Review: Six months with the GMT IIc

[WatchSmith]

I acquired this watch six months ago and it never leaves my arm, including sleeping and showering (I've worn watches 24/7 for a long time). For the most part it leads a normal life without much stress, but it's also been immersed in saltwater for many days of snorkeling in the tropics, on my arm when planting trees and running a mower and weedeater, and covered in mud and dirt. It's also been a great asset when traveling internationally and across time zones.

Accuracy: When I look at my cellphone or computer and say the time is 5:27, the GMT IIc also reads 5:27. I never reset it as it's always dead-on. I don't check it to the absolute second, but the time is always right on the money. It's the most accurate mechanical watch I've ever owned and I couldn't be happier with its performance.

Looks: I don't baby my watches. I'm reasonably careful with them but scratches don't bother me and I'm not upset if it's a less-than-perfect cosmetic condition. This IIc with its sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel is still brilliant and beautiful to look at. The case and bracelet have some wear and scuffs as you'd expect, but still look absolutely great. The ceramic bezel is incredibly durable and shows absolutely NO indication of abrasion from ocean sand or dirt from the garden.

I love the original GMT coke & pepsi models, and respect them as icons of the Rolex line. The new GMT IIc is tomorrow's classic and is destined to assume its rightful iconic position. Its dimensions, weight, appearance, and fantastic performance make this one of the finest timepiece Rolex has ever engineered, and will be a timeless classic.