Romancing the Stone: All About the Tiger Iron Transformation of the Rolex GMT-Master II

Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025, the Rolex GMT-Master II in Everose Gold captivated audiences not just with its luxurious case material or iconic dual-time functionality, but also with the debut of its mesmerising tiger iron dial. A first for Rolex, this watch face, reconfirming the current trend of stone dials, showcases the natural artistry of one of the earth’s most enigmatic stones, a layered composite of golden tiger's eye, rich hematite, and deep red jasper.

The result is a kaleidoscope of warm, striated patterns that shift dramatically under changing light, bringing a new dimension of depth and organic complexity to the traditionally tool-focused GMT-Master II. With each dial cut uniquely from a slab of tiger iron, no two pieces are alike. This bold yet refined choice for Reference 126715CHNR marks Rolex’s quiet but confident entry into the realm of expressive, stone-dial storytelling.

What Is the Composition of Tiger Iron?

The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18 ct everose gold, completed on an Oyster bracelet, features a dial crafted from a material called tiger iron. This metamorphic rock, used by Rolex for the first time on this watch, is characterised by its complex structure. As mentioned earlier, it is composed of tiger’s eye, red jasper, and hematite. The stone pulses with golden and orange-y tints, which, following painstaking selection and meticulous assembly, are in perfect harmony with the colours of the case and the bracelet.

Origin and Rarity

Tiger iron is a rare and visually striking metamorphic rock composed of alternating bands of golden tiger's eye, metallic grey or silver hematite, and rich red jasper. This naturally occurring mineral originated over 2.2 billion years ago through sedimentary processes followed by intense heat and pressure deep within the earth's crust. The combination of its distinct layers results from ancient geological activity that fused silica-rich quartz (forming tiger's eye), iron oxide (hematite), and microcrystalline quartz (jasper). 

Tiger iron is primarily found in limited deposits in Western Australia and South Africa, making it relatively rare in comparison to more common ornamental stones. Its unique appearance —  blending shimmering chatoyancy, also known as the ‘cat's eye effect’, with bold colours — makes it highly prized among collectors, lapidaries, and metaphysical enthusiasts.

Aesthetic Impact 

Speaking of the aesthetic impact of the tiger iron dial on the Rolex GMT Master II variant, which is a new version of the ‘Root Beer’, this particular stone dial offers a visual richness rarely seen in luxury watchmaking. Its layered composition — golden chatoyance from tiger’s eye, deep reds from jasper, and the dark metallic sheen of hematite — creates a dynamic surface that shifts with every flick of the wrist. This natural complexity gives the dial a sense of motion and depth, almost like a miniature landscape frozen in time. 

Compared with more uniform stone dials, this tiger iron watch face feels wild and untamed, with each piece revealing a unique pattern born of the earth’s ancient geological forces. When framed by the warm tones of Rolex’s everose gold case, the dial becomes even more dramatic, exuding a bold, elemental luxury. It doesn’t just complement the watch, it commands attention, making the timepiece feel like a personal artefact of natural history.

A Movement that Spells Efficiency  

Known for powering models such as the GMT-Master II, Rolex Calibre 3285 is a state-of-the-art automatic movement introduced in 2018. It features Rolex’s proprietary Chronergy escapement, which enhances energy efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, it has a blue Parachrom hairspring for superior resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. 

Boasting a robust 70-hour power reserve, the 3285 reflects Rolex’s commitment to precision and durability, earning Superlative Chronometer certification with an accuracy of −2/+2 seconds per day. This movement does represent a significant step forward in Rolex’s technical evolution, blending innovation with the brand's legendary reliability. In conclusion, the Rolex GMT-Master II with the tiger iron dial represents a rare convergence of natural artistry and horological prestige. By incorporating a material as ancient and visually complex as tiger iron, Rolex has crafted a timepiece that transcends traditional design, venturing into the realm of wearable geology.