GMTIIc OR SUB (SS)

[spogehead]

Hello all,

Been lurking around for a while from time to time so nice to finally say hello to you all!

Hopefully you may be able to help, looking to get my first Rolex early next year and was all set on a Sub Date, but......The latest GMT has been getting a lot of my attention especially with some of the awesome owner shots on here.

So what do you guys reckon I plan to get my name down in the next couple of weeks SUB SS or GMT SS, I've only seen a TT GMTIIc and it looked pretty cool although TT is not my thing so that brings me onto another question.......

How long is the wait for a GMTIIc SS at the moment I'm told SUBS are about 4-6 months?

Forgot to mention I'm in the UK

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

I'd take the GMT IIc!

Very nice watch, indeed!

But of course, the SS Sub Date is THE iconic Rolex of them all.

If you are lucky, you should be able to get both models fairly easily. At least in Denmark, my AD had BOTH in the window display.

[Stef_Call]

Both are great watches and you will be happy with both. I suppose the question is.
Do you pick the Iconic Sub. Or do you go for the new GMT with the upgraded movement, bracelet & clasp. I asked myself the same question in June / July and picked the GMT !! Best of luck with your decision but one thing is for certain.. Either way you win !!!

[timebroker]

Hi and enjoy, both watches will do just fine :)

[Downing]

Welcome to TRF.

What's best is to examine them in person side by side for a direct comparison. Sometimes one will smile back at you brighter than the other.

If that doesn't work, either buy them both or buy one and the other later.

Have fun. Shopping for a Rolex is a blast.

Be sure to keep us posted on your search. And we love photos, too.

[leopardprey]

If you go with a Sub, get the LV version (if you do not like the Green Bezel, you can later track down and buy a Black insert and swap out). The SUb LV and the New Style GMT II both have the Maxi dial, which includes a larger minute hand. The old style minute hands are very difficult to see at a quick glance or in low light conditions.

Overall, if it is between a regular SS Sub or New GMT II -C. Definately go with the GMT II. Better clasp, no reflection cyclops, new hair spring in movement that is more shock resistant and also non - magnetic.

[roadcarver]

Go with the GMT IIc. If you are going to go diving, not sure if you will dive past 100m, if so get the sub SS.

The GMTII c has the attributes of:

1. SD supercase (thicker)
2. 16710 dual time zone capability
3. Cyclops of the Submariner
4. Triplock crown of the SD and Sub.

I say can't go wrong with the GMT IIc.

[mike]

Welcome!

I'll echo most and say the GMT. As Chad mentioned, do you favor the maxi-dial over the smaller indices of the 16610 and the solid link bracelet vs. the traditional hollow link.

[colemanitis]

That's a tough decision, but I think I'd go for the new GMT.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by spogehead

Hello all,

Been lurking around for a while from time to time so nice to finally say hello to you all!

Hopefully you may be able to help, looking to get my first Rolex early next year and was all set on a Sub Date, but......The latest GMT has been getting a lot of my attention especially with some of the awesome owner shots on here.

So what do you guys reckon I plan to get my name down in the next couple of weeks SUB SS or GMT SS, I've only seen a TT GMTIIc and it looked pretty cool although TT is not my thing so that brings me onto another question.......

How long is the wait for a GMTIIc SS at the moment I'm told SUBS are about 4-6 months?

Forgot to mention I'm in the UK

GMT11-Cs are starting to appear in highstreet ADs so you shouldn't have any problems finding one to try - that said you might be better travelling outside London as generally availability is better in the "shires". The SUB SS non date is readily available but the date version is still tricky to get hold of. My local AD has one or two from time to time but most highstreet ADs will probably have a waiting list - I am sure that one of the grey dealers in and around Bond Street will have one though for you to try on.

Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, pal.


Both excellent watches, although I would definitely consider the GMT-IIC to be the more practical and futuristic watch in the Rolex line-up.

The SS Sub-date 16610, however, still remains the quintessential Rolex in my opinion!!

Good luck either way - JJ

[austinsig]

Both are great choices, but one is a new model, and the other is model that may be updated in the next few years. The other thing to consider is the size difference, some prefer the new larger case and bezel, and some don't. I'm shopping right now for my first rolex too!

Also, I'm in Texas, and a local AD has had a SS GMT IIC and Sub LV sitting in the display case for a month. I think the ADs sometimes act like it is harder to get some models because it helps them sell watches, but I'm sure the supply and demand varies all over the world. Good luck!

[rolex5]

Originally Posted by spogehead

looking to get my first Rolex early next year and was all set on a Sub Date, but......

You're all set for the Sub Date but have the second thought. Do you want to try out both on your wrist before making the final decision?

This may affirm your ultimate satisfaction. Best luck to you.

[docmfg]

Originally Posted by austinsig

Both are great choices, but one is a new model, and the other is model that may be updated in the next few years. The other thing to consider is the size difference, some prefer the new larger case and bezel, and some don't. I'm shopping right now for my first rolex too!

Also, I'm in Texas, and a local AD has had a SS GMT IIC and Sub LV sitting in the display case for a month. I think the ADs sometimes act like it is harder to get some models because it helps them sell watches, but I'm sure the supply and demand varies all over the world. Good luck!

I agree. Here in Socal, I can't find a new GMT. I recently purchased my first Rolex in Sept, a SS SUB/Date b/c it was THE Rolex I wanted ever since I was a kid. Granted, I did not learn about the new GMT until I learned about this forum after my purchase. I am extremely happy with my Sub but if I could do it all over again I would get a new GMT. Currently, I'm in the hunt for a new GMT II but as a X-mas gift for my Dad. Caution, this forum will lead to a low bank account. Since my Rollie I have purchased an Omega Speedy Pro with the Sapphire Sandwich and am fighting the watch "bug".

[lostsub]

Get the GMT if you can get over looking at the BIG font of numbers on the ceramic bezel. The Sub Date IMHO might be able to take more abuse. I found myself covering mine when walked through tight spaces, I am afraid of knocking on the ceramic dial in feared of breaking it(BIG BUCKS). I don't have that fear with my SD or for that matter my(used to be) Sub Date.

[Destroy]

Get the GMT2. The new version of the sub is bound to be out in the next 12 months or so.

Plus the GMT2 is really hard to get. I was offered AUD$8K for mine 2 days ago.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Destroy

Plus the GMT2 is really hard to get. I was offered AUD$8K for mine 2 days ago.

By a flying friggin' monkey?

[nimm12]

the GMT2-C is nice , but there are some who reported QC issues (inevitable for any new products i suppose) . things like misalignment of hands , dirty dials, dust contaminants in date window , etc etc ... hope these wil go away when the production line of GMT2-C settles down, soon

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by nimm12

the GMT2-C is nice , but there are some who reported QC issues (inevitable for any new products i suppose) . things like misalignment of hands , dirty dials, dust contaminants in date window , etc etc ... hope these wil go away when the production line of GMT2-C settles down, soon

i got the new GMT IIC this past August. Aside from loosing a few seconds each day, it is pretty much perfect. I have not seen many complaints about QC issues (only 1 or 2 I can think of off hand though I only got to this forum recently).

[SSD]

I love the GMT IIc, but obviously my first loyalties go with the Sub 16610. JMO, I thought I'd post the dissenting opinion for this thread. Don't forget, both are proven winners and neither could ever be a bad choice!!! I especially like the font on the ceramic bezel and the green printing & hands on the LV. Best of luck, you're going to enjoy which ever you decide on!

[spogehead]

Guys!

Thanks for the response's going by your opinions the GMTIIc looks like the winner, but......................I have always wanted a SUB Date and it's availability is going to be a bit easier was quoted 4-5 weeks today from AD in London and everywhere is quoting 1 year + on the GMT!! So SUD is winning at the mo

although.....

I'm off to Vegas in December so hopefully they wil have one of each for me to compare in one of the AD's out there although I have already pre-ordered a couple of Omega's to pick up on my visit, wonder if I'll be bringing back a Rolex as well??? Will be fun dodging customs if I do!

[karmatp]

I would wait till Vegas and look at them both. Is it just me, but from your statements if you buy the GMTIIc without really looking at the Sub, you might regret it. You said you have always wanted the sub so I would get it. That comes from personal experience my friend, I've been in your shoes before and felt like I made the wrong decision. If you have always wished for a particular watch and buy something different, you will still wish for what you could have had.

[ASW1]

As a few have suggested go and try them on. There are Subs and GMTC's in various places around Bond Street and Burlington Arcade. That way you'll know what you really want, and can then look to source.

Again, as mentioned, availability is likely to be better outside London - just phone around the ADs.

May I make a further suggestion - try the SD. I have Sub, Sub Date and SD - of three the SD is the one that wins for me. I have handled a TT GMTC and it is a nice pice, but the size of the numbers, and the polished links may it quite bling, and certainly less subtle and 'sporty' than the Sub and SD.

ND - Remember you can't loose.

[spogehead]

Originally Posted by karmatp

I would wait till Vegas and look at them both. Is it just me, but from your statements if you buy the GMTIIc without really looking at the Sub, you might regret it. You said you have always wanted the sub so I would get it. That comes from personal experience my friend, I've been in your shoes before and felt like I made the wrong decision. If you have always wished for a particular watch and buy something different, you will still wish for what you could have had.

mmmm I think you might be right I guess i do realy need to see them and compare although in the UK the Sub is £580 cheaper so the GMT will have be something special to take extra cash over my dream watch!

[spogehead]

Originally Posted by ASW1

As a few have suggested go and try them on. There are Subs and GMTC's in various places around Bond Street and Burlington Arcade. That way you'll know what you really want, and can then look to source.

Again, as mentioned, availability is likely to be better outside London - just phone around the ADs.

May I make a further suggestion - try the SD. I have Sub, Sub Date and SD - of three the SD is the one that wins for me. I have handled a TT GMTC and it is a nice pice, but the size of the numbers, and the polished links may it quite bling, and certainly less subtle and 'sporty' than the Sub and SD.

ND - Remember you can't loose.

Not overly keen on the SD mainly due to the lack of cyclops I know that sounds weird but I think it makes the Sub for me so 14060 is out as well also the slightly smaller dial on the SD puts me off as well.

What is so special about it in your opinion?

And yes I think a visit to Burlington arcade is on the cards in the next couple of weeks nothing like a bit of watch 'wine tasting' at the grey guys!!

[Transient]

If you're going to use the GMT function, then go for the GMT. If not, then go for the Sub. The 16610 is timeless, classic, robust, and more versatile than the GMT II.

[Stuart]

I am also looking for my first new Rolex purchase and for me the appearance is paramount. I have looked at pictures of all models and have zeroed in on either a GMT II or a SUB, plus a Daytona.

I find that the numbers around the GMT bezel are far too large and far too numerous for my taste and are out of scale with the proportions of the watch. I have concluded that the SUB is a far better design and is possibly why is has been so popular having been quoted as the "quintessential Rolex appearance".

This is the same with the Daytona where the "standard" SS model has been exceptionally well designed (appearance wise) with all graphics in a balanced proportion. That is why that model is in such demand. People realise what they feel looks good but many times they do not really know WHY something looks so good. The Daytona model with Roman numerals on the dial is not well designed as the numerals IMHO are out of scale with the other elements on the dial.

So I will be hunting for a Blue SUB and an SS Daytona. Hope to find them somewhere at MSRP even if I was quoted $13,900 for a SS Daytona this afternoon at an AD in So. Cal.

Stuart
-------------------------------

[EvEr34]

I'd go Sub in a minute. I've explained why before but at the risk of repeating myself i'll just that Stuart pretty much summed it up.

[vdave]

Originally Posted by nimm12

the GMT2-C is nice , but there are some who reported QC issues (inevitable for any new products i suppose) . things like misalignment of hands , dirty dials, dust contaminants in date window , etc etc ... hope these wil go away when the production line of GMT2-C settles down, soon

What QC issues ? "Dirty dial" ?? give me a break. Are you sure this was not a fake rolex ? I have GMT2-C with no issues. As a matter of fact it is the most accurate Rolex I have owned so far.