GMT Master Question

[Maverick686]

I'm looking for a GMT BLNR, but I really don't like the PCLs. It seems I have two options

1. Get the PCS polished. Will this hurt the value of the watch?

2. Get a Submariner bracelet: do any of the ceramic Sub bracelets fit? Where do I get one and how much should I expect to pay?

Has anyone else fitted a Submariner bracelet to a BLNR? Attach a photo if you have.

[Iloreyix]

I think Sub bracelets are about 2K.
I would pay a pro to brush the CLs. You can have them polished back later, but are you planning on reselling the watch?
I see many guys on this forum prefer brushed CLs on GMTs anyway, if you put one up for sale that has that already done, may be a bonus.
I would certainly keep the service receipt from the watchmaker if you have that done - so you can provide evidence it's a legit model, that just had work done on it.

[landroverking]

Brushed for me. RSC can always bring it back.

[azguy]

Agreed, I hate PCLs just have someone brush out the PCLs and you'll love that watch

[Tools]

Brushing the pcl's is no big deal.

The idea that you need to spend a couple of thousand dollars on another bracelet, just to save a possible couple of hundred bucks doesn't seem to make much sense to me.

[T. Ferguson]

Try option #1 first.

[T. Ferguson]

DP, sorry.

[esscaster]

I have a GMTII-c and I got the center links brushed. It's cheap and easy for any watch place with a polishing wheel to do. I think for a private sale it'll either help or hurt the value, it depends if someone is looking for that mod or not, otherwise they will try to say it's not original or whatever.

Selling to a store it shouldn't matter too much since they can just high polish the center links to original spec. I traded a Daytona with brushed center links with no affect on value. With that Rolex steel you can polish it a number of times and it'll still be fine.

Either way, they can just high polish the links again if you want to sell it that way.

Here's how it looks btw, it's my daily beater b/c I no longer have to worry about taking the smudges and scratches out of the PCLs

[vipereaper30]

Get the BLNR and wear it for a month. If the PCLs still bother you have them brushed.

I also thought I couldn't stand PCLs when I picked up my BLRO. After a short time on the wrist I didn't find them so offensive. Still prefer all brushed but it's not a big deal.

[Gazza67]

No need to do anything hasty, just wear for a while and see how it goes.

[Ste_J]

I've always preferred brushed but have grown to love the PCL on my GMTc

[WJGESQ]

Brushed is a must on any tool watch.

[Maverick686]

Awesome - I had no idea that the bracelet could be re-polished. That saves me $2k.

[Chadridv]

I'm with the group, just get the bracelet brushed, however, if you were to drop some coin on the glidelock bracelet, I would suggest saving up a little more and just buying a 114060 pre-owned. That way you get yourself the brushed bracelet and a second killer watch!

[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

I'm looking for a GMT BLNR, but I really don't like the PCLs. It seems I have two options

1. Get the PCS polished. Will this hurt the value of the watch?

2. Get a Submariner bracelet: do any of the ceramic Sub bracelets fit? Where do I get one and how much should I expect to pay?

Has anyone else fitted a Submariner bracelet to a BLNR? Attach a photo if you have.

Sub bracelet fits perfectly - buy the 97200 (Sub C with Glidelock), and use the spring bars that come with the GMT - perfect fit!!

For photos look in the modified Rolex thread - you'll see mine and plenty more!

[Mick P]

Originally Posted by Maverick686

I'm looking for a GMT BLNR, but I really don't like the PCLs. It seems I have two options

1. Get the PCS polished. Will this hurt the value of the watch?

2. Get a Submariner bracelet: do any of the ceramic Sub bracelets fit? Where do I get one and how much should I expect to pay?

Has anyone else fitted a Submariner bracelet to a BLNR? Attach a photo if you have.

Maverick

I recently bought a 16520 (Daytona) which came with PCLs which I am not fond of. I decided to wear it for a full month and if the dislike continued, to get the bracelet brushed.

I now actually quite like the PCLs but still prefers brushed. I decided that I can live with PCLs and possibly you should wear it for a few weeks to see if you can come round to them.

Regards

Mick

[Coubs]

Are the current explorer and explorer II bracelets the same as the GMT IIc but brushed?
Wondering if there are factory brushed bracelet alternatives other than the sub c bracelet.

[melrob1]

The PCL's really work with the BLNR bezel. I used my 114060 bracelet whenI had both watches and really preferred the pcl's on the blnr. I thought it was much better look. I would buy a sub c bracelet. If that's what you want I'd find a nice used 114060 or sub date or any other that would work (maybe exp ii) and have two watches. Much rather buy the watch then spend 2 k on a bracelet. Also keep in mind if you decide to brush pcl's in my opinion no one can replicate the silky smooth rolex brush marks. I can always tell if it wasn't done by Rolex. Doesn't look made just not oem.

[Iloreyix]

I will say- the glide lock is a purchase reason for having that bracelet.
I don't know how anyone gets along in comfort without it.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by vipereaper30

Get the BLNR and wear it for a month. If the PCLs still bother you have them brushed.

I also thought I couldn't stand PCLs when I picked up my BLRO. After a short time on the wrist I didn't find them so offensive. Still prefer all brushed but it's not a big deal.

Originally Posted by Gazza67

No need to do anything hasty, just wear for a while and see how it goes.

Originally Posted by Ste_J

I've always preferred brushed but have grown to love the PCL on my GMTc

Originally Posted by Mick P

Maverick

I recently bought a 16520 (Daytona) which came with PCLs which I am not fond of. I decided to wear it for a full month and if the dislike continued, to get the bracelet brushed.

I now actually quite like the PCLs but still prefers brushed. I decided that I can live with PCLs and possibly you should wear it for a few weeks to see if you can come round to them.

Regards

Mick

I think these guys are on to something.