Gold vs steel

[pilot_bro]

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster.

I'm trying to decide on material for my next purchase, either a GMT or Sub. I'm a 26 year old pilot and I see plenty of steel and leather straps on guys I work with, tons of Breitlings and a few Rolexes and X-33's. I guess I'm an oddball with a Speedmaster and an X-33 I bought through Omega's military pilot program.

The GMT has been my grail forever, and now that it's coming close to time to buy I can't decide between steel and TT. I don't want steel because everyone else has steel, and I don't want to be like everyone else. I also already have steel in my Speedy.

Before I get a TT GMT (or Sub, maybe), I wanted to verify or debunk some things I've read about gold bracelets having life spans much less than steel. How much is a TT GMT bracelet to replace (cost isn't an issue I'm just wondering)? How long is that life span if true? Are there any other surprises that come w/ owning gold vs steel?

Thanks guys

[luvsub]

I would go with ss or full gold. Good luck with your choice.

[IAN1]

Originally Posted by luvsub

I would go with ss or full gold. Good luck with your choice.

What he said.

[GradyPhilpott]

Everyone has their preferences and their rationale for choosing what to buy.

It is my firm opinion that you can never go wrong buying an SS Rolex.

Stainless steel has been called the new gold and I have to agree. Besides, SS holds its value better and the bracelet "stretch" takes longer with steel than gold.

[Andad]

IMO the GMT TTC is at the top of the Rolex list.

Also great for casual wear.

Welcome to the Forum.

[salty_snack]

Originally Posted by luvsub

I would go with ss or full gold. Good luck with your choice.

I agree. IMO two tone is best left in the 80s.

It's hard to put a number to it but my estimate is SS will probably show 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of stretch when compared to solid gold over the same period and under the same conditions. Two tone, provided a solid gold link center, will be closer to that of solid gold than SS.

[Piloto]

Originally Posted by salty_snack

I agree. IMO two tone is best left in the 80s

Disagree. A TT Rolex is like classic rock. It will always be in to a degree.

[seochris]

Originally Posted by Piloto

Disagree. A TT Rolex is like classic rock. It will always be in to a degree.

Agree totally with this view.

Like all classics, it has and will stand the test to time.

[theseira]

Welcome.

I used to like SS but since acquiring an RG Daytona I don't feel like getting anymore SS unless its a 15202 or 5711.

[T. Ferguson]

The GMT TT is the best looking two tone watch in the Rolex line up. Hell, it's one of the best looking watches period.

There certainly is a lot of love for the GMT but there also seems to be a segment that picks on it for some strange reason. I don't hear complaints about PCLs or TT on Daytonas or DJs nearly as often as when it involves the GMT. Then there are those that can't stand the green 24 hour hand, but they're wearing a SubLV, . Have no idea why this is.

Don't worry about bracelet stretch. Even TT jubilee bands have lasted decades, so it really doesn't matter what the price to replace one is now anyway, unless you plan on buying the spare when you get the new watch, LOL. Besides, one of the biggest aspects of bracelet stretch is worn down link pins, and these are SS anyway. Just keep it clean, give it an ultrasonic bath once or twice a year (bracelet only), and wear it on the snug side rather than loose. It will last a long time.

Post pics when you get it.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by salty_snack

I agree. IMO two tone is best left in the 80s.

It's hard to put a number to it but my estimate is SS will probably show 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of stretch when compared to solid gold over the same period and under the same conditions. Two tone, provided a solid gold link center, will be closer to that of solid gold than SS.

'provided a solid gold link centre' and not SS tubes.

[sebastien1975]

Originally Posted by IAN1

What he said.

+2
All-in or nothing

[Degas]

IMHO SS is the way to go. If you insist on another color on your GMT then go BLNR, giving the fact that your are a pilot adds more to that conclusion.

[zama]

Buy what you like. TT bracelet will last you the serviceable life of the watch most likely. All gold would stretch more than TT by a small amount I think but again it will last more than long enough and serve you well and you could always get it serviced. SS is always the safe choice.

The talk of TT as being 80's is tiring but gets a run or two every time any thread comes up about TT. I for one am sick of defending TT if you don't like them your call.

[mruhland31]

Well being that you're a pilot the GMT is the obvious choice. I have a passion for the ocean and chose the Sub but if I flew I would certainly be in the GMT camp. I personally wouldn't be concerned with the longevity of the TT bracelet. People have been wearing them for years and if there was any real disadvantages people would have stayed away from them a long time ago. You seem to feel strongly about not having ss and I think it's important to go with your gut on that one. IMHO the TT GMT is the perfect watch for you. Just my opinion. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Welcome to TRF!

[up2nogood]

Nothing wrong the TT. I would seriously go that for that over the SS version.
But if it's resale that worries you, better source one from one of out trusted sellers in the first place.

[travisb]

I wouldn't worry about replacement costs of the TT bracelet.
That would be a VERY long time from now, if ever.
Get the look that that you prefer regardless of what others have.
Congrats in advance!

[AK797]

For TT I would go with a subc, esp the new blue sunburst, as the larger gold numbers of the GMTc blend in better with the gold case rather than the steel. Thus for the GMTc I prefer all gold.

[HL65]

Buy what you like...Go try them on and make a decision. At the end of the day you have to like it not any of us. Cheers,

[dysondiver]

hang on a second ,,, isnt there now ceramic bushes in the gold bracelets to get rid of the wear issues ,,
i remember seeing pics posted ,,, and not that long ago ,, the stretch / wear thing is changing ,,,,

[Griever369]

Have both the SS and the TT GMT LN. Bought the TT and it's still my favourite of all of mine. Bought the SS so that I can wear a the 116710 without worrying about scratches to the gold. Would never give away or trade the TT it is still the most beautiful and my favourite of my collection and would reccomend it anytime over the SS though the SS gets more wrist time simply because I care so much less if it gets scratched over the TT.

[Griever369]

Pictures can't do the TT justice. Sit it side by side with the SS and your decision will be made.

[timely]

I have "ALL" full gold. TT and SS watches. It all depends on what I am doing that day. As For stretch on the older bands it all about the same no matter what metal it is and now can be fixed. If you keep your bracelet clean and have it adjusted properly for your wrist it will last years. My 1958 18K YG bracelet for my T-O-G Thunderbird looks great at 56 year old. I just got a 31 year old TT Jubilee back from Michel Young in Hong Kong and he removed over a inch of stretch with shipping to and from for less than $300.

before

after


Different light used in each photo.
It will all come down to what you like the best for your wrist. Remember your life stile will always keep evolving. What you like today may be so different in 10 years.

Just my 2 cents before my morning coffee.
Bob

[nameIess]

You're a pilot and a GMT suits you perfectly. Steel is good for your age, full gold will take away from your pilot charisma IMO and will put you in the beach boys group ;/

The TT is a beautiful version... but for some reason i feel its beauty really shows on an older man... trust me i'm a guy and im straight... lol... but for me a TT GMT is better on an older person. I have friends who wear it, but it just loses its sparkle on their wrists ;/

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by directioneng

IMO the GMT TTC is at the top of the Rolex list.

Also great for casual wear.

Welcome to the Forum.

Incredible pics of a very nice modern Rolex calculator!




I am also a fan of TT!

[TommyT53]

I have the full gold GMT but would have been just as happy with the TT.

[Jetkopite]

TT GMT is very much at home in the sky, unfortunately I had to sell my one to fund my WG Sky Dweller but I have just picked up a Pepsi GMT so I can use for work... As a pilot GMT is the way to go..

[tkerrmd]

my son is your age and loves his TT sub, its not old school !

[116618wannabee]

I think a leather band gold daytona cosmo would be a good choice

[jjnd08]

Go try them on, one of them will sing louder than the other. I am 28, and I think there is nothing wrong with TT.

However, the GMT with polished center links is a thing of beauty...