Newbie in market for a GMT-IIc or the Submariner

[RolexNoob]

Hi All,

I am in the market for a new Rolex. I am trying to decide if I should go for a Subm Date, GMT-IIc or the discontinued GMT-II Coke

Have a few questions for you xperts:

1) As this is going to be my 1st Rolex. Which one of the above would be consider a good investment? in the long run.

2) Do all of the brand new Rolex have the Hologram sticker on the back of the watch? I was told by a local AD that Rolex stopped using the sticker since last year. Is this true?

3) What should I look for when I buy a new watch? anything I should pay attention to besides look for scratches and etc?

Thank you very much.

[Magik]

To be brief...
1) Watches in general are not good investments to make money on. A Rolex will keep it's value better than most, but you should love the watch to wear it rather than keeping it for an investment.

2) New Rolex watches do not come with the hologram sticker anymore, unless it is unused "old stock" from when they did put the hologram sticker on.

3) Just examine it very carefully. Buy from an AD if this is your first venture into buying an expensive timepiece. Now that Rolex puts the RRR on the rehaut, sometimes the crown on the rehaut doesn't line up at 12:00. Look for dust particles on the face or under the crystal. There's more, but just use your common sense and take your time looking at the potential watch you're buying.

[Magik]

Oh yeah,

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy your stay here.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by RolexNoob

Hi All,

I am in the market for a new Rolex. I am trying to decide if I should go for a Subm Date, GMT-IIc or the discontinued GMT-II Coke

Have a few questions for you xperts:

1) As this is going to be my 1st Rolex. Which one of the above would be consider a good investment? in the long run.

2) Do all of the brand new Rolex have the Hologram sticker on the back of the watch? I was told by a local AD that Rolex stopped using the sticker since last year. Is this true?

3) What should I look for when I buy a new watch? anything I should pay attention to besides look for scratches and etc?

Thank you very much.

Hi Noob. Welcome to TRF. Here are my answers:

1. None of the above, and all of the above. If buying new, all will take an initial depreciation. It is unknown what the market will be for any of these respective watches in the next 15-50 years, but all have been and will be mass produced with MANY examples out there.

2. While there are many brand new Rolex watches with the hologram sticker still in the AD's cases around the world, the newest come with a clear decal with the model number.

3. Some people are more detail oriented than others. If you are of that type, look for scratches, blemishes, alignment issues with the dial, hands, rehaut engraving, and bezel insert. Play with the movement to make sure it is smooth. Set the time for 6 o'clock and midnight to see that the hands are aligning properly. Check the aluminum bezel inserts for lustre, or the ceramic one for lustre and flaws.

All three watches are great, and my suggestion to you would be to try each on, look at it on your wrist and at yourself in the mirror and decide which best matches your taste!

[chevycorvette]

gmt c is an eyes catcher. just hate the easy to be scratched link.

hologram sticker no longer use. old school

new stock should not has any scratches. because the protector skin has covered it

[RolexNoob]

Thank you all for the suggestions and comments. Hopefully I will get one in a day or two.

The GMT-IIc I saw does not have a clear decal with model number. Does this mean I should not consider it? The AD said it is brand new and never been worn.

Also, the AD is only less than 1 year old. Should I consider going with an AD that has been in business longer?

Thanks.

[Lol-x]

An AD is an AD and Rolex warranty will stand up.
I would go to the AD who gives you the best deal and who you like the most.
The sticker on the back isn't a big deal. If the watch is an "M" serial you can bet it is new.
There are supposed to be stickers on the sides of the watch case and 1 or 2 on the bracelet/clasp. If all those have been taken off you might ask why but it isn't conclusive that the watch has been used and returned.

[RolexNoob]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

An AD is an AD and Rolex warranty will stand up.
I would go to the AD who gives you the best deal and who you like the most.
The sticker on the back isn't a big deal. If the watch is an "M" serial you can bet it is new.
There are supposed to be stickers on the sides of the watch case and 1 or 2 on the bracelet/clasp. If all those have been taken off you might ask why but it isn't conclusive that the watch has been used and returned.

Yes it is M serial. And all the stickers are on I believe. I will check again.
I don't have much choice with the AD. Since the GMTIIc isn't available at every AD.

[topcat30093]

Both those watches are great watches and IMO you can't go far wrong with either one,
Its very much down to your own personal choice, look at both and see which one you like the most.
I haven't answered any of your questions, as imo they have been answered so very well by the other members.
Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

[kshooter3466]

wow either would be a great choice.

[pwrslider]

I love my GMT iic....but there is something that just keeps calling to me with the GMT coke......don't know what it is.....but yet...it keeps calling.

Get the one that smiles back at cha! Try em all on as well....one of those will just feel like second skin.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

I agree with Tony. All of the models you suggest are winners. It depends on your personal taste and preferences what to choose. It's a very good suggestion to simply try on both the SS Sub Date and SS GMT IIc to be able to decide which model to opt for. If you can find an "old" GMT II 16710, personally I'd go for that one since they're no more made.

The SS Sub Date is probably the most iconic - and popular - of them all.

Best of luck!

[dopeymuppet]

I think the general answer to this is:

1 - the sub: more iconic, more well known and timeless
2 - the GMT: more useful!

I've got a sub but I wouldn't hesitate to get a GMT. I think they're great watches.

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

The SS Sub Date is probably the most iconic - and popular - of them all.

That's the reason why I like Sub. SUB RULES!!!
And WELCOME TO TRF, Pal!!!