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jmerq9999 · 22 January 2008, 11:24 AM

This is my first post, and I need to get something off my chest. I'd also love some guidance.

I've been reading about Rolex watches for a few weeks now, and I'm having a bit of a hard time choosing the "Best" watch for me.

I've always (30 years or more) liked the Submariner, but it seems rather ordinary when I compare it to the Sea Dweller or the GMT IIc.

I like almost everything about the Sea Dweller, but the clasp seems really cheap. I fear that my Omega Seamaster and Seiko Monster have spoiled me with their bracelets and clasps. Strangely, the clasp bothers me a bit less on the Submariner.

I travel a lot. I live in the central timezone, but I find myself in the eastern timezone at least 3 times a month. I'd really appreciate the timezone switching ability of the GMT Master II. I'm very pleased with most of the changes to the GMT IIc (Parachrom, Scratch Resistant Bezel, Clasp), but some of the changes (Polished Center Links, RolexRolexRolex Chapter Ring) leave me cold.

I want the GMT IIc for it's useful features and improvements, but I'm worried that I'll regret having bought it because of it's shiny bracelet and silly chapter ring. I want the Sea Dweller because it's clearly superior to the Submariner. If I'm going to buy a Rolex, I should get the better one, right?

And that brings me back to the Submariner - by all accounts (even my own) a fantastic watch, but in many respects an ordinary watch. Has anyone else had trouble choosing between these three?

Robb · 22 January 2008, 11:29 AM

The chapter ring is very subtle in person. You will hardly notice it unless your looking for it.

Rawhyde · 22 January 2008, 11:29 AM

Go try a few on and one of them will be harder to hand back to the dealer. That's the one to get.

As for the RolexRolexRolex chapter ring, it shows up in pics, but it's barely noticable in real life.

Rawhyde

Rawhyde · 22 January 2008, 11:30 AM

Beat me to it, Robb!

Thani · 22 January 2008, 11:30 AM

well from what i see.. u need the dual time zone more than anything.. and the new GMT-MASTERII-C is a very nice watch with all the new improvments as u just stated..

if i were u, id go with the gmt.. good luck

Letsgodiving · 22 January 2008, 11:30 AM

If the rumours are true you may want to wait until Basel to see if they change the SD.

Dan Pierce · 22 January 2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawhyde

Go try a few on and one of them will be harder to hand back to the dealer. That's the one to get.

As for the RolexRolexRolex chapter ring, it shows up in pics, but it's barely noticable in real life.

Rawhyde

Sound advice.

dP

donutdanny · 22 January 2008, 11:49 AM

I just got the gmtIIc and love it. I'm very impressed with the new clasp and just the overall feel. I think I have a new favorite watch. Don't think you'd be going wrong with getting that one.

joieboie · 22 January 2008, 12:01 PM

Choosing your first one is really tough. It happened to me too, so I asked myself, am I going to a deep sea? Maybe not... Am I a dress guy? No....Am I travelling a lot? no... So I come to a point that I tried Sea Dweller, Sub, DJ and GMT II and I tried to eliminate one of each that I really don't need on the watch, I'm more on sporty looks jeans and shirts and coats once in a while...So I picked my Sub which I think it's a perfect choice for my lifestyle. Now I'm thinking to get a new one which is another tough thing to do...

mdx77 · 22 January 2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawhyde

Go try a few on and one of them will be harder to hand back to the dealer. That's the one to get.

As for the RolexRolexRolex chapter ring, it shows up in pics, but it's barely noticable in real life.

Rawhyde

CHAPTER RING IS WHAT DREW ME TO IT. BUT I AGREE WITH DAN, THE ONE THAT SMILES BACK AT YOU AND MAKES YOU HAPPY IS THE ONE TO GET!

jmerq9999 · 22 January 2008, 01:00 PM

Thank you all for your quick and thoughtful responses. I really do value the features and improvements found on the GMT IIc even though I generally prefer more conservative styling.

Rockrolex · 22 January 2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmerq9999

Thank you all for your quick and thoughtful responses. I really do value the features and improvements found on the GMT IIc even though I generally prefer more conservative styling.

You might look for the older style GMT-II. It's a great watch and a little more subtle than the IIc. Personally, I prefer the red 24 hour hand to the green.

But as others have said, try a few styles on. One will smile at you more than the others. That's the one to get.

krattzz · 22 January 2008, 01:09 PM

I am sure you will get a better price on the GMT II vs the II C. I am in the same positon and the GMT is leading the pack with the green sub aniv gaining. :)

Terry Newton · 22 January 2008, 01:14 PM

I was looking at the Yacht Master or the GMC. The GMC Two Tone one out as it matches my gold wedding ring and the ceramic bezel won me over. That part of a watch takes the brunt of a man's sins. It needs to hold up. I am very pleased with my purchase. I stare at it daily. Good-luck. It is a fun position to be in.

Terry Newton

Texsubmariner · 22 January 2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmerq9999

This is my first post, and I need to get something off my chest. I'd also love some guidance.

I've been reading about Rolex watches for a few weeks now, and I'm having a bit of a hard time choosing the "Best" watch for me.

I've always (30 years or more) liked the Submariner, but it seems rather ordinary when I compare it to the Sea Dweller or the GMT IIc.

I like almost everything about the Sea Dweller, but the clasp seems really cheap. I fear that my Omega Seamaster and Seiko Monster have spoiled me with their bracelets and clasps. Strangely, the clasp bothers me a bit less on the Submariner.

I travel a lot. I live in the central timezone, but I find myself in the eastern timezone at least 3 times a month. I'd really appreciate the timezone switching ability of the GMT Master II. I'm very pleased with most of the changes to the GMT IIc (Parachrom, Scratch Resistant Bezel, Clasp), but some of the changes (Polished Center Links, RolexRolexRolex Chapter Ring) leave me cold.

I want the GMT IIc for it's useful features and improvements, but I'm worried that I'll regret having bought it because of it's shiny bracelet and silly chapter ring. I want the Sea Dweller because it's clearly superior to the Submariner. If I'm going to buy a Rolex, I should get the better one, right?

And that brings me back to the Submariner - by all accounts (even my own) a fantastic watch, but in many respects an ordinary watch. Has anyone else had trouble choosing between these three?

Well, I recently bought all three

. I'll echo what others said to try them on at an AD. Right now, the Sea Dweller is my favorite. The chapter ring branding (RolexRolex) is really subtle and is a nonissue for me on the GMT IIc. I just don't like the blockish supercase.

There are strong rumors that Rolex will unveil the updated Sea Dweller this spring at Basel fair. I am guessing that the updates will be similar to the GMT IIc. If you are patient, I recommend you wait until April and see how things pan out.

The Sub is a classic and a great watch (actually, all 3 are great watches). I just prefer the SD over it.

clbcpa · 22 January 2008, 01:59 PM

I do think it is all a matter of preference. I two have all 4(if you include the GMT Master II as suggested) and I personally prefer the GMTIIc over them all. From what I read above, it is the current sea dweller you find most appealing.. The changes being suggested to the sea dweller are some of the same things you dont like about GMTIIc, therefore I dont think waiting to Basel will matter for you. Echoing the sentiment.. go try them on if you havent (for ex. that sea dweller is alot more bulky than the others) and then decide.

petespendthrift · 23 January 2008, 11:23 AM

I have both the GMTII-C and a Sea-Dweller.

My thoughts:

I also shared your concerns about the new style of the GMT but am gradually accepting it as being different from what I had previously associated with Rolex sports models and it is a rather nice watch that's growing on me. It goes well with smart and casual clothing and looks less bling in the flesh than it does in photos. From your post it sounds like it might offer you more useful functionality than an SD.

That said, both are great watches but the more dressy look is far more approprate on the GMT than it would be on a (new) SD. It's for precisely this reason that I bought my SD, before they alter it's classic tool design. The new spring is not much of a factor for me (my SD is +/-0 Secs a day straight out of the box anyway) and the hollow centre links and old fashioned clasp are practicle quirks that I like and would not want to change. The easily (and cheaply) replaced bezel insert is also appropriate for the SD. I have no desire for an SD with the "improvements". I just cannot see how the SD can be made better for what it does but feel that the GMT has benefited in a few areas.

It is very hard to choose between them so just get both!

vh_bu98 · 23 January 2008, 11:35 AM

Out of those three, the GMT-C all the way.

CPCC · 23 January 2008, 02:13 PM

GMT MAster II all the way. I figure any model that is at the end of its production is a strong buy. People always will be nostalgic and want one. Plus they can't get it! So they really appreciate yours.
I like the Master. I agree the band on the C is ugly. Not a fan of the new bezel either.
just my 0.02

Jedi · 23 January 2008, 02:39 PM

What about the good old Explorer II? In either black or white face? It has dual time zone, subtle static bezel, and loads of class and toughness.

22 January 2008, 11:24 AM	#1
jmerq9999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Suburban Chicago Watch: Omega SMP Posts: 7	Does anyone else have trouble choosing? This is my first post, and I need to get something off my chest. I'd also love some guidance. I've been reading about Rolex watches for a few weeks now, and I'm having a bit of a hard time choosing the "Best" watch for me. I've always (30 years or more) liked the Submariner, but it seems rather ordinary when I compare it to the Sea Dweller or the GMT IIc. I like almost everything about the Sea Dweller, but the clasp seems really cheap. I fear that my Omega Seamaster and Seiko Monster have spoiled me with their bracelets and clasps. Strangely, the clasp bothers me a bit less on the Submariner. I travel a lot. I live in the central timezone, but I find myself in the eastern timezone at least 3 times a month. I'd really appreciate the timezone switching ability of the GMT Master II. I'm very pleased with most of the changes to the GMT IIc (Parachrom, Scratch Resistant Bezel, Clasp), but some of the changes (Polished Center Links, RolexRolexRolex Chapter Ring) leave me cold. I want the GMT IIc for it's useful features and improvements, but I'm worried that I'll regret having bought it because of it's shiny bracelet and silly chapter ring. I want the Sea Dweller because it's clearly superior to the Submariner. If I'm going to buy a Rolex, I should get the better one, right? And that brings me back to the Submariner - by all accounts (even my own) a fantastic watch, but in many respects an ordinary watch. Has anyone else had trouble choosing between these three?

22 January 2008, 11:29 AM	#2
Robb 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Robb Location: USA Watch: BLNR Posts: 4,939	The chapter ring is very subtle in person. You will hardly notice it unless your looking for it. __________________ 126610LN l 166610LV l 126619LB l 116710BLNR l 126710BLRO l 126720VTNR l 126718GRNR l 116500 white l 116500 black l 116508 john mayer l 116519LN l 116503 white l 126655 l 226627 Ti Master l 116518LN

22 January 2008, 11:30 AM	#6
Letsgodiving "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Virginia, US Watch: SD 16600 Posts: 4,319	If the rumours are true you may want to wait until Basel to see if they change the SD. __________________ The fool, with all his other faults, has this also - he is always getting ready to live. - Epicurus (341–270 BC)

22 January 2008, 01:14 PM	#14
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	Decisions, Decisions I was looking at the Yacht Master or the GMC. The GMC Two Tone one out as it matches my gold wedding ring and the ceramic bezel won me over. That part of a watch takes the brunt of a man's sins. It needs to hold up. I am very pleased with my purchase. I stare at it daily. Good-luck. It is a fun position to be in. Terry Newton

23 January 2008, 02:13 PM	#19
CPCC "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: USA Posts: 1,857	GMT MAster II all the way. I figure any model that is at the end of its production is a strong buy. People always will be nostalgic and want one. Plus they can't get it! So they really appreciate yours. I like the Master. I agree the band on the C is ugly. Not a fan of the new bezel either. just my 0.02 __________________

22 January 2008, 11:29 AM	#3
Rawhyde Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Craig Location: NW Georgia Watch: Blue Sub+Tud Chron Posts: 834	Go try a few on and one of them will be harder to hand back to the dealer. That's the one to get. As for the RolexRolexRolex chapter ring, it shows up in pics, but it's barely noticable in real life. Rawhyde

22 January 2008, 11:30 AM	#5
Thani Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Thani Location: Dubai UAE Watch: Milgauss 116400 GV Posts: 2,082	well from what i see.. u need the dual time zone more than anything.. and the new GMT-MASTERII-C is a very nice watch with all the new improvments as u just stated.. if i were u, id go with the gmt.. good luck

22 January 2008, 11:49 AM	#8
donutdanny "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Danny Location: Houston Watch: TT Sub/Slate Serti Posts: 159	I just got the gmtIIc and love it. I'm very impressed with the new clasp and just the overall feel. I think I have a new favorite watch. Don't think you'd be going wrong with getting that one.

22 January 2008, 12:01 PM	#9
joieboie Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joseph Location: NORCAL Watch: Submariner Posts: 166	Choosing your first one is really tough. It happened to me too, so I asked myself, am I going to a deep sea? Maybe not... Am I a dress guy? No....Am I travelling a lot? no... So I come to a point that I tried Sea Dweller, Sub, DJ and GMT II and I tried to eliminate one of each that I really don't need on the watch, I'm more on sporty looks jeans and shirts and coats once in a while...So I picked my Sub which I think it's a perfect choice for my lifestyle. Now I'm thinking to get a new one which is another tough thing to do...

22 January 2008, 01:00 PM	#11
jmerq9999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Suburban Chicago Watch: Omega SMP Posts: 7	Thank you all for your quick and thoughtful responses. I really do value the features and improvements found on the GMT IIc even though I generally prefer more conservative styling.

22 January 2008, 01:09 PM	#13
krattzz Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NYC, Philly. Watch: GMT BLNR Posts: 695	I am sure you will get a better price on the GMT II vs the II C. I am in the same positon and the GMT is leading the pack with the green sub aniv gaining. :)

22 January 2008, 01:59 PM	#16
clbcpa 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: georgia Watch: 5508 Posts: 758	I do think it is all a matter of preference. I two have all 4(if you include the GMT Master II as suggested) and I personally prefer the GMTIIc over them all. From what I read above, it is the current sea dweller you find most appealing.. The changes being suggested to the sea dweller are some of the same things you dont like about GMTIIc, therefore I dont think waiting to Basel will matter for you. Echoing the sentiment.. go try them on if you havent (for ex. that sea dweller is alot more bulky than the others) and then decide.

23 January 2008, 11:23 AM	#17
petespendthrift Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 185	I have both the GMTII-C and a Sea-Dweller. My thoughts: I also shared your concerns about the new style of the GMT but am gradually accepting it as being different from what I had previously associated with Rolex sports models and it is a rather nice watch that's growing on me. It goes well with smart and casual clothing and looks less bling in the flesh than it does in photos. From your post it sounds like it might offer you more useful functionality than an SD. That said, both are great watches but the more dressy look is far more approprate on the GMT than it would be on a (new) SD. It's for precisely this reason that I bought my SD, before they alter it's classic tool design. The new spring is not much of a factor for me (my SD is +/-0 Secs a day straight out of the box anyway) and the hollow centre links and old fashioned clasp are practicle quirks that I like and would not want to change. The easily (and cheaply) replaced bezel insert is also appropriate for the SD. I have no desire for an SD with the "improvements". I just cannot see how the SD can be made better for what it does but feel that the GMT has benefited in a few areas. It is very hard to choose between them so just get both!

23 January 2008, 11:35 AM	#18
vh_bu98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Vu Location: Dallas area Watch: Platinum YM Posts: 2,646	Out of those three, the GMT-C all the way.

23 January 2008, 02:39 PM	#20
Jedi "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Lee Location: Malaysia Watch: 16750 Posts: 2,534	What about the good old Explorer II? In either black or white face? It has dual time zone, subtle static bezel, and loads of class and toughness.

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