I wondered if anyone could tell me whether a Submariner is a better watch/investment than a GMT II. I realise that an entry model isn't going to appreciate, but I'm interested in whether one is more desirable on the used market or a better watch?

To a novice they look the same other than the bezel on one is for tank time for diving and the other for flying?

Any proper experts out there?

James Follow us on Twitter: @GrangeBarnetJLR

James the definitive Rolex is a stainless steel Submariner with a date bubble.

My wife bought me my Subby in 2001 for around the £2k mark brand new. I think that they now cost around the £5k mark. The jeweller we use recently valued mine at £3.5k, so not a bad investment on a watch that I wear daily when home on leave.

Jim

Hi James, the Submariner is probably classed as an all time classic as far as a Rolex sports watch goes. It will come with a rotatable bezel marked in minute increments and is used to set the air remaining in a diving tank. The stainless steel bracelet will be a brushed finish rather than shiny. It is available without a date and a date under a 2.5 x magnification Cyclops lens.

The GMT 11 is designed as a "travellers watch or pilots watch. There are two bracelets available depending on the year, one the same as the Sub and the other with polished centre links (PCL) for a bit of bling. The GMT also has a rotatable bezel but it is marked in hour increments and can be used as a basic timer or tell another time zone. The additional feature of the GMT is that it has a fourth hand that can be set independently to show any time zone that you wish.

The prices are going to be similar as long as you are comparing similar years and stainless steel as opposed to gold.

Whatever you decide to do be VERY AWARE there are a lot of fakes and made up watches out there. I suggest you join one of the forums such as newturfers or the like and do some research. There are other rolex choices for a bit less if you want to broaden your horizon. PLEASE BE CAREFUL  MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Last edited by rigsby on Sat Oct 26 2013 6:26pm. Edited 1 time in total

Rolex forums .com is another site to have a look at MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Thanks guys.

I'm buying from a reputable High St retailer in London and buying new. Wanted a SS Daytona but now going for either a Sub or GMT, both are in stock. I'm not fussed either way, however it now sounds like the Sub is the classic choice? Follow us on Twitter: @GrangeBarnetJLR

Yes I would agree with that. Good that you are buying from an AD. Hope there is a reasonable discount off the list, think 5-10 % is the norm  MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

^^! Agreed. I got 15% from Mappin & Webb a few years ago, but believe 10% the norm unless buying outside the UK or in Duty Free.  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
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GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

I guess it depends on what you are looking for from the watch. Both are excellent watches and a great pair to have narrowed your choice down to.

The Sub is of course classic, I like the non- date version for clear dial/ face functionality if you do not need to have the date option.

The GMT 2 ( green hand for time zone) is my choice for daily watch....... As I travell a fair bit between time zones , the hour hand can be moved to the required timezone by unscrewing the crown and when set in the correct plane, only the hour hand can be adjusted, no winding forward of the minute hand. This is perfect for the traveller.
The bezel ( as mentioned above is ceramic in both models now, so fading of the bezel is no longer an issue).

As a matter of interest why did you move from the SS Daytona? This is the watch I am after now , if I can get one in SS, Black dial and in Duty Free ( no VAT) but these are hard to come by .....hopefully soon though

Difficult choice James , but a good one to have to make!!

Either one , you will enjoy it......

TST TDV8 HSE....Gone but not forgotten ....class act
Cayenne S diesel.....850n/m....385bhp....the danglies ...
SL55 AMG

James,
I can recommend these guys at Watches.co.uk

I have bought items from them previously and these were like new when they arrived at my door.

If you are open to a 'previously owned / enjoyed ' model then you may make a decent saving .....they have some nice watches available now.....

Follow the link here

http://www.watches.co.uk/watch/14611s/role...-116710ln/

TST TDV8 HSE....Gone but not forgotten ....class act
Cayenne S diesel.....850n/m....385bhp....the danglies ...
SL55 AMG

Im trying to find an omega seamaster skyfall, not having much luck !!!

I have a blue faced Submariner with the bi-metal strap, it always gets comments.

The new ones are strong money though now. I would buy another only at Duty Free really.

rigpig100 wrote:

Im trying to find an omega seamaster skyfall, not having much luck !!!

I had a Submariner Date for 6 years and thought I would own it for ever. Agree, the iconic Rolex and a beautiful watch.

I recently changed it over for a GMT Master II however and feel this is a more substantial (bracelet is much heavier and robust) watch. Living in Aus I thought I'd get more use of its functions (time zones with the GMT hand and bezel - I always have it set to the UK) than the twiddly bezel for diving on the former.

I really like the GMT and am getting more out if it's features.

Take a look and handle both.

If it's just for looks then not much to separate them. If you think you'll use one feature over the other then there's your differentiator.

Either way, both are great watches and both will hold their value. MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

Ye must admit the GMT 11 c is a lovely piece  MY16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY Indus silver with some toys

2012 3.0 SDV6 Luxury gone, but a great motor

Thanks for the heads up Rigsby, I would like to find on in the uk if possible.
Cheers
Bob