Went window Shopping to see GMT11C

[Baptistman]

Ok Guys, indulged my self today and caught a train to Cardiff (about a 15min train journey) walked through first class watch spotting. Spotted a Plat Daytona.

But the point of my post is, Went to see what all the fuss was about for the new GMT11C. They had one in my AD's window so popped in to try it on. I can see why people are sold on it. The photos do not do justice to that bezel. I wish the links on the bracelet were a little thicker like the SD. But as I said its a stunning watch. My conclusions were, this is a wonderful addition to the line up but:
1) I'm not sure it should replace the previous version of the GMT which I would of considered more of a tool watch. This new GMT is quite dressy and wonder if this should of been released as an addition to the previous GMT range.

2) IMO if the bezel as fitted to the GMT11C is being considered for Sub and SD. Rolex DON'T. Its just to dressy for these hard working beasts. The ceraminc bezel is a real beauty in the flesh and fits the GMT11C perfectly, but IMO, is not right for Sub/SD.

So thats my opinion.

[crimscrem]

Originally Posted by Baptistman

Ok Guys, indulged my self today and caught a train to Cardiff (about a 15min train journey) walked through first class watch spotting. Spotted a Plat Daytona.

But the point of my post is, Went to see what all the fuss was about for the new GMT11C. They had one in my AD's window so popped in to try it on. I can see why people are sold on it. The photos do not do justice to that bezel. I wish the links on the bracelet were a little thicker like the SD. But as I said its a stunning watch. My conclusions were, this is a wonderful addition to the line up but:
1) I'm not sure it should replace the previous version of the GMT which I would of considered more of a tool watch. This new GMT is quite dressy and wonder if this should of been released as an addition to the previous GMT range.

2) IMO if the bezel as fitted to the GMT11C is being considered for Sub and SD. Rolex DON'T. Its just to dressy for these hard working beasts. The ceraminc bezel is a real beauty in the flesh and fits the GMT11C perfectly, but IMO, is not right for Sub/SD.

So thats my opinion.

The bezel really makes the GMT-IIc feel big. I tried on a WG Daytona, a day-date, and a sub yesterday. And even though the Daytona and sub are the same size, they feel and look considerably smaller than the GMT-IIc. I was shocked at how small the day-date looked and felt. This coming from a guy with small wrists.

If, and it's a big if, Rolex makes a change to the sub and sd, i hope they don't make the numbers big like they are on the GMT-IIc and YM. I think the change to a ceramic bezel makes some sense, because it's my understanding that the ceramic can withstand more abuse, making it an improvement for a tool watch.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I agree, Jon! The ceramic bezel would not look good on neither the Sub Date nor the SD, unless both get the other updates (polished centre links and broader lugs). And the the Sub Date and SD would not be tool watches anymore. They are perfect as they are now.

[frostie]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

They are perfect as they are now.

I totally agree with this one Bo but the law of evolution is different and it seems that rolex is following it.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I agree, Jon! The ceramic bezel would not look good on neither the Sub Date nor the SD, unless both get the other updates (polished centre links and broader lugs). And the the Sub Date and SD would not be tool watches anymore. They are perfect as they are now.

I think they need to update the bracelet/clasps for both watches. Then they'd be close to perfect.

[f16570]

The polished centre links do apppear to make the watch more dressy, so I doubt Rolex will put it on the Sub & SD. Well heres hoping.

[Texsubmariner]

Originally Posted by JBat

I think they need to update the bracelet/clasps for both watches. Then they'd be close to perfect.

I agree. It would be great if Rolex updates the Sub or SD judiciously. But I realize Rolex is in the business to sell more watches, so they may have to go with the current trends.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JBat

I think they need to update the bracelet/clasps for both watches. Then they'd be close to perfect.

Well, it's a matter of personal preference, but somehow I like the old-style bracelet and clasp better. The classic Oyster bracelet is tested by time and is very, very strong! It's a simple, yet ingenious design. And I like the greater versatility you get with more pin holes in the clasp.

The new GMT IIc clasp is a piece of art, no doubt about it, but does it REALLY have to be SO complicated in structure?? ↓↓



Sometimes, less is more.

[rgf]

I have the GMT2c, and I don't think the bezel is too dressy for the sub. In person, rather than in pictures which of course enlarge the details, its not so dressy, it just seems more solid and "high end" than the current acrilyc bezels.

[Felly Jr.]

You never cease to amaze me with your knowledge of all that is Rolex!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Felly, I got the diagram from someone else here who posted it at some time. I just save a lot of pics.

[Terry Newton]

I love the solid clasp on my new TT GMT II c. It is much dressier, has no unsightly holes in it, and closes with such a secure snap. It sure dresses up an already dressy watch.

I can already picture it on my next Rolex. Uh-Oh. I have the bug.

Terry Newton

[JBat]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Well, it's a matter of personal preference, but somehow I like the old-style bracelet and clasp better. The classic Oyster bracelet is tested by time and is very, very strong! It's a simple, yet ingenious design. And I like the greater versatility you get with more pin holes in the clasp.

The new GMT IIc clasp is a piece of art, no doubt about it, but does it REALLY have to be SO complicated in structure??
Sometimes, less is more.

Good points, Bo, but it just doesn't seem to me like the current bracelets match the watch they are attached to, both in terms of cost and quality. But I don't own a Sub or an SD and can't speak to the day-to-day use of the bracelet.

The GMT IIc bracelet may be complex but it is very solid and has an extremely high quality feel to it, more in line with the Omega bracelets I came from.

That said, I want a Sub and I'll revisit them based on your comments, though I do think we'll see some changes announced for them at Basel. One thing I don't want to see is the ceramic bezel or polished center links for the Sub/SD. I don't they fit the image of those two watches as much as the GMT.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by JBat

Good points, Bo, but it just doesn't seem to me like the current bracelets match the watch they are attached to, both in terms of cost and quality. But I don't own a Sub or an SD and can't speak to the day-to-day use of the bracelet.

The GMT IIc bracelet may be complex but it is very solid and has an extremely high quality feel to it, more in line with the Omega bracelets I came from.

That said, I want a Sub and I'll revisit them based on your comments, though I do think we'll see some changes announced for them at Basel. One thing I don't want to see is the ceramic bezel or polished center links for the Sub/SD. I don't they fit the image of those two watches as much as the GMT.

I agree John. Many other Swiss watch brands surpass Rolex in bracelet and clasp robustness. The Rolex price point almost demands a milled clasp with solid links.

But Bo has a good point as well. The original stamped clasp works great, been time tested, it's easily fitted, and it's really a nonissue once you've put the watch on.

Geez, I should be a politician.
dP

[Welshwatchman]

I guess you went to Crouch on St Mary St and WOS in St Davids Arcade.

I have bought three watches from each of these dealers and really can't recommend them for customer service.

Must have been a WG Daytona though, no platinum version is available yet.

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

I guess you went to Crouch on St Mary St and WOS in St Davids Arcade.

I have bought three watches from each of these dealers and really can't recommend them for customer service.

Must have been a WG Daytona though, no platinum version is available yet.

Correct, what issues have you had

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Baptistman

Correct, what issues have you had

Just a general lethargy.

Mainly with WOS.

I gave the salesmen my telephone number and told them if ever they get a 5127 Patek in as part of their stock rotation give me a ring and I'll come in and try it on. A couple of months later I passed the window and one was on display. I went in and asked how long it had been there. "four or five weeks" was the reply. I tried it on, nice watch, but I was a bit pissed with the lack of effort so I passed on the watch and told them why. It is still there.

Another time when I picked up my 116710 they unboxed a 116520 SS Daytona by mistake, shortly after a salesmen had spouted on about they hadn't got one this year and just put them in the display when they get them.
The redness of his face gave the story away when I asked whether this was one of a couple they kept in the safe for "special customers".

I had only ever spent £15,000 with them so was not deserving of decent treatment.

Wankers IMO.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JBat

Good points, Bo, but it just doesn't seem to me like the current bracelets match the watch they are attached to, both in terms of cost and quality. But I don't own a Sub or an SD and can't speak to the day-to-day use of the bracelet.

(...)

Well, if you exclude the riveted and/or expandable Oyster bracelet with simple fold-over centre links that came on sport's Rolex up to the late 1960ies, not much has changed on the Oyster bracelets apart from the SEL and a different diver's extension link ("O" marked on the Sub Date). The early bugs got rid off, and there is a reason as to why the Oyster bracelets have not changed much since then; reason being that they are of higher quality than one should think.

I say "don't fix it if it aint broken", and the old-style Oyster bracelets sure aren't broken.