rolex sprite 2022 | Rolex Sprite review

The year 2022 witnessed a significant addition to the hallowed halls of Rolex horology: the Rolex GMT Master II reference 126720VTNR, quickly christened the "Sprite" by enthusiasts. This striking timepiece, with its distinctive black and green bezel, immediately captured the attention of the watch world, sparking debates, admiration, and, inevitably, a fervent demand. This article provides an in-depth Rolex Sprite review, delving into its design, features, market dynamics, and ultimately, whether it lives up to the Rolex GMT Master II legacy.

Rolex Sprite GMT Review: A Bold Departure, A Familiar Foundation

The Rolex GMT Master II has always been about functionality and aesthetic appeal. Designed for pilots traversing multiple time zones, its rotating bezel and 24-hour hand offer a practical solution for tracking a second time zone. The "Sprite" takes this functionality and wraps it in a visually arresting package.

* The Bezel: A Green and Black Statement: The most immediately recognizable feature of the Rolex Sprite is its two-tone ceramic bezel. The combination of black and Rolex green (a hue previously reserved for specific anniversary models or special editions) is bold and unexpected. The ceramic, or Cerachrom, bezel is incredibly scratch-resistant and impervious to fading from UV exposure, ensuring the colors remain vibrant for years to come. The engraved numerals and graduations are filled with platinum, adding a touch of luxury and enhancing legibility. The precision with which the two colors meet is a testament to Rolex's manufacturing prowess.

* The Case and Bracelet: Oystersteel Excellence: The Sprite is crafted from Oystersteel, Rolex’s proprietary 904L stainless steel alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to hold a polish. The 40mm case size is a sweet spot for many wrists, offering a comfortable and versatile wearing experience. The watch is available on either the Oyster bracelet, with its sporty and robust appeal, or the Jubilee bracelet, which offers a dressier and more refined aesthetic. Both bracelets feature Rolex’s Easylink comfort extension system, allowing for a 5mm adjustment for a perfect fit, regardless of temperature or activity.

* The Dial: Classic Rolex Legibility: The dial of the Sprite is classic Rolex – black lacquer with applied hour markers crafted from 18ct white gold and filled with Chromalight luminescent material. The Chromalight ensures excellent legibility in low-light conditions, glowing a bright blue. The Mercedes hour hand, baton minute hand, and lollipop seconds hand are all instantly recognizable Rolex hallmarks. The GMT hand, finished in green to match the bezel, clearly indicates the second time zone.

* The Movement: Calibre 3285 – A Technological Marvel: Powering the Sprite is Rolex’s in-house Calibre 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and robustness. This movement features the Chronergy escapement, which optimizes energy efficiency, and a Parachrom hairspring, which offers greater resistance to shocks and temperature variations. The Calibre 3285 boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, allowing the watch to be left unworn for a weekend without stopping. The movement is a certified Superlative Chronometer, guaranteeing an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.

* The Left-Handed Crown: A Design Choice That Divides: Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Sprite is its placement of the crown and date window on the left-hand side of the case. This configuration is designed for left-handed wearers, allowing them to wear the watch more comfortably on their right wrist. While this is a welcome addition for left-handed individuals, it has divided opinions among right-handed wearers. Some appreciate the unique and unconventional design, while others find it aesthetically unappealing or simply unnecessary.rolex sprite 2022

Rolex Master II Sprite: Continuing a Legacy

The Rolex GMT Master II line is a cornerstone of the Rolex collection, known for its functionality, durability, and iconic designs. The Sprite slots seamlessly into this legacy, offering a fresh and contemporary take on the classic GMT Master II formula. While the left-handed crown and the green and black bezel are departures from traditional Rolex design, the Sprite retains the core elements that make the GMT Master II so desirable: a robust case, a reliable movement, and excellent legibility.

Rolex Sprite Price: Scarcity and Market Dynamics

The Rolex Sprite, like many popular Rolex models, is subject to high demand and limited availability at authorized dealers (ADs). The Rolex Sprite price at retail is approximately $11,050 USD on the Oyster bracelet and $11,250 USD on the Jubilee bracelet. However, due to scarcity, the watch typically commands a significant premium on the secondary market.

* Rolex GMT Sprite Price on the Secondary Market: The Rolex GMT Sprite price on the grey market fluctuates based on market conditions, availability, and the bracelet type. As of late 2023, expect to pay upwards of $20,000 USD, and potentially much higher, for a new or unworn Sprite. This price premium reflects the difficulty in obtaining the watch at retail and the strong demand from collectors and enthusiasts.

* Factors Influencing the Price: Several factors contribute to the high price of the Sprite on the secondary market: