Submariner vs GMT ii(PLEASE help)

[christiaan13]

Hi friends
Sorry for this post,sure you have had to many of these,but im asking for help please.I have searched for the last few days on the net to find my answer,but i just cant seem to find one.
Oky so I will be getting my first rolex and im choosing between the Submariner and the GMT master ii (black on black or blue/black on black.Everybody tells me to pick the one I like most but i cant seem to have a fav between the two.If a had the money I would buy both.I use both of the functions on both watches too.So im asking for you to just please help me.Which one do you think is better or a fav.heah on head if there needed to be a winner. And im sorry for another post like this,have seen many on the internet but none of them gave me a answers.Please help a fellow future rolex owner.The struggle is real.
Thanks you so much.

[Jack T]

The GMT is the Rolex to have first caught my eye many years ago. I thought the TZ function was really cool, plus you have the date. So, if you're looking for functionality, it's the GMT. Unfortunately, have yet to acquire one. And the numerals on the bezel just don't sit right to my eye.
OTOH, if you're going Sub, I prefer Dateless. Cleaner looking dial, it's at the other end of the functionality spectrum - it only tells the time. That's my preference.

[travisb]

If you like the looks of both equally then it should come down to which one feels better on your wrist. They wear differently.

[Superlativo]

Originally Posted by travisb

If you like the looks of both equally then it should come down to which one feels better on your wrist. They wear differently.

Sound advice here.

[nick c]

Both are great the GMT if you need it then go GMT if not buy the sub good luck and welcome

[themast]

Originally Posted by travisb

If you like the looks of both equally then it should come down to which one feels better on your wrist. They wear differently.

On top of this, don't forget the difference in the claps functionality. This is another factor to keep in mind. I have a GMT II and I often use the easylink. The submariner clasp offers superior adjustability, but depending on your wrist size, tendency to swell, etc. etc. this may or may not make a difference.

[adawil2002]

I'd get a black/black GMT over a Sub because of the added complication of the 24 hour hand.

[WWC]

Don't feel bad about asking questions like this one. We were all once beginners to this passion. People here are really cool and don't mind answering it a million times.

Back on track... It was easy for me cause all the numbers around the GMT bezel bothered me. Also I love the Rolex green.

As for you, I'd say weigh in the time zone function and the PCL. vs. the water resistance and glidelock clasp and brushed bracelet of the sub.

Good luck!

[dave_dave]

Get the gmt. It sits flatter and wears more comfortable. Plus, too many ppl has a sub.

[zion_rasta]

If you travel often GMT is no brainier. I hated having to change my sub overseas all the time when traveling multiple time zones.

If you are sedentary and hate leaving your spot (nothing wrong with that) the the sub is where is at!

[theken]

I prefer brushed finish over the polished center links so Sub or Sub Date for me If I must choose only one.

[GoingPlaces]

GMT for me. Great everyday watch than can do anything. Depth rating is enough for just about anybody, and it has a complication that can be used when traveling. I personally like the PCL's.

[EddieA1]

It's a great question, and was my first dilemma when getting my first modern Rolex. I ended up going with the GMT BLNR. I tried both the SubC and GMT on and for a few reasons the GMT sat better on my ~6.5" wrist. The GMT's case back appears to sit more flush with the wrist, its lugs are more pinched and tapered which make it wrap around the wrist more (it's subtle in appearance, but very evident when wearing and makes for a better overall fit). These factors make the GMT a better / easier wear vs the Sub. I ended up going with BLNR over the all black GMT mainly due to its desirability among watch people (always an eye towards resale in the future), but although the BLNR is absolutely beautiful, I think I prefer the all black GMT due to its stunning green accents on the dial, which I think mesh well with the watch vs the blue ones on the BLNR. But the BLNR bezel is gorgeous. However, like most Rolex collectors, I ended up also getting the SubC no date shortly thereafter. There's something very alluring about the SubC (history, looks, depth rating, glide clasp, all brushed bracelet, uncluttered and simple dial). The more you wear a Sub, the better it looks and feels. But the GMT still fits better, and it's also just ever slightly more taller/chunky than the Sub, which gives it a more tank-like appearance. The only draw back to the GMT are PCLs. They are scratch magnets, while the Sub obviously does not have this issue with its all brushed bracelet. With that said, the GMT can appear more dressy (and maybe more versatile for different occasions), but the Sub is equally versatile as well. The pros and cons are many/varied, I think that's why most collectors end up getting both. But for the first one, I'd get the GMT BLNR
(you get more watch due to the add'l complication, and it's rarer than the all too common Sub). I've also heard from an expert Rolex dealer that the GMT may be a bit more tougher between the two (PCLs and depth rating aside) due to its bidirectional bezel which may allow any debris under the bezel to more easily dislodge versus the unidirectional bezel of the Sub, since if a grain of debris gets lodged underneath its bezel your stuck and will require servicing (an interesting thought to consider).

[HobokenRolex]

I was looking at both and went with the Sub (no date). Brushed finish and glidelock are great. I don't travel much other than the U.S. east coast, so a second (or third) time zone is not important to me. When choosing, I think the brushed vs. polished center links make a big difference. GMT is dressier. You can't go wrong with either choice though.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by travisb

If you like the looks of both equally then it should come down to which one feels better on your wrist. They wear differently.

Definitely good advice here. We all understand that it's sometimes very difficult to decide between two pieces...I would say, put them both on and make your decision then. You really can't go wrong with either one for your first Rolex, as they are both classic references.

Ok so...here are some things I'd think about in my decision making process on these two watches.

Sub: Classic design and features, brushed finish shows little wear, goes with just about anything, has the Glidelock, you see many more of them in the wild...

GMT: do you travel a lot--has an extremely useful complication, what is your Style? The GMT can be a tad more 'dressy' in appearance with the PCLs, you see fewer of them in the wild...(you may see a lot on here...but remember...this is a place where we WIS hang out!!! You see a lot of MANY watches!!)

Just my .02... Enjoy the hunt...it's a big part of the fun in getting a new watch!!

[Bfd70]

Originally Posted by travisb

If you like the looks of both equally then it should come down to which one feels better on your wrist. They wear differently.

Yep. They looks the same in the case. They feel different on the wrist. I find the GMT fits a little better on my wrist, but with the glidelock.........Sub.

When making my decision, the PCLS definitely came into play. I thought they looked terrible at the AD. A friend of mine bought the BLNR the same week. We work together and wear the watches daily. After the 1st week i never noticed the PCLS on his watch unless I was holding it in my hands. I think I may have overstated how much they stand out. That being said, I did ID a Daytona from 30' the other day because the pcls caught my eye.

I recognize this has been contradictory and of little assistance. saturday morning ramble.

[Nairn1980]

Well maybe I can help or maybe ill confuse you further haha.

I have owned a SubC and loved the glidelock clasp it was superb. However the whole watch left me a bit cold. At the time I bought it I tried on the GMT2c and liked it too but went for the sub due to the glidelock.

Now I've sold the sub and I have a GMT2 BLNR because I just loved the design and the colour.

Now I'm in a bit of a dilemma because I miss the glidelock but glidelock aside I much prefer the BLNR as it has a bit more character and it's just a bit of uniquein a sea of black subs.

Please go to an AD and try some on. You may struggle to find a BLNR but if you can I recommend trying them all on and see what one catches your eye and makes you smile.

[droptopman]

As others have said. Try them on and evaluate which one feels the best on the wrist. I love both models, but a GMT sits better on my wrist and is more comfortable for me to wear. So if I could only pick one it would be the GMT.

[Danny83]

Gmt

[RichM]

I have them both but the GMT came first. Once it's sized properly, the EasyLink is plenty of adjustment.

[brandrea]

Welcome to TRF. Looks aside, they wear differently as mentioned above. For me, the GMT is the more comfortable daily wearer.

[tommy91]

Can't go wrong with either

[lig]

Between the two - GMT.

Being a road warrior - it's a no brainer for me.

If I were a serious diver I'd use a dive computer watch, not a Sub.

[asleep]

Had the same choice, went with the classic Submariner date...



Never looked back.

If it's going to be your one and only, this'll give you an idea of the current thinking of what members would choose if forced to only have the one wristwatch: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=442401

Can't go wrong either way.

[mschafer]

If you have usage for both, I'd stick with the GMTc LN. It's a function I use practically daily, diving unfortunately not so often. There are a lot of pre loved subs around if you ever want to add on. Also, I love the option of having a diver without a date or consider a SD4K at some future point. If you get a classic sub now these option will feel a bit close to home.

[Spoonage]

I have both. Picked up the GMT II first. Had it for just over a year then I picked up the SubC. Right now I have the Sub on a NATO, and put the Sub bracelet on the GMT II. Really like it as the clasp is better in my opinion , and I like the more subtle looks without the PCL.

With that being said, I would go with the GMT II first as I use the timezone all the time for business. Don't get me wrong on the GMT bracelet. The PCL does make it pop, and the easy link is still a great feature.

[SLS]

If you are saying that you would use the GMT function for work, then the GMT II with black bezel would be my recommendation.

[Jack T]

I like these "should I choose this or that watch" threads. It brings out many knowledgeable people who, from an ownership perspective, have a lot of constructive insights about these timepieces.

[Daryl]

i have both, I prefer to wear my BLNR. it feels just right for me.

[Ravager135]

GMT is more practical for most. Submariner is the quintessential Rolex model. I'd say get the GMT now and allow your tastes to mature in the brand. You may want the Sea Dweller, no date, or LV in the future.