New SS GMTII worth $1,500 over the SD?

[dnnaudio]

A few weeks ago after days of pondering I was set to purchase an SD from my AD. However when I was ready to go for it I learned they were no longer on stock, especially the one I tried on. And other ADs in the country did not have it either.

Since then i've seen the many praise and pictures of the new SS GMTII at this forum and have become undecided between the two. Yesterday I learned that fresh stocks will be coming in soon which includes both SD and new SS GMTII.

In here the new GMT is US$1,500 dearer than the SD. To those of you who have seen and worn these watches side by side do you feel that extra $1.5T is worth it regardless of watch tool functionality? Thanks.

[USMCsilver]

I've said it in another thread, and I'll say it again:

I love the look, but the red/black still has a more "classic" look to it. The only reason I stepped up to the new one was because of the new features, i.e.: better clasp, better band, better case, better movement, better crown, better dial, better hands, better crown guards, better bezel material, expand-a-link. If it wouldn't have been for that minor stuff, I woulda got the old one.

[Lol-x]

I personally think that the new SS GMT is worth paying a little more, but it is always going to be a value judgment. The new movement is +/- zero seconds on this watch after a week.
There is nothing wrong with either watch, so it really comes down to personal tastes and preferences.

[mibondin]

WOW! Aren't those prices for the SS close to the TT? I would be wanting the more precious metal for those prices though I guess the SS is more in fashion (and therefore in higher demand). I thought the new SS GMT would be around $6500 AU?

[walds11]

If I didn't all ready have a sports model (Sub Date), I may consider the new GMT II. It is growing on me. I would wait till it's out on full circulation. Maybe get a discount or pre-owned.

[dnnaudio]

My AD just received his stock of the new SS GMTII and I finally saw this for the 1st time. Having seen and worn the SD on prior occasions I can now say this new GMT is head and shoulders a better watch. Better feel, better fit, better looks, etc.. enough to convince me it is worth the $1,500 premium over the SD.

But now a new dilemna, my AD showed me as well the TT and solid gold new GMTs. The solid gold is just a beauty, easily the best of the three but way over my price range so that's not an option. I'm torn between the TT and SS, both have their appeal. The TT that touch of elegance, the SS that rugged James Bond looks. I kept wearing the two in alternate for maybe 20 mins but can't decide. The TT is being offered to me at a price US$ 2,000 more than the SS model. Price-wise I would prefer to stick to the SS price range, but can make myself to swing for the extra $ of the TT. Any thoughts?

[DaveN]

The TT price is a deal if your talking MSRP or less. List in US SS5950 and TT $8925.

[Tools]

Whoa there fellas....

I hear "premium", and "more dear". and cost comparisons for two completely different animals.

Isn't this like asking why the Mercury costs more than the Ford,

Or why the Buick costs more that the Chevy..

Hey, they're both made by the same company...why don't they cost the same ?

The new GMT is the latest engineering attempt by Rolex to up-grade and improve an earlier version movement, case, and bracelet. New tooling, research money, design costs....these all have to be rolled into the latest cost passed on to the customer.

The SD is just more of the same old, same old.

Now, having said that..... I am not fond of the SD - for me. I would plunk down the extra bucks because I find the GMT fits my idea of how I see myself, right or wrong (and of course, possibly not how others see me), and I prefer the look of a TTl ....so I'll plunk down some more hard green

[dnnaudio]

Thanks guys, i'm still undecided between the TT and SS but right now i'm inclined to go for the SS because I seem to like its rugged looks more compared to the classy elegance of the TT. I guess i'm an all steel kind of guy. My other watches - AP (my priced one), omega and tag are all steel. But my mind may change at the last minute as I pick this up at the AD sometime this week, just waiting for the box and certificate to come in. Both watches are surely great, purely a matter of taste.

One thing about the TT, the AD is giving me one hell of a discount and this is partly clouding my judgement.

[vdave]

not sure why it's clouding your judgement.... there will always be less of a discount on steel watches than the TT watches since the steel onces are more affordable and hence have higher demand. Gold DD will yield more discount than the SS DD.

[dnnaudio]

Good point the all SS will always have of a less discount. I'm pretty much decided with the all steel but will wait another day before I make the purchase.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Well, the GMT II does have a more complicated movement than the SD AND the GMT II admittedly has a much better constructed bracelet. The ceramic bezel also would be more expensive than the aluminium insert of the SS bezel on the SD. So all in all, I think the price difference is not that surprizing.

[billybob]

For my self I would never pay an AD any thing more than SD for any Rolex.Thats one reason I have not bought a Daytona.If you are a loyal customer to your AD and he will not give you the watch for SD I would stop buying from him you can always find a Rolex AD.I hope you get your watch and ultimatley its your decision.


Were ever I go there I am.

[warbird]

I was considering waiting for a new GMT instead of buying my SubDate. But I just couldn't see the added value. And since I don't do as much business travel as I used too, 50 out of 52 weeks a year I'm probably in the same timezone.

[BiG JeEzY]

I feel that the extra $1500 is worth it regardless of watch functionality. Just to review the two again for a little bit...

The new GMT is updated with a new movement the caliber 3186 which other members have reported great results with in terms of precision and accuracy. It also has the updated case which I think looks pretty sharp, maxi dial, a much better clasp, solid link bracelet and ceramic bezel.

The SD still has an older 3135 movement, the older style clasp and bracelet, a non ceramic bezel and so forth. Don't get me wrong, you can never go wrong with this watch even with no upgrades. In fact, I wouldnt be able to decide between the two myself.

All these upgrades add up and I think that the $1500 difference is well worth it considering the upgrades.

[AndrewCadwell]

The SD is still the same SD as always correct? Just a new series. right? The GMT is all new so I can totally understand the price difference.

[Solar]

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

I feel that the extra $1500 is worth it regardless of watch functionality. Just to review the two again for a little bit...

The new GMT is updated with a new movement the caliber 3186 which other members have reported great results with in terms of precision and accuracy. It also has the updated case which I think looks pretty sharp, maxi dial, a much better clasp, solid link bracelet and ceramic bezel.

The SD still has an older 3135 movement, the older style clasp and bracelet, a non ceramic bezel and so forth. Don't get me wrong, you can never go wrong with this watch even with no upgrades. In fact, I wouldnt be able to decide between the two myself.

All these upgrades add up and I think that the $1500 difference is well worth it considering the upgrades.

Interesting point. The earlier post mentioning that the new GMT has a "better" case and dial is somewhat subjective; the new GMT has a different case and dial, while I agree the Daytona-style bracelet and Parachrom hairspring are improvements.

The increased cost reflects the solid-link bracelet, improved clasp and other features of cost, such as the more expensive-to-produce ceramic bezel.

The cost seems understandable. In the end, if you really like the new GMT, then spend the extra to obtain it; no point in my opinion in coming that close to what you really want and falling short. However, if you intend to do serious diving, you would want the SD. If you're more of a "desk-diver" who may appreciate the functionality of the second time zone, then the new GMT with the improvements on clasp, bracelet and movement are worth the cost I think.

Best of luck in your choice,

Chris

[Woody]

Originally Posted by dnnaudio

A few weeks ago after days of pondering I was set to purchase an SD from my AD. However when I was ready to go for it I learned they were no longer on stock, especially the one I tried on. And other ADs in the country did not have it either.

Since then i've seen the many praise and pictures of the new SS GMTII at this forum and have become undecided between the two. Yesterday I learned that fresh stocks will be coming in soon which includes both SD and new SS GMTII.

In here the new GMT is US$1,500 dearer than the SD. To those of you who have seen and worn these watches side by side do you feel that extra $1.5T is worth it regardless of watch tool functionality? Thanks.

I picked up my new SS GMT11 last week - I had previously owned an SD for 5years so had the opportunity to compare the two together (one on each wrist!!) - in my view both are great watches but I preferred the GMT. It has the weight and presence of the SD but the wider dial and slightly lower profile make it a better looking and more comfortable watch (just my opinion). I also travel and don't dive so this was another factor in my decision making!!! I ended up trading in my SD and have had no regrets.

I would say that the SD is a put on and forget watch (it will take you anywhere) whilst the GMT needs a little more care and attention (scratch prone polished links) but if you are like me and generally sit in an office wearing a suit then this shouldn't be a problem.

Hope this helps.

[ldmarcht]

It depends on what the watch is going to do for you. I passed on the older model GMT because I wanted the substantial feel of the sub, especially the triplock crown. Now that I have the sub and have had a chance to actually handle one of new GMT's I think its a bit to upscale for daily use if daily wear including washing car, jumping in the pool and so on. I have the same braclet that the new GMT is set up with on my SS Daytona that I wear once a week, and it shows scratches and so on very readily...

I'd be more excited about a fully burnished braclet with the upgrade clasp....

BTW, my AD is selling the new GMT for $5950 US

[supermarz]

Originally Posted by ldmarcht

It depends on what the watch is going to do for you. I passed on the older model GMT because I wanted the substantial feel of the sub, especially the triplock crown. Now that I have the sub and have had a chance to actually handle one of new GMT's I think its a bit to upscale for daily use if daily wear including washing car, jumping in the pool and so on. I have the same braclet that the new GMT is set up with on my SS Daytona that I wear once a week, and it shows scratches and so on very readily...

I'd be more excited about a fully burnished braclet with the upgrade clasp....

BTW, my AD is selling the new GMT for $5950 US

i was just wondering is that price a RRP in the US or already discounted ?

[ohlins]

that is MSRP in the USA...........

[Rodentman]

Newer isn't always better. The SD style case, movement, and bracelet have served millions of people quite well for many years. It's somewhat disappointing to see people write off the old as soon as a new style comes out. All of a sudden the 3135 is crapola and there'll be a glut of subs and SD's on the used market?

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by ldmarcht

I'd be more excited about a fully burnished braclet with the upgrade clasp....

Mine's gonna be a daily wearer, so I really could care less about scratches.

You have two options:

1. polish out the bracelet w/ a Cape Cod cloth when it starts to show substantial wear
2. have your AD brush the center links so it'll match the outter links

I really don't see what all the fuss is about with the polished center links. Once some skin oils get on the center links, they almost match the brushed outter links. To keep my watch looking decent, I often find myself wiping those with my t-shirt (which I'm in daily, along with khaki shorts and Rainbow flops).

Anyway, I say this watch is a go-anywhere daily doohicky. IMHO, the only thing not suitable for a daily beater is solid gold -- and that is only true when the person doesn't wear a suit. That's my $0.02, keep the change!