I thought my search was over...

[beeco]

Originally Posted by Rado63

Since your cell phone probably has a world clock on it getting a GMT or two time zone watch becomes a matter of personal fashion choice. Just about every maker of mechanical watches has a two time zone watch to choose from. It sounds to me that you are already aware of this but what you really want isn't just a GMT watch, you want a Rolex. Go through vintage sellers and look for five digit GMT or Explorers, Plenty of six digit GMTs and explorers to choose from, and of course secondary dealers have unworn current GMT's BLRO, BLNR for you. Good luck with the search for the right watch for you.

This is absolutely true: the modern smart phone has rendered the GMT complication unnecessary, but I still find it cool and romantic.

This is also true: that I don't just want a GMT, I want a Rolex. (But I also want a Tudor)

Now if I could only get in a plane and cross multiple time zones again...

One of these days.

[Ferdelious]

My suggestion would be a preowned 16570 or 216570 Explorer II because you'll still have a GMT hand and it will be cheaper than 116710. Always Rolex over Tudor IMO.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by beeco

The bike is an orange LeMond Poprad, probably from 2006, with full Ultegra, Thompson bars, seat post and stem, tubeless wheels, Paul cantilever brakes. It's the nicest bike I've ever owned.

And yes, the Omega PO GMT is beautiful, but it feels a bit too large on my skinny wrist.

I've got a 2004 Ti/ carbon fiber LeMond Victoire w/ full Ultegra.
dP

[Harry-57]

If you want a GMT Master you should get one. If you settle for less it will just take longer and cost you more.

This also has a GMT function and is one beautiful watch into the bargain.

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by beeco

Greetings. I'm a long-time watch nerd, but this is my first post on TRF.

So I've got a collection of affordable mechanical watches but have been working my way up to a much nicer watch. After lots of research I convinced myself that the best bet for me would be the Tudor BB GMT.

One of my first watches was a cheap-o Vostok Komandirske GMT, that I enjoyed for a couple of years before it just stopped working. Of course, it wasn't a true GMT; it just had a second crown that rotated an internal 24-hr bezel. Still, it made me want a real GMT.

Then, after lots more research, I figured that Tudor BB GMT would be a risky gamble, with the date wheel issue unresolved.

So I started considering going big, spending $10k (a stretch for me) and getting a pre-owned 116710LN. Or giving up on the GMT complication and maybe keeping to a more budget-friendly purchase with a BB58 or an Explorer 1.

And now I'm just lost in the wilderness. Do I stick with the original plan and get a newer Tudor BB GMT? Do I bail on the Tudor GMT and go big with a GMT Master II? Do I settle somewhere in between and search for a nice watch without a GMT complication, like the BB58 or an Explorer 1? Any purchase I make would almost certainly be grey market, here or on WUS where I've had several nice transactions.

Super subjective, I know, but what do you think?

Greetings mate and welcome to the forum.

The Tudor GMT is a great looking watch and on paper it offers a fantastic proposition. True GMT, 200m water resistance, good size, versatile, well priced etc...

However, as I have found out the hard way, there is a huge risk in proceeding to buy one of these watches. Whilst there are owners who haven't suffered the issue, I am also aware of owners who have suffered the issue not once, not twice but three times.

Mine was purchased in October 2019 - so not necessarily the first batch which was thought to be the only batch affected, and I wouldn't consider a more recent iteration any safer. Date issue struck in May.

I'll hopefully have my watch back before the end of the month if my AD isn't telling more lies (they've told many throughout the whole process) but even so, that will be 2 months since my watch broke. I've read reports that some people who currently have their watch in for repair, wont have theirs back until November.

I cannot recommend this watch to anyone at present, but if you insist on buying one, be prepared for the worst and if you don't experience the problem then consider it a bonus as you'll have a great watch. As it happens, speaking with some mates of mine earlier today, we noticed that Tudor hasn't posted anything on their Instagram page regarding the GMT since September 2019, so it seems they can't recommend the watch themselves either...

I don't think theres any reason to buy this grey - it should be readily available at ADs. If you're not local to an AD, also consider before buying how you would go about getting the watch repaired if it does occur.

My recommendation would be to go for the Rolex option as you've identified. As an alternative, maybe consider the Explorer 2 if the GMT functionality is essential to you.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by beeco

My other problem: if I save up and get the Rolex, there'll still be another Rolex I want. This probably sounds familiar to this audience...

That’s the main problem of hanging around on TRF.
You wanted the Tudor so go for it and don,t loook back

[Kube]

Originally Posted by beeco

And now I'm just lost in the wilderness.

Well buddy, that's just cuz you're from New Mexico and I can say that because I'm from Albuquerque Reading more of this thread, I think the best way for you to go is save up that little bit extra and get the Rolex GMT.

[Little machines]

Welcome to the forum ! Preowned or not name on card not relevant.Purchase what you like!
Good luck !

[abozz]

Buy the Rolex. I really love Tudor, but if I'm going to stretch my budget for a final grail will be for a Rolex.

Enviado desde mi SM-G975F mediante Tapatalk

[DC116710LN]

"This is also true: that I don't just want a GMT, I want a Rolex. (But I also want a Tudor)"

If you want both, I would opt for the Rolex. I've come across so many people who chose other brands only to find their way to Rolex (and contentment) down the line.

You mentioned that it's a stretch financially so perhaps put your name on a few waitlists and continue saving while you await the call? I would never recommend anyone put themselves in any financial distress over a watch, but it's worth noting that steel Rolexes do hold their value and very often appreciate over time.

[101031-28]

Get a Rolex. Tudor is nice but it's still not a Rolex.

[djyolky]

The Explorer II, used, 40mm is probably your best option.

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[Roddypeepa]

I think the BB is lovely but it’s no way a daily - too thick, too loud. You say you collection is modest atm and in which case maybe consider a new omega SMPO. Again not a daily but probably a better watch overall minus the gmt of course.
My wrist is not small by the way. Sub looks dinky on me.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

If you want a GMT Master you should get one. If you settle for less it will just take longer and cost you more.

This also has a GMT function and is one beautiful watch into the bargain.

That’s an outstanding photo

[fskywalker]

If you desire a Rolex (and can fund it), buy that and do not settle for the Tudor.

[MYBROTHERSKEEPER]

I have an explorer and haven't worn since getting the BB GMT 2 weeks ago. So far no date issue and its insanely accurate. Cant keep my eyes off her. Best bang for your buck imo. Just get it!

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[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by beeco

Thanks Phooi.

I've tried on a BB58, several non-GMT BBs and an 116710LN. I haven't tried on a Explorer 1.

I'm convinced I could wear the BB GMT comfortably. I just wish I had a local Tudor AD so I could buy it new, even if there's a wait, or a bit of a game to play, so that I could have my name on the warranty card. Or should I not worry about a pre-owned BB GMT that's still got lots of warranty time left?

Tudor warranty cards for current production pieces no longer have a space for the original owner’s name.

[Athlone27]

Get the GMT Master II, it the long run it's what you want and the Tudor will only satisfy you temporarily. You will end up spending more money overall and lose on the Tudor when you decide to get rid of it. I would pay the extra money for the GMT even if it means waiting a little longer.

[watchwatcher]

All great watches you're considering. I have (or have had) all of them. There's no wrong answer, just whatever makes you happy.

[Nikrnic]

If you could score a a black or white Expll from an AD that would be a win win. I also have a Blnr but l like the Expll more after owning both for two years now. Omega Gmts are no joke either in any style Aqua Terra, Seamaster or Planet Ocean and a lot of quality bang for the buck slightly used or new from a non boutique AD. Happy Hunting!..

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