How Did The GMT Get So Popular.... poll

[Tools]

For those of us who have worn a GMT for a few decades...and been in a slim minority, it's kind of refreshing to see that it has had a resurgence recently..

Now, not so much just the latest GMT IIc, but the early models too....

So, let's have a non-scientific poll...

When did you first decide you liked/wanted a GMT..

[RW16610]

Great idea for a topic, Larry. I have always liked this watch and it's history is a very rich one as well. Made for PanAm and how they made a white dial model for the employees in offices because they were taking the pilots watches or something like that etc etc. The bezel and dial have a striking appearance that looks good in any setting or lighting. Screw down crown so it is a watch safr for use in water that will give you no worries of the crown coming out if swimming etc etc. Rolex just did fantastic on this and people regardless to if they know the history or not see how it looks and get attached instantly. That is what I think

[looking to buy]

I bought my first Rolex a new Sub just over a year ago from a guy on this forum who sold it right after he bought it because he preferred the GMT. At that time I just wanted a Sub and had eyes for nothing else. Since then, I started looking at the GMT and liked it and the history. I really liked the way it looked and it started to speak to me. It was a hard decision because I never wanted more than just the sub. But I bought mine last Friday and I am thrilled with it. I wear it everyday now.

As I spent time on this forum, the members proved to be a very bad influence. They always encourage one to buy and buy now....!!!!

[36475koz]

Two words:
C-H-U-C-K Y-E-A-G-E-R.

[rockclimber]

The history of the watch is right up there with the Sub. Plus the looks are brilliant, I have always loved the GMT.

[clenz]

My first awareness of Rolex was from seeing a Pepsi GMT when I was a teenager. I remember being so impressed with that watch and the presence it had on the wrist. I was hooked from then.....

[mike]

For me it's always been the most practical of watches.

It's interesting that it's traditionally been in the shadow of the Submariner given it's the more complicated reference. I always wonder what if James Bond had worn a GMT.

A tough as nails piece with a strong military and civilian history, the GMT offers a versatility and stunning good looks few watches can equal.

My first was a GMT (1675) and is still my most treasured watch.
A GMT is and always has been my "go to" reference.

[Ken Cox]

I've worn my GMT Master II since 1986.

I lusted after it for years as the GMT Master, and didn't even know the GMT Master II existed until I went to buy the GMT Master.

Now, any watch that doesn't have a separate hour hand setting function seems crude to me.

Omega has made this function available in the 8500 movement, and I'd like to see a Submariner with this function, as well.

[snow_rocks]

Love the 16750. Last GMT with acrylic crystal, matte dial that transition to glossy with WG surround indices. First glossy had no 'DATE' imprint, second glossy did. First with 28800 beat mvt! And WR to 100 m!!!

[Perdu]

I think the discontinuing of the old reference increased interest. And a new model of course. I don't remember the GMT being as popular as it seems to be now.

[WatchSmith]

I knew I wanted one the moment I saw the first one, a pepsi GMT. That was in 1968 and I was 15 years old. I bought one just like it in 1978. My current model is a GMT IIc and it's tomorrow's classic. The best Rolex ever made as far as I'm concerned.

[Thrasher]

I am content to just say it's a beautiful watch.

[kelly56]

To me the Pepsi GMT has always been the most noticeable and beautiful Rolex.

[RodS]

The best watch ever for astro-navigation, which was, I believe, what it was designed for, and as I didn't fancy the RAF watch I was issued with, I bought my GMT new in 1966.

[Watchdog]

Always been my favorite Rolex, and I always wondered--with all the traveling James Bond does--why 007 doesn't wear one. He tours the globe, for example, far more often than he goes diving.

Why my favorite? Always dreamed of traveling to exotic locales and was fascinated with the various time zones of a globe.

Plus, the Pepsi bottle was aggressive--hardly understated--and it commanded attention.

Finally, the GMTIIC is, IMHO, the finest Rolex ever made. So, all together, there you go.

[The GMT Kid]

The GMT II Pepsi was the first Rolex I ever purchased. I bought it new in 2000. I don't remember what drew me to it, but it was between that and the SD.

[theloxmyth]

I like the GMT feature and that's why I got an Explorer II and a polar Omega GMT 2538.20.00.



I think the Expy II will provide better functionality, especially in a once-a-year sandy environ...beach wear...rather than be concerned with sand under the bezel!

I want the date feature and the second time zone in a high-end wrist piece, also.

My next watch may be a current production Turn-O-Graph, though.

Off to the poll I go...

[karmatp]

Are you kidding me, it's Magnum PI's watch, it has always been cool. The new ceramic GMT does nothing for me, the classic GMT's rule.

[Cato]

I love the Pepsi dial. The blue and red combo is so cool. Plus there's Magnum P.I.!

[brady]

I was at my local AD today and watched a gentlemen purchase a SS model w/ a black face/bezel. Looked stunning!

[Colnago]

It always appealed to me slightly more than the Sub, it just had that little bit extra without being too complicated.....it was the sport model I lusted after.....the difficult part was deciding which bezel, because at that point I had no idea it was a relatively simple operation to swap between variants in a DIY manner......the decision was made when the "C" was introduced.....simply put there was no decision to be made......I have had my IIc for around 6 months now and it really is proving impossible to wear the novelty off.......it is in my opinion definitely a Rolex design classic......that doesn't mean to say that the older models are not......the whole GMT "family" are classics, I suppose that you could argue that the Exp II is a first cousin, it also really appeals to me and that's my next "need" watch.....I have an "option" on a black dial model, two months time, expect pictures....

[Z-Sub]

Just has to have it since I purchased my first Rolex. Love the look and functionality

[sakuraba]

I first noticed the GMT when Magnum PI wore it. That was pretty tough since it had to share screen time with a Ferrari 308 GTSi.

It really wasn't until I started to read threads in this forum that I had the itch I had to scratch.

TRF is evil!

[TKB]

The GMT IIc is definatly my next rolex...... Now if only I can get that with a factory serti dial!!

[Rolex116520]

I have to admit that I always have been DJ & SS Daytona type of client . When I started to look for a Deepsea when it came out ( couldn't get one at a reasonable price then) nor try one on . Because there were so many " reports" of being too large , heavy and bulky . I stumbled onto this forum in my quest for reliable feedback . This has opened my mind towards many other Rolex models . I now have a 1655 as collateral towards a private loan for a good friends till Xmas ( changes are real that I will end up owning the watch ) . Because of this I have been following many threads about GMT's and I have to admit that I might very well ending up buying a GMT IIc one day . I tried one on last month and , yes it is a beauty . Will have to wait a while as I bled myself resently on an expensive DDII. I will ofcourse post a full set of pictures when it arrives in about 3 weeks .

[sexner]

My first two Rolexes were Submariners. I went without for about a year after my second divorce then was in Kosovo in 1999 with the Army. I saved up all my extra hazard pay etc and flew to Geneva to purchase. I was at Bucherers and asked for a Submariner - they had none. I asked for an Explorer - they had none. So I chose a GMT. I am now on my second GMT and love them. I travel all over the world so the fourth hand is perfect. Did I say - love them?

[Latrodectus]

I was drawn to the GMT many years ago! I love the GMT's!
Just great...

[Rockrolex]

Once I got into Rolex, my first couple of watches were TT DJs. Then one day I stumbled across the all black GMT-II and fell instantly in love with it. It's the only Rolex Iv have purchased NIB. It's also my daily wear. I love the looks and it's practicality. Like others here, I travel a fair amount. It is my take along watch, whenever I travel.

[Jimbits76]

I picked TRF made me do it.

I have to be honest before I joined I liked the Pepsi GMTII but was never really a huge fan.

Since joining and seeing dp's pics of his on a Juby band, I've just fallen for it in a big way. It looks bright and summery. Perfect.

One question I still won't ask myself is if I had to do it again, would I pick the LV or the BLRO????

J

[Brushpup]

I hate to admit it, but first noticed Magnum's GMT. Also didn't know the wearers were in the Slim majority and not cool. Larry, I would love you to expand on this... with your perspective at least and more if you feel like it. I would also love to hear your story mike....how you discovered and came to wear a GMT. When I first started looking seriously at Rolex in the AD's I was stunned and mesmerized by the "cokes" and blacks. I know it's heresy, but the red/blue always confounded me for some reason. I personally feel the "pepsi" is a polarizing color.

Very cool post Larry,
Patrick