Submariner or GMT-II

[breitling77]

Both Submariner and GMT share quite a few similarities, such as crown, case, indices, hands etc. but both are 2 different watches, in terms of calibre, bezel inscriptions, clasp, usage.

submariner is meant as a diving watch where the unidirectional bezel helps diver to indicate the time in water and acts as a safety features if bezel is accidentally rotated. The extension of clasp allows the bracelet to extend its length over a thick diving suit.

GMT is a traveller's watch as it allows frequent travelers to know both local and home time. The bidirectional bezel allows 3rd time zone reading. But it's not 100% good as it can't tell time zone in 30 ,minutes difference, for instance India where time difference with Singapore is 2.5 hours different. Nonetheless it still serves most other time zone of other countries. The current model has also been equipped with the same trip lock crown as Submariner, though it's only indicated with 100m.

I chose Submariner as my 1st Rolex, but I got GMT later. IMO, both are great and beautiful watches. I like Submariner for its simplicity and clean design while GMT is a practical watch if you are a frequent traveller.

[ac_wong75]

Agree with Breitling77. each watch serves different purpose.For the Sub I prefer the old style 16610 design
for the GMT 2 I prefer the new style ceramic series 116XX series due to the green hands.
Both Sub and GMT are icons but if there is just for pure comparison the comparison should be
SUB VS DSSD (both divers) and GMT2 VS EXP or Sky dweller (All GMT watch function)

[breitling77]

Agree with Breitling77. each watch serves different purpose.For the Sub I prefer the old style 16610 design
for the GMT 2 I prefer the new style ceramic series 116XX series due to the green hands.
Both Sub and GMT are icons but if there is just for pure comparison the comparison should be
SUB VS DSSD (both divers) and GMT2 VS EXP or Sky dweller (All GMT watch function)

[Mr. B]

IMHO, the lume of GMT-2 and its GMT hand make GMT-2 a better looking watch.
Definitely stands out more.
IMHO, Sub is the most common watch within the most commonly worn brand among watch-lovers.

[shaguar]

Why is the SUB more popular as compared to GMT what is the main draw?

[Oceanklassik]

I am, too, wondering why for a long time. But I guess it has to do with what history has created, ie there has been more hype on the Submariner since it was introduced in 1954, as compared to the GMT. Thus over time, the Submariner has been hailed as THE iconic ROLEX watch model. As popularity for the Submariner went up, the demand for it naturally increased till to-date.

[AK Subzero]

Like someone said b4, a truly rolex fan must have a sub in their collection....4 me though, the first gotta be a GMT. So i reckon buy both first, oher models can wait..

[shaguar]

Haha still very much in love with the GMT, but shall have a closer look at the SUB...

[jasonsouza77]

I feel like the ultimate stainless steel trio for the current release lineup,in no particular order is the green sub,the black gmt and the polar expII.im still contemplatg between the expII and the hulk..two strong contenders IMHo

[ste8]

Hi! I am a Sub fan, less bling-bling effect compared to GMT, but the latter is very good if you wanna use it with suit.

Have you considered the Sub No-Date?
Cleaner dial, I like it!

[Ah Dar]

I will say for Sub you can have a few choice of color (Black, Green, Blue but only TT onwards) but for GMT other than the full gold with green dial. the rest are all black.

I got my 1st rolex as sub as i still prefer the simple looks but now i am wear the HULK due to the bling bling factor.

So all depends on which watch you like more if function is not the case as i believe most pple will not dive with a >$10k watch.

[jasonsouza77]

I will say for Sub you can have a few choice of color (Black, Green, Blue but only TT onwards) but for GMT other than the full gold with green dial. the rest are all black.

I got my 1st rolex as sub as i still prefer the simple looks but now i am wear the HULK due to the bling bling factor.

So all depends on which watch you like more if function is not the case as i believe most pple will not dive with a >$10k watch.

Bling as the hulk sparkles?sorry hvent seen one in the flesh..but hv to agree..its a solid tool watch

[kohym]

GMTIIc has polished centre links on the bracelet so slightly dressier. Sub is brushed on the whole bracelet so not so shiny.

[ngokyc]

Bling as the hulk sparkles?sorry hvent seen one in the flesh..but hv to agree..its a solid tool watch

I think it's the green dial reflected light at different angles that caused the bling effect. The bracelet is brushed so should not have the bling effect like gmt2c.

[grafite1976]

Here are my inputs:

Sub Ceramic:
- Black bezel colour changes according to the light. Under certain lighting conditions, it may appear greyish (like vintage).
- However the numerals on the bezel don't seem to be much different from older non Ceramic model
- From far, may look like non Ceramic model
- Bracelet clasp is longer due to glide lock function, ease of adjustment, but may look too long for smaller wrist

GMT Ceramic:
- Black bezel colour seems more uniform black and darker
- The numerals on the bezel are bolder, compared to non Ceramic GMT model, hence easier to differentiate new model
- More difficult to adjust the date due to non-quickset function. I have the watch on the winder, but on a month with less than 31 days, its a bit more hassle to advance the date.
- Bracelet clasp is shorter without glidelock function, but with easy link 1/2 link comfort extension.

For the first watch, I would recommend the Sub C in my humble opinion.