Buying one for Fiance- Please Help!!

[Tif]

I am about 99% sure I am going to buy the GMT Master II Rolex for my Fiance as a surprise gift for our upcoming wedding. I am not very up to date on all things Rolex, so I thought I would ask some people who are. How do you like this watch? Is it worth it? I am taking a big leap on this one, since he has wistfully pointed to them a few times (back when we were looking at engagement rings). I don't even know what color to get him (black and red or blue and red). Any opinions on the color (from a man's point of view)? Any likes or dislikes you may have- please share. This is a big deal to me, and I want it to be really nice for my husband to be. Also, what would you think a fair range in price might be for this watch? Since it is not the newest model, I have managed to bring down the price some (through comparisons and price matching). Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated, since you guys seem to be the Rolex connoisseurs! Thank you!

[CoopJr]

Wow! Great gift for him. Personally speaking...I would get the red and black...also known as the "Coke" bezel. I had one for many years and it was a great watch. The nice thing about these is that you can get the bezel insert exchanged for another color if he is not happy with the one that you get him. If you go the new route at an authorized dealer, you are probably looking at $5K + tax.

[Scarface]

Unfortunately, I don't think you 'll find any Coke or Pepsi anymore - so no need to worry ...

What about the new GMT-IIc?

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Scarface

Unfortunately, I don't think you 'll find any Coke or Pepsi anymore

They're still around...she might have to look a little though. I just saw one in an AD in CT last week, brand new coke bezel.

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by Tif

I am about 99% sure I am going to buy the GMT Master II Rolex for my Fiance as a surprise gift for our upcoming wedding. I am not very up to date on all things Rolex, so I thought I would ask some people who are. How do you like this watch? Is it worth it? I am taking a big leap on this one, since he has wistfully pointed to them a few times (back when we were looking at engagement rings). I don't even know what color to get him (black and red or blue and red). Any opinions on the color (from a man's point of view)? Any likes or dislikes you may have- please share. This is a big deal to me, and I want it to be really nice for my husband to be. Also, what would you think a fair range in price might be for this watch? Since it is not the newest model, I have managed to bring down the price some (through comparisons and price matching). Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated, since you guys seem to be the Rolex connoisseurs! Thank you!

Oh boy...just wait for the GMT boys!!
First of all......LUCKY GUY! Love the GMT II ( I have a IIc..but want a II). Is is worth it...absolutely! Big leap...ahh a leap is just an extended step! I like the red and black...but it deeply personal....get the color combo that he likes...or get one and the extra 2 bezel inserts. Price range...I've seen them 3500-5000 used or pre owned. I'm sure someone here will pipe up on the MSRP.

If future hubbys already zero'd in on the model...that's the hard part. See if you can find out his ideal color combo..

and again...........LUCKY GUY!

[dsimon9]

Yesterday I saw a coke and a pepsi at a local AD.

Dex

[Tif]

I found both the "pepsi" and the "coke" GMTs today at an authorized dealer. I am working with them on the price, and trying to decide the color! Thanks for all the help!

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by Tif

I found both the "pepsi" and the "coke" GMTs today at an authorized dealer. I am working with them on the price, and trying to decide the color! Thanks for all the help!

Then may I suggest the Pepsi (blue/red) as this was the original ...
Both are awesome anyway

[Lexor]

I'd go for the Sub, timeless classic. Cheaper and easy to come by.
Just my opinion, I'm new here, but have been fooling with Rolexes since 1988.

[Letsgodiving]

I personally prefer the black/red bezel. It adds a bit of colour and imo stands out a little more that the black but is still understated. The Pepsi (blue/red) is the iconic GMT but it is not for everyone. It is pretty colourful and noticeable but as previously stated you can exchange them if needed.

[mike]

The MASTER II you're referring to (reference 16710) is simply an excellent timepiece. GMTs in general have so much history and in my view are among the most versatile watches available.

The ability to track multiple timezones, use the bezel as timing device, and change the look with a simple insert change make it a watch for all seasone to me.

I would go with the RED/BLUE as these were the original GMT colors and pick up the other inserts as you can.

It's certainly a watch he will treasure always and the experiences and memories he will build with the watch and where it came from will be priceless.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Tif

I found both the "pepsi" and the "coke" GMTs today at an authorized dealer. I am working with them on the price, and trying to decide the color! Thanks for all the help!

Welcome to TRF, "Tif"!

That's great news!

Can't wait for the pics!

Originally Posted by mike

(...)I would go with the RED/BLUE as these were the original GMT colors and pick up the other inserts as you can.(...)

I would agree with Mike, but it's a matter of personal taste and preference. With either colour option, you get a winner, and as stated you can always be further bezel inserts for it.

[BillA]

Well, perhaps you could hint around and ask him what color combo bezel he likes, he is the one to wear it. I am a little surprised that people on this forum seem to be voting for the Coke bezel, when many enthusiasts are going crazy trying to find the Pepsi (red/blue), they are still around, I know of 2 AD's in Broward County that have them.
Don't know your budget but you may get a very small discount from the AD's because they are discontinued, perhaps the pre-loved channel is the way to go. Keep us posted on your progress.

[GoldenBear]

The Coke and Pepsi ones are still around, if you look or call. That would be great as they are discontinued classics. As for colors...what are his favorite sports teams or college? If he is a Georgia Bulldog then a Coke is a no-brainer, the Pepsi is a classic red, white and blue...The black is also great and goes with everything from a Tux to jeans.

[Tif]

I can't hint at all! He would know and I want him to be completely surprised. The AD I was talking to said she would extend the exchange date until after our honeymoon (in writing) and I would absolutely tell him he needed to choose the one he likes the best, since it is not a small purchase... but I am just concerned he won't want to exchange it because it would potentially hurt my feelings or sentimental value. I don't think he would ever expect me to get him one. He has talked about owning one from time to time, but he wasn't hinting... when he looked, he looked at both, the coke and the pepsi and he didn't say he liked one more than the other, he just said he really liked them and someday... he'd get one. Thanks for all of your feedback!

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, Tiff!!! Hope you enjoy your stay here!!!
Congrats for your upcoming Wedding!!!
I think GMT II 16710 is one the BEST GMT model ever made. The Blue Red (PEPSI bezel is very STUNNING!!! Good Luck!!!

[pwrslider]

Originally Posted by Tif

.. but I am just concerned he won't want to exchange it because it would potentially hurt my feelings or sentimental value. !

Exactly true....maybe check with one of his guy friends...about the color....should be easy to pinpoint!

[billswim]

You're putting too much thought into this. I'm going to suggest you get the color combo YOU like and think would look best on him. Then when presenting it to him, you explain the dilemma you were in and how you solved it because...whatever it was, his eye color, skin tone, complimenting a favorite dress you wear, whatever. Personally, if my wife decided to get me a nice rolex, I really wouldn't care what color the bezel was.(that's actually not true but she wouldn't get me the only one I wouldn't like) Esp. for the first one, and yes there will be others trust me on this.

[Chris B]

My Bride bought me a pizza in the Luxor Las Vegas & I still have the indigestion to this very day.

Seriously, he's gonna love whichever you decide, a truly great gesture, very well done.


Let us know how you decide, pics would be nice.

[jdc]

The GMT 11 is a true Rolex icon.
The bezels come in three flavours red/black (coke), black and the original blue/red (pepsi) The bezels are interchangeable and can be bought as extras.
IMO If you are able to buy from an Rolex Authorised Dealer that is the best option as you get peace of mind that it is authentic and you are new to this.
Dont know what you have negotiated regards a discount but these GMT's are pretty popular at the moment.
Ask what serial number the GMT is. If it is a late Z or M it may have the newer 3186 movement in, which some people are wetting their pants over on this forum.

If it is an older used model see if the seller will send it to an Rolex Service Centre as part of the deal, this will have two benefits it will prove the Rolex is authentic and the watch will come back looking brand new.

Good luck with the watch hunt and congratulations on your engagement, hope you have a great life together

Here's mine

[Magik]

I have the Sub-Date (bought in March and the GMT ll (Pepsi) bought in April. I love them both. I bought the Sub-Date first because it is THE iconic Rolex in my opinion. I wanted one since I was a little boy who was fascinated with diving watches and the goal of getting one never went away.

The GMT ll I got as I got more interested in the history of watches and found the history of the GMT fascinating. If your significant other wants the GMT, I say go for it. You can probably still find some around. I paid full MSRP plus tax for mine which came out to more than $6000 (US).

[shedlock2000]

Well, firstly welcom to TRF, secondly, cant you marry me instead? Im anybodys for a GMT!!

You are making a wonderful gesture, and the previous posts all have their merits, but in hinesty, there is only one GMT II SS, and thats BB (black bezel)

The GMT II is , IMHO FWIW the finest watch that Rolex make. I loved mine, was full of bubbles for the GMT IIc till i got one, then realised my mistake.

The GMT II BB SS (to many abrieviations?) is perfect, its classy, singular, desirable, beautiful, quintisential, iconic, .........

Get him that and there will be no mistake!

However, personally, i would look to see what he likes in previous watches, if he likes colour, or class, showy, or not. All of the other bezel options do stand out more, and look more shouty.

Good luck with your decision, im sure he will love what ever you get. How can he not, all GMT II's are perfect in every way (there the mary poppins watch).....i miss mine dearly!


More over, congrats on your upcomming wedding, i wish both of you, the best of fortunes, great health and contentment, happiness comes from yourselves!

[Magik]

Here's the thread I posted that shows my Sub-Date and GMT ll (Pepsi bezel)

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ight=unveiling

Hope you enjoy and it helps.

[topcat30093]

Tif
for what its worth I would go for the coke GMT.
Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage.
And welcome to TRF