question about sub vs gmt2

[fwellers]

Hello,
My gmt2 is 2 years or so old. I hadn't worn it for about 4 or 5 months, and I don't know if it's just lack of memory on my part or if something changed.
One thing is that the winding isn't so smooth as I remember it. Definitely not as smooth as the Sub or SD I wound at the AD.

The other thing is that setting the minute hand is becoming like an art instead of a science. It has a lot of 'bounce', when I set it at a specific minute, then it bounces to the next minute, or somewhere in between. I have to fidget and play with it to get it to rest exactly where I want it to. This bounce seems greater than I remember it.

So I was wondering, if, on the Sub, ( movement is a little different ), that the winding stays smoother and the bounce in the minute hand stays less, or does this phenomena happen to all 31xx movements at some point in between servicings ?

Then I was also wondering for long term wrist comfort if there is any significant difference between the sub and the gmt2. My gmt2 fits great. The sub is like .5mm thicker, about 7 grams heavier and has a thicker clasp. Do these make much of a difference ?

I guess you can see I'm trying to make a case for buying a new sub. .

I was after the SD, but after trying it on over and over again, I am beginning to think I will not like the comfort level long term.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Floyd

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Floyd, what you refer to is the phenomenon known as "play in the hands" (see FAQ's - General Rolex Forums > winding setting your watch to read more).

It is perfectly normal with mechanical watches. What the winding is concerned, remember that the the Sub Date and SD you wound at the AD were probably not running at the time you were trying them on (or had very low power reserve, having been just shaken gently by the AD to get them going for you to). In that state, the winding is normally a lot smoother than if you wind them later on. Also, the SD and Sub Date have a Triplock crown that (IMHO) winds easier than the Triplock crown of the (old-style) GMT II.

As for fit, the GMT II is lower riding than the Sub Date, and this might account for the better fit.

[mike]

What you're describing is sometimes called "backlash". The minute hand on some does jump a little when pushing the winding crown in. I've noticed it more on some than on others. ( Note: I notice it much less on the newer movements in the GMT IIc and Milgauss--my understanding is there's some change to the gears, but one of the watchmakers can explain it MUCH better than me. LOL!)

Try applying a slight amount of back pressure as you seat the crown--might help.

I've also noticed the Sub winds smoother than the GMT (old style). Again, I'm not a watchmaker, but I think it has more to do with the feel of the twinlock crown as opposed to the triplock. My 116710 is a winders dream LOL!

The two watches feel a bit different when worn, but to me both are exceedingly comfortable.

[fwellers]

Ah ok Guys. Thanks. Sounds like my watch is behaving normally for all 31xx type movements. Cool. ( except that now I have less of a reason to get a sub. ) :-(

Fortunatly though, I don't have the phenom.. where the minute hand moves when I push the crown in. (Thank Rolex for little things ). I chalk it all up to the personality of the watch, and keep on chugging with what I have, which, as you know, is really not too bad a thing. <grin>

The longer of a history I get with this watch, the more personality it shows, the more I know I will never get rid of it. Not even for another Rolly. I definitely can't say that about any other watch I have. Even my IWC's, are just watches, but my Gmt2, is becoming a trusted albeit quirky friend.

Thanks for the quick answers guys.

Floyd

[Fatso]

Never tried it myself, YMMV

[Tools]

I don't really need a reason to get a new watch..

[fwellers]

I do uinfortunately. I don't need a reason to want one but to buy one I at least have to have the illusion of a good reason.
Now I.m warming up to the Kermit. I get a good advantage with the maxi-dial.

[mike]

Originally Posted by fwellers

Now I.m warming up to the Kermit. I get a good advantage with the maxi-dial.

Love the Maxi.

[fwellers]

Originally Posted by mike

Love the Maxi.

great Pic.
I never noticed before, that the green bleeds into the bezel near the 40 minute marker.

[mike]

Originally Posted by fwellers

great Pic.
I never noticed before, that the green bleeds into the bezel near the 40 minute marker.

That's the light. Here's a different angle,

[fwellers]

Oh, here I thought it was a personality feature.