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Tudor66 · 30 September 2011, 03:31 PM

Look out, here comes another discussion about gmtII's old vs. new.

I sat in a meeting this morning when I noticed the guy sitting next to me was sporting a 2005 GMTII coke bezel watch. For those of you who haven't read my redundant threads, I've been saving up and trying to decide between old vs new GMTII's. Anyway, he let me try on his watch. It's a perfect fit for my wrist, it fits under the cuffs fine, and would be a great daily use watch.

The meeting reminded me that I needed to try on the new GMTII-C at lunch to reek havoc on the seemingly immovable clarity I obtained in the morning. So I went to an AD for lunch and tried on the new GMTII-C. For all that benefits of the older model there are certainly new model benefits that leave my comparison at a dead even tie. Here are my latest thoughts after wearing both today:

-old GMTII: less expensive, fits great, bezels/band options, classic look, matching red dial/bezel- though I have to buy a used one.

-new model: quite expensive, feels impressive, ceramic dial looks awesome, has the "new car" smell- I have to wait longer to save up, and I don't know if I can wait until the end of the year...!

Joey_V · 30 September 2011, 03:54 PM

For me, no contest. GMTIIC.

DolphinV8 · 30 September 2011, 04:03 PM

I was torn between the 16610LV & 116610LN. I like how you can change the bezel inserts on the older models, but the new ceramic bezel & bracelet are also very nice. I ended up buying the older Sub, and I love it a lot. However, I am still thinking about the ceramic Sub. I guess when you can't make up your mind, you gotta own them both? =P

Tudor66 · 30 September 2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DolphinV8

I guess when you can't make up your mind, you gotta own them both? =P

Yes, I do need both watches, and some mental assistance if I don't buy one this year...I may just BAN myself if I don't pull the trigger by 2012...

capote · 30 September 2011, 04:22 PM

Old one for me, a classic Rolex. The new one is too shiny and square. But if you like the new one you should save a little longer and get that one

Runnin' Rebel · 30 September 2011, 04:26 PM

I couldn't resist these pics

And you can't ban yourself for that reason ! You gotta have a better reason.
Just get both. Only 1 person can ban himself at a time on here

Chris B · 30 September 2011, 04:58 PM

I've owned both but only miss 16710

CharlieSF · 30 September 2011, 05:05 PM

Both watches look great on you. I too am saving for my first and plan on purchasing the GMTIIC (though the SubC is also on my mind a lot). They're both beautiful, but the IIC looks damn good on you. Just my $.02. Happy saving and best of luck!

Bobble · 30 September 2011, 05:24 PM

Don't forget you can pick up a used BNIB GMTIIc thereby saving money and getting one sooner? I love the coke bezel, but decided on ceremic due to all the other updates. Of course that doesn't mean I won't get a coke someday

Auragentum · 30 September 2011, 05:56 PM

Looking at the watch only (without sitting on the wrist) I find the GMTIIc more attractive. The new contemporary font on the bezel, the ceramic finish, the new bracelet and other update touches makes it look better IMO. I do not like the RolexRolexRolex print though.

Sitting on a wrist, I find the old(er) GMT more aesthetically pleasing. Main reason is the smaller case and the smaller letters on the bezel, making the watch look smaller overall in diameter. The look is more harmonious. In comparison the GMTIIc looks jumbo sized and somewhat bloated unless you have a large wrist, IMO.

mike · 30 September 2011, 06:22 PM

Here's a solution.

HL65 · 30 September 2011, 08:03 PM

Very nice Mike!

No question for me - Old!!!

jamesbondOO7 · 30 September 2011, 08:08 PM

Absolutely no doubt the 16710 looks much much better. The question really is (for me anyway): "can you buy a secondhand watch"? In my case, I would only buy a secondhand watch from someone I know. A watch is just so personal, you want to know where it has been.....

jamesbondOO7 · 30 September 2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

Here's a solution.

Holly fart! This is killing me!

dddrees · 30 September 2011, 08:10 PM

I'm another believer in both the old one and the new one.

Don't forget the greater flexibility you can have with the older one. Different bracelets and inserts.

RRGHOST1 · 30 September 2011, 08:10 PM

Both are nice,the new 116710 feeling more of a better made watch somehow. I had a Pepsi 16710 and it was nice but my late father in law had the ceramic.The only thing i dont like about the new one is the green hand and green lettering as i prefer the red.

Dan Pierce · 30 September 2011, 09:15 PM

Mike's "solution" is always best.

However, my wallet will not allow that so the classic, uber-versatile GMT II will always be THE Rolex for me.
dP

East Bay Rider · 30 September 2011, 09:49 PM

First, congrats to you for being smart, waiting and saving up for it rather than whipping out the plastic.
Second, really you can't go wrong with either. I prefer the old but I can see the good qualities in the new. I doubt that once you have either, you'll not be satisfied and regret your decision. Have fun with it, enjoy the process and just know that whatever you choose, you chose correctly.

rossi46 · 30 September 2011, 10:17 PM

After trying on a Sub no-date at the AD while I was buying my 116710, there's no way in hell I could ever pay $5k+ for a Rolex with the old style stamped clasp. It felt like something that belonged on a $10 watch.

You haven't brought up the clasp, so maybe you don't notice/care, but to me it was a huge deal the instant I held the watch. The new clasp exudes quality, the old style cheapness.

yannis · 1 October 2011, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Mike's "solution" is always best.

However, my wallet will not allow that so the classic, uber-versatile GMT II will always be THE Rolex for me.
dP

Don't you love this pic? Classic Dan mate!! I like both watches especially that Pepsi really does it for me. Had two flipped them both and i will get one again one day...for good. It is a special watch indeed...the 16710 and its predecessors that is.

Here is one from me showing both:

azguy · 1 October 2011, 12:18 AM

Old for sure, in my humble opinion, running a coke or pepsi insert is what makes the GMT so iconic......You know what you are looking at in an instant.

kyle L · 1 October 2011, 01:11 AM

Classic 16710, you can always find a ceramic in the future! They aren't going anywhere.

Sixxgrand1 · 1 October 2011, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossi46

After trying on a Sub no-date at the AD while I was buying my 116710, there's no way in hell I could ever pay $5k+ for a Rolex with the old style stamped clasp. It felt like something that belonged on a $10 watch.

You haven't brought up the clasp, so maybe you don't notice/care, but to me it was a huge deal the instant I held the watch. The new clasp exudes quality, the old style cheapness.

The older style clasp worked on millions of ROLEX without fail. The new clasp has broken with little effort on a number of members GMTIIC's...I prefer the simplicity and light weight of the older clasp. Also sand and grit never caused an issue in those older clasps if you ever played volleyball on the beach and took a tumble - those clasps would rinse clean in seconds and never failed. I think ROLEX was light years ahead with that (Explorer/Sub/GMT) clasp design. Light, simple, effective. If it didn't have the weight or 'exude a quality' - hell it sure worked perfectly! IMHO.

Dan Pierce · 1 October 2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Don't you love this pic? Classic Dan mate!! I like both watches especially that Pepsi really does it for me. Had two flipped them both and i will get again one day...for good. It is a special watch indeed...the 16710 and its predecessors that is.

Thanks, Yannis!

dP

Deyn Man · 1 October 2011, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Mike's "solution" is always best.

However, my wallet will not allow that so the classic, uber-versatile GMT II will always be THE Rolex for me.
dP

kabooom!!!!! i will also do this one day...

and most likely with the old sub LV and an extra black sub insert.... :)

Dan Pierce · 1 October 2011, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deyn Man

kabooom!!!!! i will also do this one day...

and most likely with the old sub LV and an extra black sub insert.... :)

Thanks, Dean!

Believe it or not I've got even more GMT options coming soon.

Stay tuned............
dP

Spartan · 1 October 2011, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

Here's a solution.

Mike nice GMTs

All you need right now to complete the collection is a nice 16713 which I happen to have

fresh from RSC

.... So fresh I have yet to wear it!

Bruno C · 1 October 2011, 03:04 AM

Old one for me!

jmsrolls · 1 October 2011, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey_V

For me, no contest. GMTIIC.

For me, no contest. GMTII.

THE classic look:

No PCLs and no ceramic bezel to chip, scratch, or shatter plus a red "fourth hand" that is visible against a black dial.

Fr. John†

pacifichrono · 1 October 2011, 05:43 AM

All really nice! I have a 1675 on its way to me this weekend.

30 September 2011, 03:31 PM	#1
Tudor66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Al Location: California, USA Watch: GMT- Pepsi Posts: 3,462	gmtII's old vs. new- it's a tie...see pictures Look out, here comes another discussion about gmtII's old vs. new. I sat in a meeting this morning when I noticed the guy sitting next to me was sporting a 2005 GMTII coke bezel watch. For those of you who haven't read my redundant threads, I've been saving up and trying to decide between old vs new GMTII's. Anyway, he let me try on his watch. It's a perfect fit for my wrist, it fits under the cuffs fine, and would be a great daily use watch. The meeting reminded me that I needed to try on the new GMTII-C at lunch to reek havoc on the seemingly immovable clarity I obtained in the morning. So I went to an AD for lunch and tried on the new GMTII-C. For all that benefits of the older model there are certainly new model benefits that leave my comparison at a dead even tie. Here are my latest thoughts after wearing both today: -old GMTII: less expensive, fits great, bezels/band options, classic look, matching red dial/bezel- though I have to buy a used one. -new model: quite expensive, feels impressive, ceramic dial looks awesome, has the "new car" smell- I have to wait longer to save up, and I don't know if I can wait until the end of the year...! Attached Images __________________ -NAWCC Member

30 September 2011, 03:54 PM	#2
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	For me, no contest. GMTIIC. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

30 September 2011, 04:26 PM	#6
Runnin' Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Mark Location: 🤔 Posts: 8,424	I couldn't resist these pics And you can't ban yourself for that reason ! You gotta have a better reason. Just get both. Only 1 person can ban himself at a time on here Attached Images __________________ ♛

30 September 2011, 08:03 PM	#12
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,009	Very nice Mike! No question for me - Old!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

30 September 2011, 08:08 PM	#13
jamesbondOO7 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: BondJamesBond Location: The Algarve Watch: Rolex or nothing Posts: 4,081	Absolutely no doubt the 16710 looks much much better. The question really is (for me anyway): "can you buy a secondhand watch"? In my case, I would only buy a secondhand watch from someone I know. A watch is just so personal, you want to know where it has been..... __________________ ♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛

30 September 2011, 04:03 PM	#3
DolphinV8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Earth Watch: 16610LV Posts: 949	I was torn between the 16610LV & 116610LN. I like how you can change the bezel inserts on the older models, but the new ceramic bezel & bracelet are also very nice. I ended up buying the older Sub, and I love it a lot. However, I am still thinking about the ceramic Sub. I guess when you can't make up your mind, you gotta own them both? =P

30 September 2011, 04:22 PM	#5
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	Old one for me, a classic Rolex. The new one is too shiny and square. But if you like the new one you should save a little longer and get that one

30 September 2011, 04:58 PM	#7
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	I've owned both but only miss 16710

30 September 2011, 05:05 PM	#8
CharlieSF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: CA Watch: 116710 Posts: 237	Both watches look great on you. I too am saving for my first and plan on purchasing the GMTIIC (though the SubC is also on my mind a lot). They're both beautiful, but the IIC looks damn good on you. Just my $.02. Happy saving and best of luck!

30 September 2011, 05:24 PM	#9
Bobble Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Paul Location: Midlands UK Watch: GMT IIc, Daytona Posts: 423	Don't forget you can pick up a used BNIB GMTIIc thereby saving money and getting one sooner? I love the coke bezel, but decided on ceremic due to all the other updates. Of course that doesn't mean I won't get a coke someday

30 September 2011, 05:56 PM	#10
Auragentum "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: All over Posts: 633	Looking at the watch only (without sitting on the wrist) I find the GMTIIc more attractive. The new contemporary font on the bezel, the ceramic finish, the new bracelet and other update touches makes it look better IMO. I do not like the RolexRolexRolex print though. Sitting on a wrist, I find the old(er) GMT more aesthetically pleasing. Main reason is the smaller case and the smaller letters on the bezel, making the watch look smaller overall in diameter. The look is more harmonious. In comparison the GMTIIc looks jumbo sized and somewhat bloated unless you have a large wrist, IMO.

30 September 2011, 06:22 PM	#11
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Here's a solution.

30 September 2011, 08:10 PM	#15
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	I'm another believer in both the old one and the new one. Don't forget the greater flexibility you can have with the older one. Different bracelets and inserts. Attached Images __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

30 September 2011, 08:10 PM	#16
RRGHOST1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: luke standing Location: england Watch: Rolex TT SubC Blue Posts: 3,997	Both are nice,the new 116710 feeling more of a better made watch somehow. I had a Pepsi 16710 and it was nice but my late father in law had the ceramic.The only thing i dont like about the new one is the green hand and green lettering as i prefer the red.

30 September 2011, 09:15 PM	#17
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,217	Mike's "solution" is always best. However, my wallet will not allow that so the classic, uber-versatile GMT II will always be THE Rolex for me. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

30 September 2011, 09:49 PM	#18
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 12,073	First, congrats to you for being smart, waiting and saving up for it rather than whipping out the plastic. Second, really you can't go wrong with either. I prefer the old but I can see the good qualities in the new. I doubt that once you have either, you'll not be satisfied and regret your decision. Have fun with it, enjoy the process and just know that whatever you choose, you chose correctly. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

30 September 2011, 10:17 PM	#19
rossi46 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Dan Location: CT, by a lake Watch: 16570 Posts: 1,544	After trying on a Sub no-date at the AD while I was buying my 116710, there's no way in hell I could ever pay $5k+ for a Rolex with the old style stamped clasp. It felt like something that belonged on a $10 watch. You haven't brought up the clasp, so maybe you don't notice/care, but to me it was a huge deal the instant I held the watch. The new clasp exudes quality, the old style cheapness. __________________ A watch is about the entire package, not just its appearance. Any large watch company not making its own movement is not making a watch at all; they’re just playing dress-up. --The Watch Snob

1 October 2011, 12:18 AM	#21
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Old for sure, in my humble opinion, running a coke or pepsi insert is what makes the GMT so iconic......You know what you are looking at in an instant.

1 October 2011, 01:11 AM	#22
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	Classic 16710, you can always find a ceramic in the future! They aren't going anywhere.

1 October 2011, 03:04 AM	#28
Bruno C "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Bruno Location: Argentina Watch: Submariner 14060M Posts: 449	Old one for me!

1 October 2011, 05:43 AM	#30
pacifichrono "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Real Name: Tom Location: San Diego Watch: 1968 GMT 1675 Posts: 1,059	All really nice! I have a 1675 on its way to me this weekend. __________________ Regards from Sunny San Diego..........Tom

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