It’s the year of the Rolex Master GMT ii, But...

[B.B.B.]

Are the 24hr number markers on the bezel are too big that it seems to look so busy and cluttered? I understand that they’ve changed also the Dial from Maxi Dial from it’s previous predecessors that’s why they’ve increased the size of the numbers on the bezel. I used to own a GMT Black LN, function wise it’s a perfect daily and travel watch but i’ve got tired of it, i’ve sold it and never looked back. Has anyone here thinks that the Tudor BB GMT Pepsi has a better proportions and blending compare to the New Rolex Pepsi? I guess i’m leaning more with the Tudor BB GMT. we’ll see it in a couple of months.

[S-F]

I prefer the Rolex GMT to the Tudor but the new Tudor 58 has my attention.

[Syed117]

I'm more disappointed by them not spending the last few years perfecting the colors.

This is not red and blue...Oh well. Will see how I feel in a year when my number on the list comes up.

[j-watch]

Originally Posted by B.B.B.

Are the 24hr number markers on the bezel are too big that it seems to look so busy and cluttered? I understand that they’ve changed also the Dial from Maxi Dial from it’s previous predecessors that’s why they’ve increased the size of the numbers on the bezel. I used to own a GMT Black LN, function wise it’s a perfect daily and travel watch but i’ve got tired of it, i’ve sold it and never looked back. Has anyone here thinks that the Tudor BB GMT Pepsi has a better proportions and blending compare to the New Rolex Pepsi? I guess i’m leaning more with the Tudor BB GMT. we’ll see it in a couple of months.

This is going to sound strange, but I like the appearance that the numbers on the bezel are larger, as compared to the older 5 digit reference numbers. I've owned two LN's over the years, and for the last several. have worn a BLNR. I like the way it looks, and I'm very much looking forward to adding the new TT Root Beer when it gets released. Just my taste I guess.

[Onikage]

x2 I'm aware this isn't going to make me Mr. Popular but it seems every enlargement was to accomodate something else being made larger. It's still a nice watch but so different I struggle to refer to it as iconic, despite the colour effort. The Tudor is more on form imo.

[Rolex85]

Originally Posted by j-watch

This is going to sound strange, but I like the appearance that the numbers on the bezel are larger, as compared to the older 5 digit reference numbers. I've owned two LN's over the years, and for the last several. have worn a BLNR. I like the way it looks, and I'm very much looking forward to adding the new TT Root Beer when it gets released. Just my taste I guess.

Couldn’t agree more!! I love the larger numbers on the bezel.

[ras47]

The OP raises an interesting idea. I've always been more of a fan of the 16710 style. I'm not into vintage watches, preferring new(ish) without patina. The ceramic bezel GMTs never sat right with me. At least not as right as the aluminum ones. I thought it was just the colors, but the OP's suggestion that the fonts on the bezel are a bit over-emphasized is also a big part of it for me. I didn't put it all together until I read this discussion.

[Snow-Dweller]

Originally Posted by j-watch

This is going to sound strange, but I like the appearance that the numbers on the bezel are larger, as compared to the older 5 digit reference numbers. I've owned two LN's over the years, and for the last several. have worn a BLNR. I like the way it looks, and I'm very much looking forward to adding the new TT Root Beer when it gets released. Just my taste I guess.

I fully agree. To my eye it’s aesthetically pleasing and well balanced.

I agree about the new TT RG as well.

[magnetic]

To those that saw this in the flesh at Basel...
Does the blue look ‘blue’ or slightly purple like the pic above?

[AK797]

At first I did think they were too big, and at times they did overwhelm my dial I found, so I do prefer the Subc's numbers. I find the old GMT numbers dated now so not for me.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by magnetic

To those that saw this in the flesh at Basel...
Does the blue look ‘blue’ or slightly purple like the pic above?

It's the same bezel insert, so half the time its blue, half purple, and half red and half pink.

[Shamorai]

Can’t please everyone.

[travisb]

I prefer the larger font and have always loved the colors of the bezel. Wouldn't change a thing. To those wanting a bright blue and red, I wouldn't hold your breath. I think there's purpose behind these colors and no imperfections.

[B.B.B.]

Great input everyone has their own cup of tea. Can’t wait to see both watches in person.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by j-watch

This is going to sound strange, but I like the appearance that the numbers on the bezel are larger, as compared to the older 5 digit reference numbers. I've owned two LN's over the years, and for the last several. have worn a BLNR. I like the way it looks, and I'm very much looking forward to adding the new TT Root Beer when it gets released. Just my taste I guess.

I agree, I prefer the larger numbers on the 6 digit bezels. The 5 digit bezels are smaller and tougher to read, besides being less distinguishable from Sub bezels. Not much difference from aluminum bezel design to aluminum bezel from my perspective. At least the ceramic offers some new features and the BLNR is really growing on me. Hope it sticks around for next generation movement and Oyster bracelet. The TT Root Beer is interesting too...I just wish Rolex would've added a yellow GMT hand to touch on original colors more.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by travisb

I prefer the larger font and have always loved the colors of the bezel. Wouldn't change a thing. To those wanting a bright blue and red, I wouldn't hold your breath. I think there's purpose behind these colors and no imperfections.

Just look at it like a cool faded bezel insert on an old vintage Pepsi. It’s not dark red and dark blue but it works for me. To each his own but something tells me if the watch is in front of you and you have your wallet with you then you are leaving with it.

PS love the big bold font as it makes the watch pop quite nice!

[904VT]

Originally Posted by HL65

Just look at it like a cool faded bezel insert on an old vintage Pepsi. It’s not dark red and dark blue but it works for me. To each his own but something tells me if the watch is in front of you and you have your wallet with you then you are leaving with it.

PS love the big bold font as it makes the watch pop quite nice!

Agreed. I remember when the 6 digit Sub came out and many people thought the bezel was too "grey" looking and not a deep black. Then there was the LV and how the bezel color was different than the dial color. Then the BLNR, well it wasn't a Pepsi or Coke people said.

All those watches have done very very well. I have a feeling if seen in the flesh it's a different story for most. If owned and worn in a variety of lighting situations, I think most would love the more subdued colors over the 5 digit bezel. Bright Red and Blue ceramic may be interesting, but it may also be so bright and shiny in the ceramic that the watches would end up looking like a hot rod. The current colors are better than currently given credit.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I'm more disappointed by them not spending the last few years perfecting the colors.

This is not red and blue...Oh well. Will see how I feel in a year when my number on the list comes up.

At least the dial is black, so there is not another shade of "blue" to have to match. Here is a screen cap from Hyatt & Naish's video of Basel highlights, showing the new WG blue-dial BLRO. Perhaps the camera wasn't color-adjusted for the lighting, but it sure looks like the so-called blue of the bezel doesn't match the blue of the dial.

[travisb]

Originally Posted by HL65

Just look at it like a cool faded bezel insert on an old vintage Pepsi. It’s not dark red and dark blue but it works for me. To each his own but something tells me if the watch is in front of you and you have your wallet with you then you are leaving with it.

PS love the big bold font as it makes the watch pop quite nice!

Exactly!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by B.B.B.

Are the 24hr number markers on the bezel are too big that it seems to look so busy and cluttered? I understand that they’ve changed also the Dial from Maxi Dial from it’s previous predecessors that’s why they’ve increased the size of the numbers on the bezel. I used to own a GMT Black LN, function wise it’s a perfect daily and travel watch but i’ve got tired of it, i’ve sold it and never looked back. Has anyone here thinks that the Tudor BB GMT Pepsi has a better proportions and blending compare to the New Rolex Pepsi? I guess i’m leaning more with the Tudor BB GMT. we’ll see it in a couple of months.

I'm with you on this (the first part, not interested in the Tudor). For me the GMT looks too cluttered with those big numbers and fat dots, especially since they are so contrasting against the black.

I was hoping for 3 things to change with the GMT:
1. Fat lugs to be slimmed
2. Big numbers to be made narrower
3. Center links to be brushed, just don't like the polished ones on GMT.

I now know 2 won't happen and I really want a GMT so have to look at my options. So far it looks like the new rose gold version might make the big numbers less prominent. The polished links on TT in rose gold makes them more acceptable and the overall look is great. The all rose gold should be even better.

[Valhala]

Cant wait to get a pepsi

[AK797]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

At least the dial is black, so there is not another shade of "blue" to have to match. Here is a screen cap from Hyatt & Naish's video of Basel highlights, showing the new WG blue-dial BLRO. Perhaps the camera wasn't color-adjusted for the lighting, but it sure looks like the so-called blue of the bezel doesn't match the blue of the dial.

Pretty sure that is not the Smurf's blue dial either.

[samson66]

I think if we took the Rolex and Tudor names off of both watches, few here would honestly select the Rolex over the Tudor. The Tudor GMT is nearly perfect. The aluminum bezel with the smaller numbers works better IMO over the Rolex pepsi. Size is just a tad bigger on the Tudor which again I think is great. And price, well obviously big difference there. Tudor knocked this on out of the park

[VicLeChic]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

At least the dial is black, so there is not another shade of "blue" to have to match. Here is a screen cap from Hyatt & Naish's video of Basel highlights, showing the new WG blue-dial BLRO. Perhaps the camera wasn't color-adjusted for the lighting, but it sure looks like the so-called blue of the bezel doesn't match the blue of the dial.

I see a purple and cranberry red bezel in that picture. I guess it's due to the blue pigment being superposed to the red, thus turning purplish. The dial is clearly blue though.

Pictures can be deceiving, I learnt that with the Hulk. I reserve my judgement for the day I get the call for the SS Pepsi, if that ever happens. I'm not a big customer so can't see that happening anytime soon.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by samson66

I think if we took the Rolex and Tudor names off of both watches, few here would honestly select the Rolex over the Tudor. The Tudor GMT is nearly perfect. The aluminum bezel with the smaller numbers works better IMO over the Rolex pepsi. Size is just a tad bigger on the Tudor which again I think is great. And price, well obviously big difference there. Tudor knocked this on out of the park

Just have never cared for the hands so for me that is deal breaker. For the money though it is a great watch like many Tudor’s are.

[j-watch]

Likewise, I never been a Tudor snowflake hand fan, even though it's historically correct for the most part. If they'd put the mercedes style hands on this piece, I'd probably be all over it. The whole rivet bracelet is a nice / homage touch, but I could take or leave that as well.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by HL65

Just have never cared for the hands so for me that is deal breaker. For the money though it is a great watch like many Tudor’s are.

I felt the exact same way, but I can tell you wearing a watch with snowflake hands is a much different experience than looking at a close up image of a watch with snowflake hands. As and owner of a BB and an SD43 I can honestly say at quick glance the Black Bay with is much easier to read than the SD. The thicker hands and the snowflake hour hand just jump out to the eyes - no squinting or second look needed to tell the time. But I hear what you are saying and the same issue turned me off the Tudor for a while. My only suggestion is to try one on for yourself, you may find your opinion changes when viewing on the wrist. I had no intention of purchasing a Tudor product. One try on the wrist and $3K later I'm in

[dafuture]

I personally don't mind the maxi numbers on the bezel. The Tudor definitely has more of that vintage charm with it's font size, but each are unique and interesting in their own right.

OP, I'm curious. What exactly did you get tired with on your GMT? I'm contemplating getting one as my next watch (if I don't buy the BB GMT).

[4BostonB]

Originally Posted by dafuture

I personally don't mind the maxi numbers on the bezel. The Tudor definitely has more of that vintage charm with it's font size, but each are unique and interesting in their own right.

OP, I'm curious. What exactly did you get tired with on your GMT? I'm contemplating getting one as my next watch (if I don't buy the BB GMT).

I'm not OP, but I did recently buy a 116710LN. Though it hasn't been on my wrist that long, I think it's a perfect watch - very functional and aesthetically pleasing. The two things that I wasn't sure about before trying it on were the size of the bezel numbers and the PCL. I figured that I could get the PCL brushed if they really bugged me, so that negated the concern (I read elsewhere that people had success bringing the watch to a RSC and having them polish the bracelet), but it turns out that I'm a big fan of the look.

RE: The numbers, I think my biggest issue wasn't so much their outright size but the asymmetry of the watch face - kind of necessary when you have 2 at 1:00 and 22 at 11:00. The bigger width of the numbers looks great from 2-18, but 20 and 22 seem a little too big. I think that the older 16710 suffers from the same issue, it's just a little less apparent because the numbers are skinnier - that's pretty much how I moved past it. I like the font better - it looks great, and I appreciate that the bezel moves in 24 clicks instead of 120 -120 doesn't make any sense for the intended purpose.

I like the Rolex GMT over the Tudor for a few reasons - the first is its size - 40mm vs 41mm isn't earth shattering (2.5% bigger), and the thicker lugs of the GMT-C probably offset a lot of the visual difference. The actual difference is thickness- the Tudor is 14.6mm, while the Rolex is only 12mm - that's a 20% difference, and I think it would matter when you're trying to slip the watch under a shirt cuff. If the Tudor uses the same case as the Black BAy 41, which I believe it does based on some other literature, the lug-to-lug measurement is also 50mm, which is 2mm more than the Rolex's 48mm.

My other hangup with the Tudor is the placement of the date window - it's too close to the edge of the dial. I wish it lined up on the same arc as the 1/2/4/5 markers. It looks like it's as far from the edge of the dial as the 9:00 bar, but it's a different height so it doesn't balance it out the way I think that they wanted it to.

[c41006]

Originally Posted by HL65

Just have never cared for the hands so for me that is deal breaker. For the money though it is a great watch like many Tudor’s are.

Agreed. I've tried to learn to like those hands but I just can't. Also not a fan of the rivet bracelet look.