GMT or Submariner?

[RedwinGV]

I did some searching but really didn't see this addressed.
So here's the issue:
I'll likely be purchasing a Rolex and I'm debating between the GMT and the Submariner. It will probably be SS and black dial.

So, for those that have had to make the choice, what pulled you in?
For me, this will be a daily wearer- more or less - as I have a few good, a better (Citizen Skyhawk AT) and one great watch (Omega AT Seamaster).

I like the functionality of the GMT and I'm not a diver but I do travel some. However I want the more durable watch- if that even matters.
My problem is I like them both, and from what I've read, the Sub appears to have a bit more history to it. Also, with the GMT having an "extra" hour hand, might this make the movement any less reliable?

I apologize if this is an ignorant sounding post, but I thought I'd give it a try.
And thanks to all that have posted great info about these two pieces already.

[Sumer]

Movement reliability should never be a problem with any Rolex watch, as long as you get it serviced once every 5 years, so that extra hand is no reason to worry about. Since you won't be diving, the extra WR of the sub is will not be of much use to you. Since you travel, the gmt is the obvious choice. But the sub does have more history attached to it. Good luck, you won't go wrong in any case.

[dharper]

Hey RedwinGV, I never would've thought that I'd see someone else on this board that lives in Midland! I'm not from here originally, but live in Larkin Township. Small world...

Anyway, I had the same dilemma last summer. I was looking for a professional Rolex, and was torn between a Sub and GMT. I went GMTII due to the fact that I see Subs often enough and wanted something just a little different. Don't get me wrong, I still like the Submariner, and have been considering an older 5513 maybe. Anyway, I am more than pleased with the GMT over the Sub. It fits under a suit nicely just as it goes with jeans and a t-shirt. Plus, when we travel, it's easier to change the time, as the hour hand moves independently of the minute hand.
Here's the GMT II:

I think that the snow has already affected me, as it pushed over the edge on this little gem last week (really, it was the cream pots against the white dial):

But as everyone else has said, you really can't go wrong with either one. Good luck in the decision-making process!

[kareemthedream33]

Hey it really depends on which bezel you like. Essentially they are the same watch with different bezels. I love them both but I prefer the sub simply because the GMT bezel is a bit too busy for me. They both have great histories and the movement of a new rolex should never be a concern.

[RedwinGV]

Thanks for the comments.
I've got some time, not too much since I'm not getting any younger.
And I need to convince the wife some- Shouldn't be that much of an issue with what she has in jewelry.

I was leaning towards the GMT, but I admit the sub history has bitten me some. Still, I'd use the functionality more with the GMT. Of course, how does one interject any rational thinking with these purchases.

I'll keep checking in.

[NVGord]

Are you looking at the ceramic on both the GMT and Sub? Both watches look fantastic. I have a couple of Omegas, a Seamaster (2254) and a Speedmaster (3211).

At first when I showed my wife a picture of the GMTII ceramic, she said it looked very similar to my Omega Seamaster, but of course we all know better. I tried both the GMT and Sub on at the AD and both looked outstanding. I pulled the trigger on the GMT and am really happy with my choice. I've had my GMT for only 3 weeks and have recieved many compliments on it already. Plus I saved some $$ on the GMTII ceramic over the Sub ceramic. Anytime the wife says your good to go on a new timepiece I head right down to my AD ASAP before she changes her mind or finds something else for herself.

What ever your decide it will bring you much happiness.

[JBHII]

Red - dumb question, but which versions of the Sub and the GMT are you looking at?

I'd strongly recommend you take a look at both the recently discontinued Rolex Submariner 16610 and the GMT Master II 16710. You (likely) won't find them at an authorized dealer, but you'll find them in the pre-loved market at a considerable savings over the watches that replaced them:

16610:



16710

[AAKVIPER]

Because the GMT in my opinion has all the attributes as the Sub but with a plus one with the two or three time zone feature. So for a pure versatile watch in my opinion the GMT has it over the Sub.

Best Arthur

My travel watch..a 16760 with a rare non date font dial.

[RedwinGV]

Red - dumb question, but which versions of the Sub and the GMT are you looking at?

I'd strongly recommend you take a look at both the recently discontinued Rolex Submariner 16610 and the GMT Master II 16710. You (likely) won't find them at an authorized dealer, but you'll find them in the pre-loved market at a considerable savings over the watches that replaced them:

I should have mentioned that. With what I've read so far, I'd likely go with the newer GMT"c." (116610?) I like the bezel, spring, and a few other changes. I'm not afraid of going pre owned, but I realize the selection would be less with that model. Yeah, the price is a lot more, but I'm not sure these are ever rational descisions in the first place. But I'm still deciding.

As for the Sub, I'm not as married to the most recent edition due to some of the, ahem, reviews that I've seen. Jury is still out if I go the Sub way. I'm leaning to the older Sub version since I'm not seeing that much of changes that I appreciate with the latest ones. Of course if I do that, then I end up comparing a newer GMT with an older Sub -with markedly different pricing.

I do need to look at the "earlier" versions more though- new ones too!

Ahh, these permutations.

Current decision meter is about 70-30 towards the GMTII C

Thanks again, and I forgot to mention to Dharper- nice one you have there!

[JBHII]

The GMT IIc has been very popular and I see quite few selling pre-loved at around the 5k mark on various watch sales forums. So definitely keep an eye out!