GMTIIc - Understated ???

[DC Engineer]

I purchased my GMTIIc SS because I really need the GMT functionality and figured it was very practical, understated and can be worn dressed up or casually. I soon realized that's only from my perception of me wearing the watch. After wearing it for a bit I came to the conclusion that depending on the lighting the watch has some bling. Light does catch the PCLs and it does have a mirrored finish. The PCL's have a jewelry type of effect and to some extent so does the ceramic bezel. The dial and the cyclops make the overall appearance a bit more substantial. It took some wearing and observations to realize how much the PCL's play into the overall appearance. Any thoughts or opinions?

[wohlfecc]

If it's too much, you can always tone it down with a strap. Or brush those center links...

[atashbul]

I don't have the ceramic Sub or GMT but passed on both for those reasons. Say what you will but they tend to bling and are definitely not understated. I could not wear it to office so while I like the upgrades, I opted out for GMT II.

[improviz]

PCLs definitely bling it up a bit, but you can have bracelet brushed to tone it down, it still looks stunning. I actually wanted to try this look but wanted to keep the bracelet stock, so I came up with a temporary solution, fitting the bracelet off of one of my Explorer IIs to the GMTIIc; there are lots of pics of result in this thread:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=290219

[DC Engineer]

The outside of the case is also polished. I prefer to keep things stock. I'm not complaining about the PCL's. I like them alot actually. It's just that when wearing the watch you don't notice its reflecting light.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by DC Engineer

The outside of the case is also polished. I prefer to keep things stock. I'm not complaining about the PCL's. I like them alot actually. It's just that when wearing the watch you don't notice its reflecting light.

Well, the outside of the case is polished on all Rolex sports watches, including those (Sub, Exp II, etc.) that have brushed center links, so it doesn't look out of place to have the brushed bracelet on there...however, having said that, the main reason (valuation being the other) I wouldn't get the stock bracelet brushed as some have is that I like it both ways: sometimes I like to dress it up a bit and switch to the PCL bracelet, while if things are casual I stick it on the brushed.

In either case, it looks stunning!

[mmmk604]

The ceramic bezel insert is a lot shinier than the old inserts as well, making the watch appear more flashy.

I would swap in a Glidelock bracelet or brush the PCLs.

[DC Engineer]

I'm now considering a second watch to tone things down. I really like the Exp 39mm.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by DC Engineer

I'm now considering a second watch to tone things down. I really like the Exp 39mm.

Excellent choice; the Polar is a great compliment to the GMT, and it's gorgeous; here's a great video review in HD (once you select that resolution; for some reason youtube still defaults to 480p):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9X_3tvJ2uY

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by improviz

Excellent choice; the Polar is a great compliment to the GMT, and it's gorgeous; here's a great video review in HD (once you select that resolution; for some reason youtube still defaults to 480p):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9X_3tvJ2uY

I believe he is referring to the 39mm Exp1, not the 16570 ExpII which was 40mm.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

I believe he is referring to the 39mm Exp1, not the 16570 ExpII which was 40mm.

See, I always get this mixed up as the Exp II supposedly clocked in at 39mm, though officially it was 40...

Well, then, allow me to change my endorsement to a recommendation!!

[Watchdog]

Everyone loves a little bling:)

[DC Engineer]

@improviz thanks for the link. 720p looks awesome. i noticed the polished case edge too. I'm glad I found a reason to justify buying a second watch....

I have a few on my list to try on before making a decision for my "tone it down" watch. I like the Breitling Transocean, Exp 39mm, the AP Royal Oak with white dial and the Patek Philippe Nautilus is one I hope to get after reaching some more goals.

[Steve748]

As I wear my GMT2c all the time I have brushed CL's so I don't get upset about a tiny scratch that appears and I prefer the less 'blingy' look of it too,

[Roller07]

Originally Posted by Steve748

As I wear my GMT2c all the time I have brushed CL's so I don't get upset about a tiny scratch that appears and I prefer the less 'blingy' look of it too,

Now that's what the bracelet on a GMT IIc SHOULD look like.

I love it.

[mrallen13]

Originally Posted by Roller07

Now that's what the bracelet on a GMT IIc SHOULD look like.

I love it.

Completely agree. Looks great that way.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Steve748

As I wear my GMT2c all the time I have brushed CL's so I don't get upset about a tiny scratch that appears and I prefer the less 'blingy' look of it too,

as an option, that's how the gmt2c should also be offered imo.

[improviz]

You're welcome! AP is on my list as well, but keep finding other stuff that's interfering! :thumbs up: Don't know if it's a good "tone it down" watch as it is actually pretty blingy, even though it's brushed, as you can see in these few vids:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOaQrYOCPzw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64uEe2P5ZMk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq36HJqEoLU

Gorgeous watch....now what was I saying again?

Anyway, good luck, enjoy whatever you end up getting!

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by DC Engineer

I purchased my GMTIIc SS because I really need the GMT functionality and figured it was very practical, understated and can be worn dressed up or casually. I soon realized that's only from my perception of me wearing the watch. After wearing it for a bit I came to the conclusion that depending on the lighting the watch has some bling. Light does catch the PCLs and it does have a mirrored finish. The PCL's have a jewelry type of effect and to some extent so does the ceramic bezel. The dial and the cyclops make the overall appearance a bit more substantial. It took some wearing and observations to realize how much the PCL's play into the overall appearance. Any thoughts or opinions?

I think this is a good observation, I would offer however that Rolex as a brand has become more blingy. Luckily it is more subtle than its competitors but if you have ever held the old, aluminum bezeled watches and compared them with their newer counterparts you can tell there is a difference in presentation and spirit. I love most of the Rolex upgrades but even subtle ones like the ceramic bezels take away from the tool vibe of their predecessors and make them more reflective, shiny, and dressy. I think this is just the trend for all watch brands: increase in size, weight, and bling.

I love the GMTIIC and I think the 39mm Explorer would be a great addition to your collection. If you are thinking "no date" however, a Milgauss would be perfect you you. You are an engineer, it has a throwback feel. I know you are getting away from the PCLs but man that watch is made for guys like you! Best of luck.

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by Steve748

As I wear my GMT2c all the time I have brushed CL's so I don't get upset about a tiny scratch that appears and I prefer the less 'blingy' look of it too,

That pic looks great - do you any more of the brushed PCLs ?

[improviz]

Originally Posted by tfduff723

That pic looks great - do you any more of the brushed PCLs ?

As I posted above:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=290219

[outlaw468]

I bought the GMT IIc because of the functionality and because I thought it was a very versatile watch that could be worn in any situation. I kept the PCLs for a while because I too prefer to keep my watches "stock" but I just found them way to blingy for daily wear in my office. I am very happy with the fully brushed bracelet and as others have stated, I think brushed is how it should come from the factory.

[tfduff723]

Originally Posted by improviz

As I posted above:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=290219

I guess it would help to read up!! Haha....

Thanks & that really does look good. I have read many posts about brushing the PCLs but never one about putting a 78790 bracelet on a GMT IIC!

Did you have any issue getting it to fit the lugs?

[Psmith]

I think it looks perfect with PCLs. After all, we are talking polished steel and not actual 'bling' i.e. precious stones, etc

Interesting how the Daytona/YM/Milgauss PCLs (and their fully-polished cases) rarely cause the same concerns

[threemonkeys]

I also brushed my GMT. The PCLs looked great but the scatches annoyed me. And I don't like to get my man-jewelry watches scratched.

[GradyPhilpott]

Let's face it.

The GMTIIc is not an understated watch.

It's a beautiful watch that people will notice, PCLs or not.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Let's face it.

The GMTIIc is not an understated watch.

It's a beautiful watch that people will notice, PCLs or not.

+100

[Nidal]

Haha ha. Telling my story. I fell in love with it last year. The PCL and the flashy bezel was "night club" blingy. Early this year I switched to subC LV. I'm more comfortable wearing the sub every day now. You may want to brush the PCL

I have seen a two year old GMT that looked "brushed". Turns out that that PCL had too many scratches that it looked brushed. Prepare for frequent bracelet polishing if you want to keep the shiny PCL look

[bardm]

Just wear it proudly, PCL's and all. It won't be such a problem as you imagine. I'm an engineer (consulting business) and I wear my GMT IIc every day. I felt it was "too much" at first, but no one commentet or reacted to it. It just takes some getting used to.

Remember a lot of people wear watches more "blingy" but they are cheap models of unknown manufactorers, so most people does'nt realise you wear a Rolex anyway.

[kilyung]

I'm ok with the PCL on the GMTIIc. Of course it's bling with or w/out it in this case.