Didn't pull the Trigger on a GMT II Pepsi

[michaelodonnell123]

I thought I was ready to buy a GMT Master II / Pepsi today. I gave myself a budget of $7,000 to pick up a nice one. I was so happy to finally fulfill a dream of mine.

Well that all tanked once I got to the jewelry store and had it physically in my hand and on my wrist. I was expecting something more substantial. This simply could not be a $6,500 watch I thought to myself. No way. It felt way too light and cheap. Especially the bracelet..good lord that was awful. Definitely not my cup of tea. For the record, I did go to a second jewelry store to see their GMT Master II and it was the same result. I am still shaking my head in disbelief that it has the following that it has. Amazing.

Soooooooo with that said, I am clearly not a fan of an old Rolex...that's for sure. I am going to stop my AD and take a look at the newer ones with the ceramic bezel, hopefully they will have the look and feel I am going for.

[douglasf13]

It's like comparing a vintage car to a new one. You either get it or you don't. No worries, there are plenty of new models out there to pick from.

[Chadridv]

You might want to go with a sub. The slightly wider lugs and thicker case back make it more substantial in the hand (and on the wrist), plus if you're looking for and appreciate a quality bracelet, the submariner glide lock system might be the best watch bracelet ever!

[mjclark32]

Sounds like the newer ones will be a better fit for you with the solid links, larger lugs and more substantial clasp. Check them out

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

I thought I was ready to buy a GMT Master II / Pepsi today. I gave myself a budget of $7,000 to pick up a nice one. I was so happy to finally fulfill a dream of mine.

Well that all tanked once I got to the jewelry store and had it physically in my hand and on my wrist. I was expecting something more substantial. This simply could not be a $6,500 watch I thought to myself. No way. It felt way too light and cheap. Especially the bracelet..good lord that was awful. Definitely not my cup of tea. For the record, I did go to a second jewelry store to see their GMT Master II and it was the same result. I am still shaking my head in disbelief that it has the following that it has. Amazing.

Soooooooo with that said, I am clearly not a fan of an old Rolex...that's for sure. I am going to stop my AD and take a look at the newer ones with the ceramic bezel, hopefully they will have the look and feel I am going for.

you might want to consider the DSSD than because the new subs still feel small and unsubstantial. or go to Omega.

don't feel bad. many go to try on a sub and than go wtf???

DSSD is what you want

[Onikage]

Mine feels alright. Very comfortable. Get a Breitling.

[SLS]

Bummer...was it a SEL on non SEL bracelet? There is a big difference between the two IMO.
Scott

[LuminousMaximus]

I felt that the 1166710 BLNR was quite a bit more substantial than it's 5 digit counterparts. However, I found that the Submariner, 116610 and even more so the SEA-DWELLER 116600 was even more substantial.

Try the Ceramic, BLNR or 116710, and the 116610 Sub, and see what you think... You will be pleasantly surprised...

[FTX I]

Hope you find the right one.

[Colin10101]

Totally understand where you are coming from. My best friend wears a 114060, and it feels SO different from my 16710. I think an often overlooked plus side to the older bracelets is that since they are so light they are extremely comfortable. I find even with glidelock his 114060 is not as comfortable as my 16710.

[ejvette]

You definitely want a 6 digit model heavier bracelets and more substantial feeling good luck with the hunt

[Blue_Lume]

I bought 2x gmtC LN. Pre owned 6k each.

Hard to pay more or equal for a 1997-2004 watch.

I prefer ceramics.

[douglasf13]

Chuck Taylor All Star vs. Chuck II

[Rick_Nashville]

Test drive the basic 116710 model if you get a chance. The crown and bracelet are more robust, the maxi-sized hour markers are cool, the anti-reflective date magnifier & Easylink extension piece are genuinely useful, and the ceramic bezel *rocks*. I've had this one since 2010 and couldn't be happier with it.

[blue lion]

I have a 16710 and get where you're coming from. It feels totally different than my Sub. Much prefer the Sub it just fits and feels better.

[Etschell]

The only thing I don't like about the 16710 is the clasp.

[GMT Aviator]

There's no doubt about it that the newer ceramic GMT is much sturdier watch than the 16710 it replaced, however, a lot of that sturdier feel comes from the solid bracelet links that are absent on the older 16710 where the bracelet links are hollow. Thus the older model feels lighter and less robust.

None the less, the older 16710's are still more than up to the task and in my mind, still reign supreme as probably the best watch ever made.

[dadonn2]

That's an understandable reaction particularly with your expectations going in. I doubt you need to go to a 44mm deepsea or anything, any modern reference should do the trick. Among those who pay the premium for white gold watches, the heft of the piece is often cited as one of the merits.

[Masteryacht]

That's one thing I love the most about my 16622. It feels fantastic on the wrist.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

There's no doubt about it that the newer ceramic GMT is much sturdier watch than the 16710 it replaced, however, a lot of that sturdier feel comes from the solid bracelet links that are absent on the older 16710 where the bracelet links are hollow. Thus the older model feels lighter and less robust.

None the less, the older 16710's are still more than up to the task and in my mind, still reign supreme as probably the best watch ever made.

Yeah, the 16710 links are solid steel formed to shape in a press, while the 116710 links are machined by drilling straight through them. Both are going to last a long, long time.

Somehow, we've gotten to the point where more weight is equated with quality. You should see how "high quality" my best friend's Invicta is!

[TickTockChuck]

Sounds like you should go for a modern Rolex with supercase and solid link/clasp bracelet. It will give you the heft you desire. I still love the 5-digit Pepsi and can overlook the tuna can braclet build since that is just the way it was. The modern BLRO is great but crazy expensive. Good luck in your search. Cheers!

[arguetaoscar]

Not hefty but such a comfortable watch, and simply classic. Wait for Basel, maybe the desired SS Coke is released. Good luck, and I prefer a GMT over a Sub any day, having the extra complication is worth it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[faz]

At the end of the day, it is you who has to enjoy it, and if you don't, you don't. No one else can say whether it is the right watch for you or not.

I am a car and motorcycle enthusiast (I like to think), and like vintage cars - to look at and admire - and also like newer performance cars. I would never actually *buy* a vintage car or motorcycle, as much as I like them. I have had my share of riding older motorcycles that as a kid I loved, but now, after riding a modern motorcycle, find the vintage ride to be not-acceptable. Same with the vintage cars.

I wanted to go with a Pepsi for my second watch (to be passed to my son in a few years), but ended up getting a new BLNR instead. When it came down to putting my money on a watch, I preferred a new more substantial BLNR over the used Pepsi. I still love and admire the Pepsi for sure... but I really think given a similar situation again in future, I would do the same.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by faz

At the end of the day, it is you who has to enjoy it, and if you don't, you don't. No one else can say whether it is the right watch for you or not.

I am a car and motorcycle enthusiast (I like to think), and like vintage cars - to look at and admire - and also like newer performance cars. I would never actually *buy* a vintage car or motorcycle, as much as I like them. I have had my share of riding older motorcycles that as a kid I loved, but now, after riding a modern motorcycle, find the vintage ride to be not-acceptable. Same with the vintage cars.

I wanted to go with a Pepsi for my second watch (to be passed to my son in a few years), but ended up getting a new BLNR instead. When it came down to putting my money on a watch, I preferred a new more substantial BLNR over the used Pepsi. I still love and admire the Pepsi for sure... but I really think given a similar situation again in future, I would do the same.

I think with the 5-digit series, though, you're essentially getting a modern watch in the style of the vintage watches. That's what is so appealing about them to many of us.

[michaelodonnell123]

Originally Posted by Rick_Nashville

Test drive the basic 116710 model if you get a chance. The crown and bracelet are more robust, the maxi-sized hour markers are cool, the anti-reflective date magnifier & Easylink extension piece are genuinely useful, and the ceramic bezel *rocks*. I've had this one since 2010 and couldn't be happier with it.

I think you hit the bulls-eye with your suggestion. I will be checking that one out next. Looks like it has the heft overall ruggedness that I am looking for in a watch.

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's like comparing a vintage car to a new one. You either get it or you don't. No worries, there are plenty of new models out there to pick from.

Well said!

[DramaTurtle]

The "tuna can" bracelet always does this when you first hold it! Especially compared to a modern reference bracelet!

[dominic.warren]

I see a 6 digit in your future. I love my 5 digits but there is quite a difference in how they wear on my wrist.

[Muzz]

It is not for everyone and if you are accustomed to the ceramics it would probably throw you off.

[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Chuck Taylor All Star vs. Chuck II

Both are great but man did they nail it with the Chuck II's... That's a tough choice there.

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

I think you hit the bulls-eye with your suggestion. I will be checking that one out next. Looks like it has the heft overall ruggedness that I am looking for in a watch.

Yeah definitely try on the 6 digit GMT. I thought the same thing because my dad has a 5 digit sub and the difference is crazy when you compare the two. I know you wanted a Pepsi , did you think about the BLNR since it's a bi colored GMT and it's the new model which is more solid, that might be an option. Good luck let us know what you choose