[domvan]

Hello,

I am a little closer to my first Rolex purchase, but I am still undecided between the SS Sub and SS GMT IIc. I am generally a Submariner guy, because I love the simple-classic look. However, I do like the improvements on the GMT… Especially the new clasp. One problem is that I have not seen the SS GMT in person, so I haven’t been able to do a side-by-side comparison with the Sub.

So here is my plan: Please let me know what you think…

I’m going to give the AD a down payment so I can get the current price. I’ll wait for a SS GMT and then do the comparison with the SS Sub. I'll decide on one, and then wait for Basel to see if there is a new Sub. If there is, I’ll hold off for the new Submariner.

All comments are welcome.

Thanks,

Domenic

 

[DarkHeart]

Sounds like a sound plan. I guarantee you will be blown away with the new GMT IIc. Not only is the watch substantial and improved, the bracelet itself is reason to buy it. Not to knock the Sub, which I have, but a side-by-side comparison will leave you no doubt which one to get.
BTW, you can always get a mint condition, D or Z series Sub pre-owned and save big bucks. I've seen many SubDates going for as little as $3600. Something to think about.

 

[Sparks]

get the sub. why would you need the GMT? Totally pointless, like my avatar.

 

[feudallordcult]

gmt IIc is the one or the SD. no point getting the sub. apologies to sub lovers though, dun flame me pls...hehe!

 

[mike]

I think it all depends on which one pushes your buttons. Both are great references. The GMT does have all the latest "upgrades" and is my favorite, but we're all different.
I'm a fan of the maxi-dial.:thumbup1:

Some comparison pics,

Sub date,

GMT,

New clasp,

Lume,

SD,

SD vs, GMT,

Sub ND,

Any thought to the LV?

 

[Scott D]

Hey Domvan,

Well I'm partial to the Sub as I'm not a big fan of the 4th hand on the GMT's. That said though, the new GMT is absolutely :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

Has the super case, maxi dial, ceramic bezel that looks outstanding and of course the bracelet with the solid center links & new clasp. So this one it's tough.. I might go with the GMT...

I think your plan of checking them side by side is an excellent plan. Ultimately only you will be able to decide. One will probably speak to you a bit louder, and that'll be the one..


One note if you do decide to go for the sub & wait until after Basel. If you're looking to get the SS, it'll probably be 1-2 years before it's out even if a new sub is introduced this year. If history is anything to go on, they'll update the 18K gold version first, then the TT then the SS model. So if you decide you want the sub & you want to wait for the upgraded one (if it even comes out this year) you need to also ask yourself, are you will to wait another year, maybe even 2? Just something to consider....

Good luck!! :thumbup1:

 

[Dell Deaton]

Here's how I look at it....

When in doubt, look to James Bond references:

1. Submariner says classic 007, having been worn by Sean Connery, George Lazenby, and Roger Moore.

2. Submariner Date says contemporary, yet Ian Fleming 007, having been worn by Timothy Dalton.

3. GMT appeared in the 1967 version of Casino Royale, but I'm not recalling off the top of my head its 007 pedigree.

This may not help w/ your decision, but it might provide helpful distration talk if needed when negotiating price! :biggrin:

 

[JBHII]

Domenic - just wanted to say welcome to WTF and the Rolex Forum! :thumbup1:

 

[timefinder]

First off, welcome to WTF. Second, as you can see, we have many different opinions, on which watches we like. As for me, the GMT does not do it for me whatsoever. The fourth hand is IN YOUR FACE, that I find it a distraction. IMHO, Omega does it better with a small and subtle hand.

With that said, best bet is to find an AD that has them, and put them on your wrist to see which you like better. And then, let us know what you decide!

 

[Watchdog]

It's obvious just from looking at it that the new bracelet/clasp is much nicer but can someone shed some light on if it makes the watch feel different when wearing it? I thought I've heard some say that the watch is better balanced. Just curious.

BTW, welcome to WTF Domenic.

 

[MINIAC]

Between your choices, I'd have to go with the SS GMT IIc

Good Luck with your choice. :cool1:

 

[Nate]

Difficult choice: New Style vs. A Classic

I see the pros and cons as follows:

GMT IIc offers:
the new look with ceramic
the new bracelet/clasp which is very nice:drool:
Green Lettering

Sub offers:
An all time Classic Rolex (i.e. history):thumbup1:
A clean somewhat understated look
Time tested durability

Difficult choice, but at the end I went with the classic SS Sub.

Good Luck!!!

 

[haakon59]

I guess my advice would depend on which part of the world you live in. Specifically, if a new Submariner is introduced at Basel this year, if you live in the US anyway, you will likely only see the new models coming into stores for some time after that, maybe up a year. My guess is you want something before this. Although I like the Submariner myself, the GMT II does have the advantage of several upgrades to the case and bracelet--most people have received them positively. But if you wait until you see what happens at Basel, you may not see the new upgraded Submariner show up at the AD for several months to up to a year. Do you have the patience to wait that long?

 

[domvan]

Hey, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I really appreciate your help.

Okay, so I just talked to the AD and they are okay with my plan. Since I’m leaving 10%, I’ll be first in line to see the next GMT IIc.

Some of you brought up a very good point… If they come out with a new Sub a Basel, can I wait a full year for that watch… Well, that would be tough.

The problem is I’m an engineer, so I have to research before I make any big purchase. That is when I saw the improvements to the GMT and I really thought they did a great job with the changes. If I would have walked into the AD and pick a Rolex, it would have been the SS Sub (clean, simple, elegant, classy, and not a lot of bling)... But now, it’s not so simple. The GMT is very nice.

The good news is I will have a great watch no mater which one I select.

BTW, I was a member before, but something must have happened to my login and password. I re-registered yesterday.

Again, thanks for all the input,

Domenic

 

[bullandvodka]

The good news is I will have a great watch no mater which one I select.

So true. Sometimes, you have to go into the AD and try them on. One will sing to you louder and make you smile. That is the one!

Cheers,

 

[ellipsis]

Both models not merely tell time but a tool in itself. It depends on what purpose you want it for.
As for me, since I travel a lot, GMT suits me well. It helps me inform the current time in three different time zone at one glance.
As for Sub, Rolex designs it with different purpose in mind. So, I think it depends on your priority.
If it is too difficult to decide, get both.

 

[domvan]

Hello All,

Well, I finally saw a new GMT IIc in person, and it is a beautiful watch. I love the bezel and the clasp, but I’m not fan of the polished links… So, I am leaning towards the Submariner.

There is one other piece to this puzzle… My brother loves the Submariner, but he is disabled and unable to work because he has Multiple Sclerosis. So, if Rolex comes out with a new Sub that I like, I can give him my first Sub. If I decide to keep my first Submariner, I’ll get him a nice pre-owned Sub from an AD.

Now some bad news about my AD… As I mentioned, I put a down payment on the Submariner to get the old price. I also worked a deal to get 10% off a new GMT since they didn’t have one is stock. Well, that changed today… The owner said that he would not do the deal for the GMT, even though the salesman approved the deal with the manager. So, the manager tried his best to make up the $600 dollar difference with a 5 year warranty and a watch winder. At that point I told them to sell the GMT to someone else and I’ll get back to them on the Submariner. I had to take a step back because I am a man of principle and I am tempted to get my money back and go to another AD. Of course, if I do this I will most likely lose $625 because I put the Sub on hold before the price increase.

Domenic

 

[Aaron W]

Hi Domvan,
Sorry to hear the AD backed out on the deal. If you want, I have an M serial 116710 that is MINT, maybe worn a couple of times that I can sell at $5900, no tax and delivered to your front door. Box, papers, the works.
Aaron

 

[timefinder]

Hello All,

Well, I finally saw a new GMT IIc in person, and it is a beautiful watch. I love the bezel and the clasp, but I’m not fan of the polished links… So, I am leaning towards the Submariner.

There is one other piece to this puzzle… My brother loves the Submariner, but he is disabled and unable to work because he has Multiple Sclerosis. So, if Rolex comes out with a new Sub that I like, I can give him my first Sub. If I decide to keep my first Submariner, I’ll get him a nice pre-owned Sub from an AD.

Now some bad news about my AD… As I mentioned, I put a down payment on the Submariner to get the old price. I also worked a deal to get 10% off a new GMT since they didn’t have one is stock. Well, that changed today… The owner said that he would not do the deal for the GMT, even though the salesman approved the deal with the manager. So, the manager tried his best to make up the $600 dollar difference with a 5 year warranty and a watch winder. At that point I told them to sell the GMT to someone else and I’ll get back to them on the Submariner. I had to take a step back because I am a man of principle and I am tempted to get my money back and go to another AD. Of course, if I do this I will most likely lose $625 because I put the Sub on hold before the price increase.

Domenic

To me that is horredous business practice. Three options:

1: Tell them to go pound sand as they went back on their word. And ensure to tell them you will be telling everyone about your experience there and their broken promises.

2: Get the sub at the discount. But did you really want the sub or GMT? Of course, then the AD may feel they can alter terms later as well on the sub.

3: Small claims court. If you have *written* proof of the deal, and they backed out, you may have recourse. If it is an oral contract, that is much more difficult to prove.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[topcat30093]

Quote
I’m going to give the AD a down payment so I can get the current price. I’ll wait for a SS GMT and then do the comparison with the SS Sub. I'll decide on one, and then wait for Basel to see if there is a new Sub. If there is, I’ll hold off for the new Submariner.
Hi Dominic, welcome to the forum, enjoy your stay.
With regards to your above comment,that seems the ideal plan, I have had both watches and though the Sub is an iconic watch,the clasp has always let it down, its far to weak.
I like the changes that have been made to the GMT IIc but not all of them would be ideal for the Sub, for example IMO the polished links are no good on a diving watch, as they will cause reflections while diving also it will get marked easier while diving.
But if you will not use it for that purpose then it won't be an issue.