is not afraid to play with color, and still make a timepiece feel like a recognizable GMT-Master II. The watch is proof that the future of the line will include high-class, buzzworthy colorways that light collector fires and lead to iconic nicknames.
Buyers who want to own one of these unique watches, or are just curious about pre-owned options for different models, should know that the secondary market for desirable watches like the GMT-Master II Zombie is quite competitive. If you are looking to buy or sell, Bob’s Watches offers transparency and expert appraisal for the world’s most coveted watches.
