I figured it out.

[advocatia]

What is it about the new 50th GMT II that "makes" the watch so cool?

The bracelet and clasp? No. A big improvement the clasp is and the solid links as well. The polished center links give the watch more of an eye catching look. But thats not it.

The green 24 hr hand and writing? Nah, Can barely see it. Same for the ROLEXROLEXROLEX. Very subtle.

The new movement? Conceptually nice but no big deal. The larger winding crown? Nah. The case? Nope, not the case.

The maxi dial? Also nice but already accustomed to it on my YM.

IMHO it is the BEZEL. The bezel gives the watch not only a larger look but sets it apart from the rest of the Rolex line. Theres a lusture to it that is hard to describe. I have been getting looks like "what is that?" Then people look closely and ask about it and have been very complimentary. The way in which the bezel blends in with the dial is really quite remarkable.

Rolex got it right with this one.

[BiG JeEzY]

I can see why you would say the bezel and I agree with you to a large extent. The bezel does set the GMT apart from the other models and it definitely makes the watch appear larger than the others as well. I looks larger because of the larger numerals on the bezel. The ceramic material also has very nice shine properties to it. Just go out under the sun and shine it on the ceramic and wow is that thing shiny.

I think what makes the GMT so cool though is not just the bezel. In my opinion, what makes it cool is EVERYTHING you described. The bezel, the movement, case, crown, bracelet, and maxi dial. All of those make it cool! Well maybe not the green 24 hour hand but its definitely growing on me. I still miss the red 24 hour hand on the GMT.

[mike]

Well said Gentlemen!

[ROLEXAHOLIC]

It's nice and all, but it can't compare to bluesy IMO

[Mrdi]

Yup

[rocastro71]

I definitely agree with you......

[Andad]

Just having read this, I will wear TT today.

[Robb]

[Andad]

Verrrrrry nice Robb.

[bayhillrolex]

Can someone post a photo on wrist but not so much of a close-up so I can get a feel for how it looks from afar.
I'm considering buying a Rolex and I'm trying to find a nice all around watch (sporty and dressy).

Right now I have it narrowed down to:

a) Date-Just - SS with black dial, white gold bezel and the new heavy jubilee band.
b) SS GMT II

[mike]

Originally Posted by bayhillrolex

Can someone post a photo on wrist but not so much of a close-up so I can get a feel for how it looks from afar.
I'm considering buying a Rolex and I'm trying to find a nice all around watch (sporty and dressy).

Right now I have it narrowed down to:

a) Date-Just - SS with black dial, white gold bezel and the new heavy jubilee band.
b) SS GMT II

Not the best, but.....

[bayhillrolex]

Thanks Mike !!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by advocatia

What is it about the new 50th GMT II that "makes" the watch so cool?

The bracelet and clasp? No. A big improvement the clasp is and the solid links as well. The polished center links give the watch more of an eye catching look. But thats not it.

The green 24 hr hand and writing? Nah, Can barely see it. Same for the ROLEXROLEXROLEX. Very subtle.

The new movement? Conceptually nice but no big deal. The larger winding crown? Nah. The case? Nope, not the case.

The maxi dial? Also nice but already accustomed to it on my YM.

IMHO it is the BEZEL. The bezel gives the watch not only a larger look but sets it apart from the rest of the Rolex line. Theres a lusture to it that is hard to describe. I have been getting looks like "what is that?" Then people look closely and ask about it and have been very complimentary. The way in which the bezel blends in with the dial is really quite remarkable.

Rolex got it right with this one.

Having read your post, Andy.....I'm so glad some of my "poetism" has rubbed off on you!!

Enjoy that watch, buddy.....it's a superb work of art!!

[Flyjet601]

The bezel certainly is a work of art.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

If I were to buy another Rolex, it probably would be the new SS GMT II.

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Having read your post, Andy.....I'm so glad some of my "poetism" has rubbed off on you!!

Enjoy that watch, buddy.....it's a superb work of art!!

Honestly, I thought while writing this that it sounded a bit like one of your posts. And thank you.

I have said it before, I was never a big GMT fan. I am also not a person who has to have the latest and greatest or hard to get item. This watch sold itself. It is the Rolex sport watch of the future.

[Welshwatchman]

The new GMT has been a great success from an engineering, visual and commercial point of view.

Any new Sub design will have to include new features to surpass the GMT with its better functionality.

[triton]

what sets this piece different from the rest is the rotating bezel. it is so much smoother.

[Chris B]

SS TT or YG thats a magnificent timepiece

[Rubenonfire]

It's really cool-looking in SS, and while I like it more every day the bezel is still one of those things that gets to me...I think it's overkill and a little too crowded. It feels like a run-on sentence.

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by Rubenonfire

It's really cool-looking in SS, and while I like it more every day the bezel is still one of those things that gets to me...I think it's overkill and a little too crowded. It feels like a run-on sentence.

You have to see it in person. Rolex promo photos make the ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX look huge and in reality, its barely perceptable. Same for the green.

Reserve judgement until you see one in person.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by advocatia

You have to see it in person. Rolex promo photos make the ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX look huge and in reality, its barely perceptable. Same for the green.

Reserve judgement until you see one in person.

Agreed....the chapter ring inscription is quite subtle!!

[Rubenonfire]

Originally Posted by advocatia

You have to see it in person. Rolex promo photos make the ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX look huge and in reality, its barely perceptable. Same for the green.

Reserve judgement until you see one in person.

Not the chapter ring, guys...the bezel.
It feels to me that the numbers are all huddled together too closely.
The chapter ring actually doesn't bother me at all...I think that's kinda cool.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Rubenonfire

Not the chapter ring, guys...the bezel.
It feels to me that the numbers are all huddled together too closely.

What's wrong with a little cuddlin', huddling' and lovin', tosser?

[John Ireland]

gone the other direction ala the Turnograph. 38mm+ watches are rapidly becoming last year's SUV. Nobody needs three tons of 4 wheel traction to hang out on Rodeo Dr. And nobody needs a watch good to 4000' depth since the person wearing it would be crushed to the size of a shrimp. And if they were inside a submersible, they wouldn't need it either. The whole watch world is starting to look like Elvis in the seventies and Cher in the ninties.

[advocatia]

Originally Posted by John Ireland

gone the other direction ala the Turnograph. 38mm+ watches are rapidly becoming last year's SUV. Nobody needs three tons of 4 wheel traction to hang out on Rodeo Dr. And nobody needs a watch good to 4000' depth since the person wearing it would be crushed to the size of a shrimp. And if they were inside a submersible, they wouldn't need it either. The whole watch world is starting to look like Elvis in the seventies and Cher in the ninties.

Respectfully, I disagree. The new Turnograph is a dud. Dealer's cases are full of them. Panerai, Breitling (all large cases) are hot. The 4000 depth rating on the SD is pure marketing. We know that. But that is old news. Most SD's never see anything beyond the 6' section of the swimming pool.

I don't speak for anyone else, but for me, anything smaller than 40mm looks small on my wrist. People are living longer, and growing larger. It's a natural progression. 60 years ago men wore 34mm watches. Now ladies sport Daytonas. It is what it is.