For a red-and-blue bezel without a Rolex GMT-Master, Tomas Rosputinsky’s 2020 Fratello Watches roundup offers five very different options: a vintage Heuer chronograph-GMT, a modern Ball, a 1970s Tissot, a retro-style Timex quartz watch and the Seiko “Pogue” chronograph. The list is best read as an enthusiast’s historical shortlist—not a current price or availability guide. Its standout is the Tissot Navigator Automatic ref. 44940, Rosputinsky’s own favorite.
What makes these watches “Pepsi” alternatives?
“Pepsi” is a visual shorthand for red and blue on a watch bezel, not a guarantee that every watch here is a GMT or even has a rotating bezel. The Seiko 6139 Pogue, for example, makes the cut with a red-and-blue tachymeter bezel that Rosputinsky notes does not rotate. The five picks also span different eras and functions, so bezel color is only one part of the comparison.
Rosputinsky’s roundup appeared on September 25, 2020, as an alternative shortlist for readers drawn to vintage or modern Rolex GMT-Masters but put off by their cost. The descriptions and price observations below belong to that article; they should not be treated as current specifications, valuations or availability claims. Read the original Fratello Watches roundup.
The five watches at a glance
| Watch | Era and type | Notable details in the 2020 roundup | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heuer Autavia GMT | Vintage chronograph with a second-time-zone hand | 40 mm; Valjoux 72c chronograph movement; red accents on hands and indexes | Reference and condition matter when identifying a vintage example. |
| Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT | Modern automatic GMT day-date | 40 mm; titanium case, ceramic bezel, 28 tritium tubes; push buttons on the left side independently set the GMT hand | The article reported a 1,000-piece limit and €2,500 price in 2020; neither establishes present availability or value. |
| Tissot Navigator Automatic ref. 44940 | 1970s automatic GMT | 38 mm; blue dial; red-and-black bezel; Tissot caliber 2481 | Verify the reference, movement, originality and condition with a specialist. |
| Q Timex 1979 | Retro-style quartz watch | 38 mm; hidden lugs, domed acrylic crystal, functional battery hatch and a “micro-jubilee” bracelet | The article’s $179 price was from 2020; it does not confirm today’s price or this color variant’s availability. |
| Seiko 6139 Pogue Chronograph | Vintage chronograph | Yellow sunburst dial; Hardlex mineral glass; blue-and-red tachymeter bezel | Identify the exact reference and check originality, service history and condition. |
1. Heuer Autavia GMT: the vintage chronograph-GMT
The Autavia gives the list its most overtly historical mechanical character. Rosputinsky dates the Autavia chronograph family to 1962 and the arrival of the GMT version to 1967, five years into the collection’s run. His description specifies a 40 mm case and a Valjoux 72c chronograph movement, with an additional hand for a second time zone. Red details on the hands and indexes reinforce the color theme.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.Classic size: dial diameter 40MM, thickness 12MM, strap 220MM, suitable for wrist less than 8.6 inches, watch weight is 148G-156G,Ceramic bezel design (note: "black-red" and "blue-red" non-ceramic bezels)
- 2.Unique And Elegant Design: This GMT men's watch has been carefully designed to provide the perfect combination of strength and elegance, The minimalist design on the dial features a date display that adds a minimalist and high-quality look.A stainless steel strap and a personalized luminous pointer make this watch even more elegant.
- 3. Durable And Comfortable: The PAGANI DESIGN stainless steel strap watch not only gives your wrist a sense of comfort, but also makes it easy to match your outfit. 100 meters waterproof. Made from synthetic sapphire glass, this watch increases glass resistance and provides scratch resistance.
- 4.Fashion Strap Box:Men's watches are perfect gifts for holidays, family and yourself. Leather strap watches are stylish gifts for graduation, birthday, wedding and Valentine's Day. High quality movement men's watches are gifts for fathers, boyfriends or other male classmates and coworkers, and ideal for winning the love of friends and family.
- 5.After sales worry free: You can rest assured to use our PAGANI DESIGN watch. If you have any questions during use, please let us know.
This is a vintage watch, so the name alone is not enough to establish what a particular example is. Check the reference and condition of the specific watch for sale rather than assuming every Autavia GMT matches the roundup’s description.
2. Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT: the modern, practical pick
The Roadmaster Marine GMT is the most contemporary-feeling option in this selection. The 2020 article describes a 40 mm automatic day-date watch with a titanium case, ceramic bezel and 28 tritium tubes. Its GMT hand is independently settable using push buttons on the left side of the case, a useful distinction from a watch whose second-time-zone hand is adjusted only in tandem with local time.
Rank #2
- Tudor Black Bay Automatic Black Dial GMT Pepsi Bezel Men's Watch 79830RB-0002
Fratello reported that the model was limited to 1,000 pieces and cost €2,500 at the time of publication. Those are historical claims from 2020, not a verified count of surviving watches, a current retail price or a present-day market valuation.
3. Tissot Navigator Automatic ref. 44940: the author’s favorite
Rosputinsky’s personal choice is the 1970s Tissot Navigator Automatic ref. 44940. He describes a 38 mm case, blue dial, red-and-black bezel and Tissot caliber 2481, which he says is equal to Omega caliber 1481. He also notes that examples do not surface often. His verdict is unambiguous: “If I had to choose one and only Pepsi bezel watch on this list, this model would be my choice.”
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- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Compatibility & Size: Fits Seiko SKX007, SKX009, SKX011 models; red and blue Pepsi bezel.
- Ensure Perfect Fit: Verify the size, color, and model compatibility with your specific watch before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit and avoid returns or exchanges.
- Compatibility Check: Double-check your watch's requirements and compatibility details to ensure the product meets your needs. This will help you avoid any issues with returns or exchanges.
- Aftermarket Product: This is an aftermarket/generic made to original factory specs for a precise fit.
That endorsement is an enthusiast’s preference, not a claim that the Tissot is the best fit for every buyer. Scarcity and age make verification important: have a specialist confirm the reference, movement, originality and condition of any example under consideration.
4. Q Timex 1979: the accessible quartz reinterpretation
The Q Timex 1979 brings the look into a quartz watch styled after a 1970s design. Rosputinsky describes a 38 mm case with hidden lugs, a domed acrylic crystal and a functional battery hatch. He calls its bracelet a “micro-jubilee.” These details give it a different proposition from the vintage mechanical watches: retro styling without requiring the buyer to seek out an old collector-market example.
Rank #4
- - Compatible with Rolex GMT Master 16700 16710 16760 for precise fit; confirm measurements before installation
- - Precision Fit: 38 mm outer diameter and 30.8 mm inner diameter align accurately with rotating bezel
- - GMT 24-Hour Scale: Supports dual time tracking for travel work and daily schedules
- - Durable Aluminum: Anodized aluminum surface resists fading and wear in regular use
- - High Visibility: Black and red contrast with clear numerals for easy reading in varied lighting
The roundup listed a $179 price in 2020. It does not establish the current price, whether that exact red-and-blue version is still available, or whether any listing today corresponds to the same variant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Seiko 6139 Pogue: a colorful chronograph, not a GMT
The Pogue is the list’s clearest example of “Pepsi” as an appearance rather than a function. Its blue-and-red bezel is a tachymeter scale, and Rosputinsky points out that it does not rotate; the watch is included for its color combination, yellow sunburst dial and vintage chronograph design. He sums up its gold-toned dial with the line, “When you say gold, I see Pogue.”
Best Value
- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Quality Finish: Boasts a glossy, reflective finish with silver letters, designed to match the distinctive style of the Rolex Submariner. The color and font are carefully crafted to align with the standard appearance of your watch.
- Perfect Fit: Snaps securely onto the Rolex Submariner for a snug, precise fit. Engineered to match the look and functionality of the original, this component serves as an ideal replacement or upgrade for your watch, enhancing both appearance and performance.
- Installation Instructions Included: Comes with a free installation instruction sheet to guide you through the fitting process. Provides clear, easy-to-follow steps for both beginners and experienced users.
- Secure Packaging: Shipped in a bubble envelope with additional protection to ensure it arrives in excellent condition. Our meticulous packaging has been praised for keeping the insert safe during transit.
The name refers to Colonel William Pogue, who wore the watch on the Skylab 4 mission in 1973–1974. Fratello observed in 2020 that examples normally appeared below $1,000, but that was an informal period market observation—not a current price guide or a measured market statistic. Before buying a vintage 6139, identify its exact reference and verify originality, service history and condition.
Which one suits you?
- For a vintage chronograph with a second time zone: consider the Heuer Autavia GMT, while giving particular attention to reference and condition.
- For a modern automatic GMT with independent hand setting: the Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT is the functional fit among these five.
- For Rosputinsky’s personal pick: the Tissot Navigator ref. 44940 combines the compact 38 mm size he cites with a distinctive 1970s design, but examples may be hard to find.
- For retro styling in quartz: the Q Timex 1979 avoids the vintage-watch search, provided the desired variant can be found.
- For color and chronograph character rather than GMT use: the Seiko Pogue is the outlier worth considering.
The 2020 article also named the Tudor Black Bay GMT Pepsi Bezel and Yema Superman Heritage for modern-watch tastes; the Christopher Ward C65 Trident GMT as a dressier direction; and the Zodiac Aerospace GMT and Citizen 8200 for vintage-watch enthusiasts. These were suggestions, not detailed comparisons, and their present models and specifications should be checked independently.
What to verify before buying
Because the shortlist mixes a contemporary-style product with vintage and discontinued watches, the buying checks differ. For a current or recent retail model, confirm the exact color variant, current availability and seller’s stated condition. For a vintage example, establish the reference and originality, ask about service history, inspect condition and compare the actual watch with the seller’s description. A red-and-blue bezel by itself does not tell you whether the watch is a GMT, chronograph or simply a color-led reinterpretation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
