The BEST model to come out of Rolex in recent times - end of story!!

[billykmd]

I agree. I have the TT GMTIIC and it's a great watch for everday use. Seen the SS and I think it's a good functional watch as well, but the TT does add a bit of flavor.

[kelly56]

Magnificent timepiece JJ. Thanks for sharing.

[DJF881]

Originally Posted by BigHat

I'd just like to reinforce JJ's assertion in the OP. It's not if you like it or not, it's what other new Rolex model released in the last two years bests the GMT-IIC? We can discuss the finish etc. (I like all 3 options a lot) but what about the basic watch?

YM-II : While I like it, its flaws are widely known and is probably the most criticized watch on TRF.

It's the most complicated watch Rolex has ever made. As far as I know, there's no other mechanical watch with a regatta countdown complication. It's made for guys who race yachts and for guys who want to look like they race yachts. If you don't like it, it's not for you.

I know we've got the YM1's biggest fan in the house, but the YM1 is poorly differentiated from the Sub in both appearance and function. It's essentially just a blingier Sub-Date, and less waterproof.

The YMII is available in only solid gold because it's a very limited-interest piece.

Millys: Again, it has it's fans, but waaaay more detractors than the GMT-IIC.

It's rare and it has the novelty green glass. Based on an old design, and they don't make a lot of them.

SDDS: The south end of a north bound dog

The old SD is a minor variation on the Sub. The new SD is very much its own watch. If you don't like the look of the thing, get a Sub.

I think the people most critical of the upgraded models are jealous owners of the old versions.

New Sub: Hard to be too critical w/o better pics or personal contact, but most of the members here aren't waiting and have broadly panned it.

I am not a fan of the solid gold sport watches, but Rolex seems to roll out the upgrades in gold first. It looks like the upgrades are more or less analogous to the GMT upgrades. When it comes out in SS with the black bezel/dial, it's going to be very popular.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by DJF881

It's the most complicated watch Rolex has ever made. As far as I know, there's no other mechanical watch with a regatta countdown complication. It's made for guys who race yachts and for guys who want to look like they race yachts. If you don't like it, it's not for you.

.

AP makes a couple of ROOs that mechanically do the same thing as I recall. Thought they lack the instant rehacking features of the YM-II and the ability to set and then retain a countdown of minutes less than ten.
I marvel at the complexity and execution and am quite aware that it's a gold only watch. I just think the many people are turned off by the way it looks (gawdy bezel), the absence of a date, and the poor hand/dial contrast.

For those reasons I don't think it surpasses the GMT-IIC in the minds of most TRF members as the best new product in 2 years. Same with the other models released in the last two years and thus also part of the debate.

So you agree the GMT-IIC is the best release in two years?

[DJF881]

Originally Posted by BigHat

AP makes a couple of ROOs that mechanically do the same thing as I recall. Thought they lack the instant rehacking features of the YM-II and the ability to set and then retain a countdown of minutes less than ten.
I marvel at the complexity and execution and am quite aware that it's a gold only watch. I just think the many people are turned off by the way it looks (gawdy bezel), the absence of a date, and the poor hand/dial contrast.

For those reasons I don't think it surpasses the GMT-IIC in the minds of most TRF members as the best new product in 2 years. Same with the other models released in the last two years and thus also part of the debate.

So you agree the GMT-IIC is the best release in two years?

Well, I think the YM-II is designed with a more Patek or AP sort of marketing objective, which is to make a special watch with a special movement at a special extravagant price.

I think the GMTIIc is a better watch for most people, which is why Rolex makes a whole lot more GMTs than YMIIs. But I think the YMII is more of an improvement over the original YM than the GMTIIc is over the 16710.

I think part of the backlash against the new watches is the fact that they contain so many changes and upgrades that they make older models seem obsolete instead of "vintage." The new GMT is liked better than the new Sub or SD because people have had longer to get used to it.

I think a lot of the hate on the Deep Sea is sour grapes from current SD owners. The logic of these changes is compelling; the size of it is not for everyone, but for everyone else, there's still the Sub. The current model Sub and SD are overlapping products.

[Geoff]

I haven't posted in a while but have to agree with JJ on this.

I own a GMT-IIC TT and its the best Rolex I've owned, bar none. I flipped a 16234 Datejust and an Explorer 1 to help the defray the cost last year, and no regrets - I seldom wore either. I've owned a pepsi in the past and in my view there is really no comparison - the GMT IIC blows it away. I know others will disagree, but different strokes etc.

In addition to the GMT-IIC, I also own a SS Sub and and an Explorer II (white face). I love them both but if I had to choose only one from this collection or anything in the current Rolex inventory, it would be the GMT IIC TT. The reasons:

1. Absolutely magnificent look, heft and presence.

2. The ceramic bezel - outstanding compared to the metal version. The engraved gold numerals match the bracelet perfectly (don't understand the comments about the numerals looking "yellow." They look gold). In addition I love the new bezel ratchet mechanism and how it rotates and locks into place on the hours, as it should. You can feel the quality as you rotate it.

3. It's accurate beyond belief

4. The bracelet - solid links and clasp - great improvement over prior models

5. The anti-reflective coating on the Cyclops - another improvement over prior models

6. The triplock winding crown - proportionally in line with the maxi case and better functionality.

7. The maxi -case itself - an awesome piece of steel and design befitting a sports/tool watch

Bottom line - perfection. Thanks JJ for your influential endorsement.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I haven't posted in a while but have to agree with JJ on this.

I own a GMT-IIC TT and its the best Rolex I've owned, bar none. I flipped a 16234 Datejust and an Explorer 1 to help the defray the cost last year, and no regrets - I seldom wore either. I've owned a pepsi in the past and in my view there is really no comparison - the GMT IIC blows it away. I know others will disagree, but different strokes etc.

In addition to the GMT-IIC, I also own a SS Sub and and an Explorer II (white face). I love them both but if I had to choose only one from this collection or anything in the current Rolex inventory, it would be the GMT IIC TT. The reasons:

1. Absolutely magnificent look, heft and presence.

2. The ceramic bezel - outstanding compared to the metal version. The engraved gold numerals match the bracelet perfectly (don't understand the comments about the numerals looking "yellow." They look gold). In addition I love the new bezel ratchet mechanism and how it rotates and locks into place on the hours, as it should. You can feel the quality as you rotate it.

3. It's accurate beyond belief

4. The bracelet - solid links and clasp - great improvement over prior models

5. The anti-reflective coating on the Cyclops - another improvement over prior models

6. The triplock winding crown - proportionally in line with the maxi case and better functionality.

7. The maxi -case itself - an awesome piece of steel and design befitting a sports/tool watch

Bottom line - perfection. Thanks JJ for your influential endorsement.

Nice summary review, Geoff. If you have some pics of your watch, I'm sure we'd all love to see them.

Cheers - JJ

[DJF881]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I haven't posted in a while but have to agree with JJ on this.

I own a GMT-IIC TT and its the best Rolex I've owned, bar none. I flipped a 16234 Datejust and an Explorer 1 to help the defray the cost last year, and no regrets - I seldom wore either. I've owned a pepsi in the past and in my view there is really no comparison - the GMT IIC blows it away. I know others will disagree, but different strokes etc.

I absolutely agree that the GMTIIc incorporates significant advances over previous models. The same can be said of the new Sea Dweller and Submariner.

The objections to the new watches are similar to the objections against the GMTIIc as well. They're bigger, shinier, the bezel is too shiny/looks wrong, the maxi dial is too blingy, etc. People also hate the polished center links on the SS GMTIIc.

2. The ceramic bezel - outstanding compared to the metal version. The engraved gold numerals match the bracelet perfectly (don't understand the comments about the numerals looking "yellow." They look gold). In addition I love the new bezel ratchet mechanism and how it rotates and locks into place on the hours, as it should. You can feel the quality as you rotate it.

They've improved the ceramic a little bit from what I understand. If you run your finger around the bezel of the DSSD or the Sub-c, it's a uniform surface, where you can feel indentations around the numbers on the GMTII-c. The process is described similarly, but there is some difference which leads to those bezels being described by Rolex's Cerachrom trade name, and the bezel on the GMTII-c not getting that designation.

3. It's accurate beyond belief

The new Sub and SD will integrate the new hairspring and will probably be similarly accurate. 2-3 seconds off per day is common on the 3135 movement in the current Sub, SD, DJ and YM. The 3186 in the GMTII-c is often reported to be accurate within a second a day.

4. The bracelet - solid links and clasp - great improvement over prior models

A big deal, in my opinion. The new Sub and SD have an even better clasp, with the new sizing adjustment feature.

[MAC4130]

JJ I agree with you 100%, I was not really a fan of TT watches at all, Actually I wanted a Sub or a Daytona, but I was too desperate to wait for one to come in, so one day I saw the TT GMTII C at my AD and tried every other Rolex at the Store (sport): LV Sub, Black Sub, Sea Dweller, Bluessy, TT Black Sub, Platty, SS GMTIIC, WG Daytona on strap w/diamonds, TT Daytona. Well you get the picture, I even tried the 1957 Special edition Speed master (limited to only 1957 pieces on the most beautiful wood box I have ever seen on a watch of any brand by the way), a Jaeger LeCoutre Master World Time, some Panerais & some Ferraris and none of the watches I saw that would be on the same price or 3K above(JLC) will be as nice as this one! The weight, the bracelet, the clasp, the Ceramic insert...what a great design!!!!
And finally the Accuracy! it is just unbeleivable!!!!
Thanks for the thread JJ!!!

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by DJF881

I absolutely agree that the GMTIIc incorporates significant advances over previous models. The same can be said of the new Sea Dweller and Submariner.

The objections to the new watches are similar to the objections against the GMTIIc as well. They're bigger, shinier, the bezel is too shiny/looks wrong, the maxi dial is too blingy, etc. People also hate the polished center links on the SS GMTIIc.




They've improved the ceramic a little bit from what I understand. If you run your finger around the bezel of the DSSD or the Sub-c, it's a uniform surface, where you can feel indentations around the numbers on the GMTII-c. The process is described similarly, but there is some difference which leads to those bezels being described by Rolex's Cerachrom trade name, and the bezel on the GMTII-c not getting that designation.



The new Sub and SD will integrate the new hairspring and will probably be similarly accurate. 2-3 seconds off per day is common on the 3135 movement in the current Sub, SD, DJ and YM. The 3186 in the GMTII-c is often reported to be accurate within a second a day.



A big deal, in my opinion. The new Sub and SD have an even better clasp, with the new sizing adjustment feature.

Thanks but don't agree on the bezel comment. Mine is perfect - absolutely uniform surface around the engraved numerals.

[exchange83]

i prefer it in SS, but a beautiful watch.