Another Viewpoint on GMTIIc in SS

[Klink]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/mrtoad2006/rolex003.jpg

I've always loved watches. I grew up in England where I went to a boarding school for seven years from age 11. There's very little privacy in a boarding school and a nice watch on my wrist became a little oasis of privacy when I studied it.

I always liked robust, diver-type watches. I got my first divers' watch at about the age of 11 or 12, I took it into the bath with me, only for the crystal to fog up within minutes. I guess I should have realised that a "Fashiontime" brand watch wasn't really waterproof!

That set back just made me more determined to have a "proper" waterproof, robust watch. My first Rolex was an Explorer I, bought with my first earnings after graduation. From there I moved up to a GMT II, then a Rolex Date, with Oyster and silver dial.

For the last few years I haven't had a Rolex, as kids, houses and other incidental expenses have got in the way. Then I started to catch up with the money going out the door and a new Rolex looked like well-earned compensation for all the long hours and stress.

I hung out here, on eBay, and elsewhere. I was not a huge fan of the new styles of Rolex. I found them a bit more clunky not quite as elegant as the older ones I was used to. Then I read Minus4plus6's comparison review of the GMT II vs the GMT IIc and it all started to fall into place.

"Research" crossed the border into "Obsession" and didn't look back. I went to my AD and held both the GMT and the GMT IIc in my hands. All of a sudden the timeless GMT II which I'd owned for many years looked... old fashioned. The clasp looked like a cheap Seiko's. The hands were spindly, the dots too small. The winder looked like a pimple!

In comparison, the GMT IIc looked like the watch the GMT II always wanted to be. The little irritations of the strap becoming either too big in cold weather or too tight in hot weather were solved with the "comfort link". The clasp looked, felt and worked like nothing you'd ever find on a $300 watch.

The broader case and lugs stopped looking like change for change's sake as soon as I slipped it on. Together with the flatter bottom, the GMT IIc rode like no previous Rolex I'd owned - flat and stable on my wrist, with no "flop" and no tendency to disappear off the back of my wrist.

I bought it soon after. The AD, Swiss Concept in Pitt St, Sydney, was excellent. They had a huge stock, and perfect manners. If you go there, ask for "Thai'. Lovely bloke and loves his watches.

He carefully peeled off all the plastic film (although he recommended leaving the film on the clasp as long as possible), did the paperwork and there I was with the best watch in the world on my wrist. I was so happy.

A few weeks later I'm still happy. Yes, the new Oyster bracelet is more shiny. If I could've had the brushed finish I probably would have gone for it, just for the practicality. But the polished centre links have the lustre of surgical instruments. This is not plastic chrome people, this is a very hard substance, polished to a mirror finish.

Yeah it gets scratched. Build a bridge.

The green font for GMT MASTER II and the matching 24h hand is genius. When we were redecorating our house we had a lady colourist come around and give us some colours. I learned then that there are people on this planet who see things much more clearly than I do. Some of them must work for Rolex. I always thought anything but red would look tacky and cheap - probably because every other colour has been tried by Citizen, Seiko etc. Then some genevois(e) pulls this out of a hat. Flipping genius.

The new bezel instantly separates the GMT IIc from all previous generations of GMT, Submariners and Sea Dwellers. Like the bracelet and the colour, the ceramic bezel makes the GMT IIc distinct from all lesser watches. You'll never find anything as complex and beautiful on a Citizen.

My GMT IIc keeps excellent time. I'm not obsessive about accuracy, but the watch is remaining within COSC specifications, even though I wear it 24/7, including running, in the shower and sleeping.

I notice that the GMT IIc seems to drive the owners of other sports Rolexes crazy. They can't keep their eyes off it! It is still a very rare watch in Australia. As of May, 2008 I haven't yet seen anyone else wearing one, or indeed any ceramic bezeled Rolex. That's kinda cool, but I know I'll still be enjoying this watch when it's yesterday's news.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/mrtoad2006/IMG_2309.jpg

[Hammer]

Great review, and great Watch.:thumbsup:

[mike]

Congrats on a great watch and thank you for such a great and thoughtfull review.:cheers::cheers:

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Great review, Nick!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this awesome Rolex model!

[Terry Newton]

Great Review Nick. I'm glad you like your new watch. The GMT is far different than the Rolex I was originally looking at buying. I was looking at buying a bluesy Submariner or a SS Date Submariner or a Sea Dweller. Imagine to my surprise when I walk away from an AD with a TT GMT-Master IIc which I absolutely love. It is an awesome watch.

I hope yours continues to grow on you more each passing day. The right-up and reasoning for your purchase was perfect. :thumbsup:

Wear it in good health. :cheers:

Terry Newton

[Magik]

Thank you for the review. I enjoyed reading it and seeing your pictures.

[Terry Newton]

The right-up and reasoning for your purchase was perfect. :thumbsup:Terry Newton

I must've been drunk when I wrote this. Nope, been sober for over 28 years.

It should say; "Write-Up" instead of; "right-up." One of those faux pas that happens when the mind is faster than the typing fingers. :twit: :twit: :twit:

I'm on the next word in my brain when writing the past word with my fingers. I still hunt-and-peck type instead of having memorized the keyboard. I was busy chasing girls rather than learning to type. Girls were so much more fun. (Still are).

Terry Newton

[ZROLEX]

Thanks for posting this great review and your opinions about GMT IIC. I totally agree with all you said especially bracelet and clasp updates. It seems a lot of people don't like polished center links, but I loved it when first saw it. It gives different dimension to the bracelet in different lightings and yes it feels SO SOLID! I love my GMT IIC and I'm sure this one is a keeper and never a fleeeeper :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[KansaiVet]

Great review! I too and a proud owner of a GMT II C. Love it.

What kind of car are you driving? I love that logo on the steering wheel!

[Klink]

Great review! I too and a proud owner of a GMT II C. Love it.

What kind of car are you driving? I love that logo on the steering wheel!

One of these:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/mrtoad2006/IMG_0992.jpg

It's an Australian muscle car, made by Holden (Australian GM). 6 litre V8, 410 hp. You can find out more here: www.hsv.com.au

[Klink]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. This is a friendly place to hang out.

Peace out. :twit:

[Brandonsan]

Love the car and the watch !

[RolexNoob]

One of these:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m28/mrtoad2006/IMG_0992.jpg

It's an Australian muscle car, made by Holden (Australian GM). 6 litre V8, 410 hp. You can find out more here: www.hsv.com.au

WOW....Nice watch and nice car!! 6L V8...I wonder if it's the same engine under the Cady CTS V8...

[HMRoth]

Great review. I'm 7 weeks into into my ss GMT IIc. I've been back to the AD to try on a GMT II red/black because of the bling factor in my c and also concluded that the heft of the bracelet and clasp, along with the touch of green and of course the ceramic have me wearing a new classic. (although there's something about that old school...)

[el-piloto]

Great review! :thumbsup:

The GMTIIc is gorgeous... and the car is amazing too!
Must admit, I didn't know them, but thanks to your link, I'm up-to-date...!
Marvelous vehicles! :thumbsup:

:cheers: & B/R

Petros

[dankap]

does the black ceramic ring with the numbers rub off or get scratched easily?

[Terry Newton]

does the black ceramic ring with the numbers rub off or get scratched easily?

Being Ceramic I would say it is damn near bullet-proof. I have had my TT since December and it is as good as the day it came off the showroom floor.

Terry Newton

[shedlock2000]

I must've been drunk when I wrote this. Nope, been sober for over 28 years.

It should say; "Write-Up" instead of; "right-up." One of those faux pas that happens when the mind is faster than the typing fingers. :twit: :twit: :twit:

I'm on the next word in my brain when writing the past word with my fingers. I still hunt-and-peck type instead of having memorized the keyboard. I was busy chasing girls rather than learning to type. Girls were so much more fun. (Still are).

Terry Newton

Terry, you've got nothing on me for typos and spelling mistakes, its your first!

Excellent review BTW and fantastic watch. I am struggelling with duality on mine though, see my many, and boreish posts on the subject!


Congrats on your watch, wear and enjoy!

[GMTII Owner]

Nick,

Great review and thanks for sharing your thoughts on such an awesome watch. It makes me feel good to read other people's thoughts relative to the same watch I own. The thing that catches my eye each time I look at my watch is the ceramic bezel. The bezel is a beauty!

For a couple of years, I had my eye on getting an SS Sub w/date and all but was going to get one. Then one day, my AD showed me the IIc. I fell in love at first site with the watch. I put it on and the rest is history.

BTW, you're driving on the wrong side of the road....:justkiddi

Thanks again for sharing...

John

[wayne_zmh]

Enjoyable review. Before reading, saw ur pic, stright knew u r Aussi coz the car logo. BTW I'm in sydney too.

[Klink]

Enjoyable review. Before reading, saw ur pic, stright knew u r Aussi coz the car logo. BTW I'm in sydney too.

Hi Wayne. What Rollie do you have? Have you had a look in Swiss Concept yet? Great AD.

[Oscar]

Nick,

A good review of the GMT IIC. I'll have mine very soon after the home renos are completed. Nice Holden too.

Cheers
Michael

[newrolexman]

I really love my GMT ll C

I wear it most of the time too and its very accurate.

When I put on my YG DD it feels like a kids watch, small stem and smaller bezel and dial and i love the lume at night.


Great review.


D

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i189/melbourneman4007/GMT%20ll/DSCN3411.jpg

[Mr Methanol]

That was a great review Nick.

I'm from Sydney too and this is my first post on this forum.

After months of research I purchased the SS GMT-Master II (116710LN) in late April. A friend of mine picked it up for me from an AD in Saudi Arabia, I found it was cheaper overseas than from here due to the strong Australian dollar.
I regret that I didn't buy it earlier in January before the Rolex price increase. The price jumped from 23200SAR ($6700AUD) in January to 27000SAR ($7900AUD) in April. This was still better than the inflexible $8790AUD Sydney price from the Hour Glass store on king street. I noted too that the Rolex price increase has not been imposed on Australian ADs.

Other than the occasional squeeking noise from the bracelet I have no complaints. My appreciation for GMT IIc grows each day that I wear it.

Regards
Alan

[gmt master x]

Thanks great post, Love the watch and the car is rather nice.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Porsche]

Hi Nick
Another Sydeny boy here. Thanks to your review, I have also decided to wait and get the GMTIIc. I went into an AD several months ago, with the intention of buying a Sub, and the young guy made me try on the GMTIIc. I was immediately smitten! Much more $ than I was planning on spending, but all the benefits convinced me... so I didn't buy the Sub and hgave decidsed to wait until I have the $ 9and can also convince my wife that nearly $9K for a watch is god value!!!)

In my hurry to own a Rolex, I nearly bought a Green Sub LV at a auction in Melbourne (near new, box, papers etc) for $6600, with the intention of selling it later and buying the GMT. Not sure if missing out was a good or bad thing (is that a good price?), but after reading this thread, I am convinced that I should just be patient and wait until I have the $ for the GMT.

Slightly annoying that the list price in Australia is so out of kilter withe the rest of the world. STreet price in USA is nearly $2,000 cheaper!!! and that is after allowing for the currency conversion! I am very tempted to get one of my mates who travel frequently to buy one for me next time they're travelling. Only downside is that I would miss the purchasing pleasure, the paperwork would not have my name, and I was hoping to build a relationship with an AD here so I could put my name down for the Daytona I have always lusted after!!!

Anyway, thanks again to all who have postewd their opinions on the SS GMTIIc.

Cheers
John

[gmt master x]

Hi Nick
Another Sydeny boy here. Thanks to your review, I have also decided to wait and get the GMTIIc. I went into an AD several months ago, with the intention of buying a Sub, and the young guy made me try on the GMTIIc. I was immediately smitten! Much more $ than I was planning on spending, but all the benefits convinced me... so I didn't buy the Sub and hgave decidsed to wait until I have the $ 9and can also convince my wife that nearly $9K for a watch is god value!!!)

In my hurry to own a Rolex, I nearly bought a Green Sub LV at a auction in Melbourne (near new, box, papers etc) for $6600, with the intention of selling it later and buying the GMT. Not sure if missing out was a good or bad thing (is that a good price?), but after reading this thread, I am convinced that I should just be patient and wait until I have the $ for the GMT.

Slightly annoying that the list price in Australia is so out of kilter withe the rest of the world. STreet price in USA is nearly $2,000 cheaper!!! and that is after allowing for the currency conversion! I am very tempted to get one of my mates who travel frequently to buy one for me next time they're travelling. Only downside is that I would miss the purchasing pleasure, the paperwork would not have my name, and I was hoping to build a relationship with an AD here so I could put my name down for the Daytona I have always lusted after!!!

Anyway, thanks again to all who have postewd their opinions on the SS GMTIIc.

Cheers
John

John.
i bought my gmt II c for 5800, i think the price has jumped since then .
its a really nice watch and well worth the wait. It is much heavier than my sub,
F

[Lol-x]

Bit of an influx from you guys in Sydney :chuckle: :chuckle:
Nice car John, looks similar to my 964 Tip (1993).
I think buying OS is going to be much cheaper than in Oz, but I guess it depends on what you are after. :cheers:
Thanks for the review Nick, and enjoy your GMTIIC :thumbsup:

[Klink]

Michael, Alan, Franklin, John and Steve,

Thanks for your kind words. I believe the GMT IIc is the first of the next generation of Rolexes. As I say in my review, I've owned four different Rolexes, all with different cases. The GMT IIc is easily the most comfortable. It just sits there. I don't have to wear it loose - so that it's not too tight on hot days - and have it flop around and try and escape off the back of my wrist.

I met another Rolexista last week with a Sea Dweller. He couldn't believe my watch. Wouldn't be surprised if he ends up buying one.

The HSV is terrific. I reckon it costs me $2 to overtake someone, but I love the irresistable surge from all that torque. The magnetic suspension is well worth the money too.

[Viracocha]

Great Review..thanks for the insight

J.

[Edensknight]

Nick, your informative review on this new amazing Rolex model is noteworthy. And, I have to agree with you in that the design improvements to this hefty model make a world of difference in function, while also making an impressively esthetically pleasing statement of quality and visual appeal. Thanks for the awesome close-up pic, too! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::cheers:

[pwrslider]

Great review..and photos..

If I didn't have one...that alone would make me run out and get one NOW!:thumbsup:

[MK25toLife]

Great review, I have a SS GMT-IIC as well and I have never seen anyone with it (the SS version), I live in NYC where plenty of people own Rolex's, that makes me feel good =)

[taylor]

great review
i love this watch

[aelvin]

great review!

I just got mine this morning and i cant stop looking at it every minute!!

[toph]

great review!! thanks i enjoyed it
amazing watch - i love mine!
:cheers:

[aelvin]

Great Review!!! I really enjoy reading it!

I too owned a GMT IIc and no doubt its the most comfortable rolex i ever own.

[boomvader]

Great review, I have a SS GMT-IIC as well and I have never seen anyone with it (the SS version), I live in NYC where plenty of people own Rolex's, that makes me feel good =)

Same here! I live in AZ and have yet to run into another GMT-IIc, except for one at the AD. Lots of Subs, older GMTs and a few of the gold models.

I almost feel like I own a SS Daytona!!! But, I know better! ;-)

[n9zez]

First time I read this review even though it is a bit old.

But I am glad that I did! You made me love my watch even more!

[FXSTS]

Nice watch...nice car...great review. Thanks for sharing