Dont Fly - Get sea sick: GMT2, Sub, or YM?

[Jmbarrack]

Hey all,

I am new to these forums but have been lurking for a little. Trying to figure out which watch to upgrade to.

I have an Oyster Perpetual Date I've owned for 10 years, and would like something different. The three I've narrowed down to are either GTM 2, Submariner or Yachtmaster --- and as you can see by the title of the post, I don't have much of a use for the tools they provide. So I'm merely going based on personal like when worn. Looking to purchase on the gray/preowned market and use my current OPD as trade to lower the price.

I'm having trouble deciding which to purchase. There are so many variations with pre-owned. All of the above are around the same price that I've seen but vary in age. Also, some have box and papers while others don't. If I could ask quick options on the following:

- How much do box and papers matter? (Purchasing from a gray dealer in person - reputable local jeweler)
- How much does age of the watch matter? (eg. YM - 2000, GMT - 2013, SUB D- 2006)
- Are the Subs and GMTs better buys now because of their scarcity - or - YM because of materials used?

Aside from that, I know many of you will say get what you like, which I will do. But I'd also like to get some opinions from more seasoned Rolex buyers particularly when it comes to age and papers.



Thanks in advance for your help!

[perryj]

classic (it’s classic for a reason) Sub from trusted seller here, you’ll have it next day. Some don’t care about box and papers but it adds at least $500 when you go to sell. Also on age depends on if you want a 6 digit reference or a 5 digit.
Latesly on Sub decide if you want a date or not. I myself use the date everyday.

[Houston77]

I have a 114060 and love it. Or get a sub with the date if you need that (I don't because it's my weekend watch). It's hard to beat the glidelock system and you might use the timing bezel more than you expect. If possible, I would go for the six-digit sub (glidelock, ceramic bezel, etc.).


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[joli160]

The early Pt YM with fat font red and coarse sparkling dial is very cheap and very beautiful.
Highly underrated imho

[dafuture]

The only thing with age is the potential for the watch to need a servicing. Otherwise it doesn't matter too much. Box and papers helps with the pedigree of the watch and therefore increases the value of any given piece. Some members on here refuse to buy unless it's a full set.

As far as the watches themselves, the YM was never a particularly desirable piece. They typically trade well below what a Sub or GMT goes for. Obviously buy what you like, but if you think there's any chance you may swap again, I'd lean towards the Sub or GMT (much higher resale value).

[Jmbarrack]

All great advice thanks, everyone.

I'm really liking the price I see with the YM, but again, the year of manufacture along with no papers, so no service info make me leary. The GTM and Sub both cost more, but only about the price difference of a service. So I feel like down the road, even though today the YM is less, I'll end up needing a service --- therefore an overall price wash.

Also, I plan on keeping this watch for at least 10 years OR never parting with it. I'm not a collector, nor someone who has multiple watches to switch on and off. So this would be an everyday watch.

It's a tough decision when spending this much --- you just want to make the call.

[joli160]

Just to tempt you a little more

I fitted a roulette date wheel, so alternating black or red date, and a modern DJ clasp with easy link. It already had a solid bracelet, so it wears as a modern reference. A 2000 series would be even better with the fat font in red.

The safe bet is buying a Sub or GMT, mainstream, but the YM is such a luxurious feel and wears much more comfortable than Sub or GMT.

Don't let a few 100's influence your decision. Buy the one you like most. Do try them on first and dare to be different

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by joli160

Just to tempt you a little more

I fitted a roulette date wheel, so alternating black or red date, and a modern DJ clasp with easy link. It already had a solid bracelet, so it wears as a modern reference. A 2000 series would be even better with the fat font in red.

The safe bet is buying a Sub or GMT, mainstream, but the YM is such a luxurious feel and wears much more comfortable than Sub or GMT.

Don't let a few 100's influence your decision. Buy the one you like most. Do try them on first and dare to be different

Wow, looks great joli160... I too like the fact that it wears smaller .. I have smaller sized wrists.

Quick question for you, how is it wearing after however long you've had it? I hear a lot of people say the Platinum, particularly the shined parts, are prone to scratching. Is it really noticeable? Also, how has time-keeping been? How many times have you had it serviced?

[Jmbarrack]

Hey joli160 ... That looks great!

How does do you find the platinum bezel holding up over the years? A few people had express concerns about the shined parts becoming scratched easily and becoming noticeable.

[exador]

So you don't fly or boat. But do you Explore?

[Jmbarrack]

Originally Posted by exador

So you don't fly or boat. But do you Explore?

Lol. I tried the Explorer II but the 2mm size difference didn't sit well on my wrist like the Sub/GMT did.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Hey joli160 ... That looks great!

How does do you find the platinum bezel holding up over the years? A few people had express concerns about the shined parts becoming scratched easily and becoming noticeable.

Mine received once a light service, the crown was a bit hard to pull out. The same engine as in many other references, no big deal.
If have no scratches on my bezel and I don't pamper it.
Any RSC and some independents can refurbish your bezel if required against normal fee.
It does not bother me if the shiny parts like PCL's get scratches or swirls, call it character. I really never check timekeeping, always leave home early so I am never late

[Jmbarrack]

So you don't fly or boat. But do you Explore?

Lol

I tried the Explorer II but the 2mm size difference did not sit as well on my wrist like the GMT/Sub did.

[Speed]

Welcome.

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

- How much do box and papers matter? (Purchasing from a gray dealer in person - reputable local jeweler)

>>> They matter if you ever intend to resell the watch. Savvy buyers will use the absence of box and papers to bargain you down on price.

- How much does age of the watch matter? (eg. YM - 2000, GMT - 2013, SUB D- 2006)

>>> Answer varies depending on treatment of the watch by owner(s) and how it was cared for / serviced.

- Are the Subs and GMTs better buys now because of their scarcity - or - YM because of materials used?

>>> Define "better buy" - only you can decide if you prefer newer Vs. older styles.

[HogwldFLTR]

Welcome to the forum!!!!

Box and papers mean little to me but for others are a deal breaker. Boxes can be easily found and papers counterfeited. Much rather have an active service card. Most greys provide box and papers. Having papers in your name mean nothing imho.

WRT to age, having a watch with the latest refinements makes it more tradable towards cash or other watches. I prefer ultimately having newer watches.

The difference between Subs, GMTs, and YMs I believe have more to do with the pricing of the SS models vs the Rolesor/pm ones. The YM is a pretty Sub imho with a 3K up charge for the fancy PM bezel and dials.