GMT Master II 2 tone longevity

[Robert7749]

Hello all. I'm very new to this forum. Thought i would ask the experts. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I am pretty settled in the Master II and I'm stuck between the all stainless and the 2 tone. For the price this will likely be my last watch. That said I'm wondering if anyone can offer info on the projected lifespan of the bracelet on the 2 tone vs the all stainless model. Just thinking the gold links while solid must be softer than the all stainless. Any info / advise would be great. Thanks.

[qulhey22]

Just bought my first GMT II c steel and the AD did say the TT would scratch easier on the gold since it is softer. Both will end up scratching though.

Had a hard time deciding this past Friday. The TT definately seem to catch more attention from my wife and the AD but my style is more steel.

Only had the GMT for 2 days and loving it. Good luck on your decision.

[jmsrolls]

I went for the TT GMT IIC but soon regretted my decision. The gold looks good but is easily dinged and scratched. I went back to my EXP II which is much more durable.

Plus I do not care for the Rolex ceramic bezels.

Fr. John†

[jeremyam]

both are equally durable. the only difference being that gold attracts attention and scratches

[flathead59]

Are you talking about the 16710/16713, or the current version, the GMT Master IIc? I don't own a TT watch, but I would assume that with the hollow links in the older style bracelets the softer gold could very well wear more quickly. Wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, just a matter of more frequent cleaning. On the other hand, I wouldn't think that a two tone GMT Master IIc bracelet would wear that much more quickly, because of the link design.

Mark

[petesjag]

You just have to be a bit more carefull with the gold links in terms of scratches, I have not owned my TT long enough to give you advice about the durability of the bracelet in terms of stretch etc....it is a wonderfully balanced watch though..

[Tools]

You don't need to worry about the lifespan of your TT watch as long as you keep it clean. If too much grit builds up inside where the connecting screws are it will grind and erode the gold faster than the SS.

The new ones with their solid links are more durable than the earlier versions,

This one is a decade old and shows little wear..........

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by Tools

This one is a decade old and shows little wear..........

Great pic Larry

[qulhey22]

Originally Posted by Tools

You don't need to worry about the lifespan of your TT watch as long as you keep it clean. If too much grit builds up inside where the connecting screws are it will grind and erode the gold faster than the SS.

The new ones with their solid links are more durable than the earlier versions,

This one is a decade old and shows little wear..........

Nice pic as well Larry. Looks like you had the polished links brushed? Sure that helps with hiding scratches and still looks attractive! Good job.

[RRGHOST1]

Dont let this modern trend of SS put you off buying a TT model. I love the TT in any model Rolex. The TT GMT looks very classy, it would be my choice.

[D. Whitman]

I have a TT GMTIIC, but only for about four months. Long term wear is not really concern for me as it's a solid piece and I expect this watch to be with me for the rest of my life. The tip about keeping it clean is good advice. I can tell you that it's very elegant and it is my favorite watch. For me any gold watch, TT or otherwise, can be balanced out with a solid SS model which is why I own a DSSD for the rough and tumble. A TT watch, IMO, is a must if absolutely love the way it looks - and the GMT is fantastic in TT.

[Watchdog]

As other, more knowledgeable members have stated, no worries.

Personally, I love the TT. It's a perfect balance to me!

[Perdu]

I had a TT Sub for 15 years and saw no wear to the bracelet.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by qulhey22

Nice pic as well Larry. Looks like you had the polished links brushed? Sure that helps with hiding scratches and still looks attractive! Good job.

No, I did not have the gold links brushed... I simply do not polish them to a high luster.. I don't like that look, and the patina on the gold doesn't show the scratches and finger prints the way a high polish does...........

[itchy243mhz]

That is what I want my 1 year old TT GMT to look like in a few years, the patina is an awesome, salty look.
Larry, did the service center polish the links at the last servicing or did you opt out of that?

[scarlet knight]

And I really enjoy it. I thought the TT was too blingy for me and I didn't want to spend that much money. But looking at the pictures and having seen it in the stores, it is a sharp looking watch!

I don't get too excited about the scratches, etc. It can develop into a patina and look vintage or I am confident a service center can restore most damage.

Get what you like and have fun!

[George Ab]

They both will last forever, if you keep it clean like Larry said.

To clean just throw the bracelet in an ultrasonic cleaner every four months or so and let it cycle for 4 or 5 cycles with some common dish soap. Only way to get the grit that gets onto the pins via your sweat and the like. A $40 ultrasonic cleaner will do the job fine.

[swatty]

Just get the one that looks best on your wrist. Wear and tear will be similar whichever one you choose

PS: welcome to TRF