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Old 4 April 2010, 11:55 PM   #1
slimboyinhk
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GMT Master II or IWC Pilot 371704?

I am not a watch fanatic like most here and just want some advice. Considering one or the other above and am looking for a watch to wear for long time, not really looking from an investment or collector perspective. The Rolex is very practical and does the job. The IWC looks really cool but difference between leather strap and steel bracelet is $11,000 (HK) which kind of turned me off.

By the way, what is a decent price for a new GMT?
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:00 AM   #2
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Well you ask which watch you should buy on a Rolex forum, I guess you then wouldn't be surprised if someone says, "buy the Rolex"!

Why not head over to the For Sale section and see whats available there? You should get an idea of pricing there too.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:03 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TerryF View Post
Well you ask which watch you should buy on a Rolex forum, I guess you then wouldn't be surprised if someone says, "buy the Rolex"!

Why not head over to the For Sale section and see whats available there? You should get an idea of pricing there too.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:08 AM   #4
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Sure it'll be bias in a Rolex forum but looking for insight from people who's had experience with both brands/watches.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:18 AM   #5
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The Rolex is more money, but holds better value come resale time. The IWC is a great looking watch in it's own right, but resale value is bad. The Rolex is a very sleek, blends in with many clothing wear (formal, casual, etc). The IWC is a huge hunk of metal that basically says "LOOK AT MY WATCH!". The IWC is some what of a show piece.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:22 AM   #6
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I don't think the IWC pilot chrono is in the same class as the GMT (in terms of 'niceness') but is probably 30-40% cheaper. I personally don't like the look of the stainless steel bracelet on the IWC either.

I love IWC overall and will definitely purchase one someday, but I've been disappointed a lot of times when I see them in person. In other words, I think a lot of them look better in the catalogs.

The GMT is a very versatile and great looking watch. It has the dual time zone feature. Whereas the IWC pilot is more casual/sporty and has the chrono feature.

My vote is for the GMT. Good luck.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:27 AM   #7
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My bad. I forgot you were talking about the steel bracelet. With the metal bracelet, i guess the price is closer to the GMT price. I think anything under $6000 would be a good price for a new SS GMT IIc.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:39 AM   #8
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I personally really like both models, you really need to put both of them on your wrist and see which one your heart desires the most. Were IWC has the advantage in my book is the fact that they offer the buyer the ability to wear their watches on the bracelet or aftermarket straps. If you go with the IWC, buy the bracelet then go get some aftermarket straps, then you will have one watch that can have many different looks. IWC's quick strap changing system is fantastic also, a option that would make Rolex divers head and shoulders above other brands, but they have not seen the light.

My biggest complaint with Rolex is that they give you no options, were most of the other major brands offer straps and bracelets for their models. The aftermarket strap world is so much fun, and I find that it keeps me from getting bored and flipping a particular watch. When I start to get bored, I buy another strap, great fun.

Either way you go you win, both are great watches, best of luck.
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Old 5 April 2010, 01:22 AM   #9
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I don't especially care for the new GMT mainly because of the (gaudy) large numbers on the bezel. I do like the look of the IWC.

However, as a daily wearer, I bet the GMT will feel better on the wrist. The IWC is a larger diameter and is thicker than the GMT.
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Old 5 April 2010, 12:34 AM   #10
daveathall
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I like both watches, but both have different functions, the GMTc has a second time zone the IWC has a chronograph feature, the bracelet on the IWC is one of the most comfortable and well engineered out there, hence the price, but the 3717 looks stunning on a strap, the Rolex comes with the bracelet as standard, both are true lust after watches, Rolex, and to a lesser extent IWC have good residual value, the IWC model you are looking at is a very popular model.

Only advice I can give is (you knew it was coming) to try them both, either watch will give you pleasure for a very long time.

I think that the poster a couple of posts previously may have got mixed up with the massive IWC Big pilots watch.
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Old 5 April 2010, 11:11 AM   #11
slimboyinhk
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Thanks to all for the great insight! I do agree that the IWC pilot (not Big Pilot) is chunkier and probably less practical for all occasions. It is also a lot "prettier" in the catalogue compared to the real thing. Given all the positive feedback on the GMT it's probably the way to go for me.
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