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Old 28 January 2011, 09:37 AM   #1
jetdriver21
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Recommendations-1st Rolex

First, a little about me and my lifestyle

I live in Colorado and am very active outdoors. I travel internationally 4-6 times per year for my job. I am a former pilot in the Air Force.

My current watches:
Omega Speedmaster Professional (hesalite, manual) the classic
Tag Heuer Link Calibre S

I am considering my first Rolex and after a cruise through the Rolex site and this forum have tentatively narrowed my search to:

GMT Master - Steel vs. Explorer II - Steel (White face)

My thinking is that both watches are very elegant. The GMT would be practical for my travel but I have read it is easier to scratch the bracelet and may be too much bling for some tastes.

The Explorer gets very high ratings as well, particularly the Polar Exp. I like this one because it would be different than my other two with its white face. It has a very simple, but effective look.

I have not had time to research pricing so any tips as to the going rate on both of these watches (retail vs. what i should pay).

Should I only consider new watches or does anyone feel the resale market might be the way to go?

Are there any other watches that I might have missed the boat by not considering? I am open to all suggestions and thank those who respond for their opinions.
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:39 AM   #2
Jason71
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A pre-owned Exp II Polar. That watch is WAY undervalued (great price on the pre-owned market) and it seems as if it would suit your needs quite well
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:39 AM   #3
drtooth73
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Buy a pre-owned GMTIIC, can save about $2k off new, and dont worry about scratches
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:42 AM   #4
dddrees
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You can either get the one someone else recommends, or you can get the one you like the most.
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:43 AM   #5
aleiberman
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Exp II Polar all the way!
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:48 AM   #6
rollieguy
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If you like Gmt Master II ceramic, don't worry about scratches on the bracelet,can be easily polished.
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Old 28 January 2011, 09:52 AM   #7
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agree with gmt II ceramic. But the explorer is also nice. If you are thinking of the exp II I would wait a few months until basel for the "possible" new release. The exp I has just been updated and I think it is one of the nicest models right now. Really can't go wrong with any of these. Go with your gut....
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:04 AM   #8
HKtoter
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Scratches happen. The first on a $5k watch will be upsetting but it will happen. No matter the precaution, it's inevitable.

If you cannot except this.... Buy a Timex or Casio.

I'm partial to the 16710 GMT Master II/pepsi.
Look at the Sub ND ; 14060m. The ultimate "Sports Watch"
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:05 AM   #9
jetdriver21
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What are some good ballpark prices you guys have seen lately for each model new and used?
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:08 AM   #10
Carlos98326194
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Looks like you have make up your mind already ;-)

Personally, I would go for the GMT2C. ;-)

Good luck and post some photos soon ;-)
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:10 AM   #11
mitchy
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hi, i have both and i can tell you until recently (2 days ago) i would have said the GMTIIc doesnt scratch as easily as people say but it does! if you want a watch you can wear everyday then i suggest the EXPii (white) it can take a beating (as can all rolexs)
i use my exp as my beater and keep my GMT for a one day a week watch.
but we cant pick the watch for you it has to be the one you love!!
if you cant have them both then i would suggest the exp! just cause it can handle the everyday abuse a lot easier and it is a 'stealthy' looking rolex.
either way you cant go wrong!! best of luck and post pics when you get it!
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:24 AM   #12
Cabaiguan
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I think a GMTIIc would fit you to the tee.
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Old 28 January 2011, 10:36 AM   #13
ersnyder
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Love my Exp II and I think you might too!

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Old 28 January 2011, 10:38 AM   #14
Paracentesis
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GMT Pepsi would be my choice.
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Old 28 January 2011, 11:05 AM   #15
RedwinGV
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Go with the GMT IIC. The scratches are no worse than on other bracelets. It also isn't as blingy as many have suggested. In some lighting conditions it adds to the watch. In others, one can barely notice the brush/polished.

If you've waited this long- go with the GMT.
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Old 28 January 2011, 11:09 AM   #16
volsfan0911
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First Rolex coming up for me as well. Was thinking Sub C until I started hanging around here and doing a lot of research. I've always worn dive watches (and used them while diving even - gasp). But the GMT just struck me as my perfect watch. Thought long & hard about finding a good Pepsi (iconic & lots of history & Magnum PI wore one which would make me at least 1/1,000th as studly as Tom Seleck right? ). Realizing though that a new GMTIIC wouldn't be that much more lead me to go try some on at my local AD. Seems to fit my wrist perfectly, classic size & styling, goes under my dress shirt cuffs with no problem. It sang to me immediately whereas I looked at the Sub C and was thinking "ehhhh". Being an anal retentative, OCD type, I set my watch by time.gov and do my best to synch to the second. Not having to mess that up to change the hour when? Where do I sign up? Plus my division all works remotely so we have to be time zone conscious - keep 24 hour hand on home office time and adjust to local is a plus in my book. Plus, it is slightly cheaper than the Sub C . So I am waiting for Uncle Sam's contribution to my play fund then will probably be purchasing via one of the well known (and highly recommended apparently) TRF vendors on here.

[/rant]
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:10 PM   #17
fc3s2k
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wait for the Polar Explorer II that is coming out this year!!!!!
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:13 PM   #18
seand442
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exp II
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:19 PM   #19
krzspeedstr
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Both watches are great but the GMT II Pepsi/Coke dial have so much character and they can take a beating. Believe me I have tried and the one I have keeps on ticking.

Post a picture once you make your choice and buy it.
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:21 PM   #20
Rolex Freak
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GMTIIC.
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:32 PM   #21
PHDX2
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Both are very nice. I'd go for the GMTIIC just because I like the looks more. Regarding the EXPII, there's lots of speculation that it will be updated, so you might want to wait to see what happens at Basel, if you go this route.
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:57 PM   #22
GMK
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I have had my GMT2c for a little over 2 years and love the watch. If you are worried about the bracelet have it brushed if not use a cape cod cloth on the PCL's every 2 or 3 months and they stay looking like new.
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Old 28 January 2011, 12:58 PM   #23
wokafu
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GMTII white is better looking...
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:01 PM   #24
drtooth73
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new GMTIIC is close to $8000 new with taxes at AD, a pre-owned one is around $5.5K on trf
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:04 PM   #25
mtrunner
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I would go with the Explorer II. If you buy from one of the trusted sellers on here you can probably get a LNIB for 4500 - 4800. Buying from a trusted seller on here saves you a lot of money and the watch is essentially new. I bought my Explorer II (Black dial) from a trusted seller on here in that range and the watch looked brand new. The previous owner wore it twice and decided to go with a different watch.
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:04 PM   #26
Tools
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You can't go wrong with either of those watches.........

If you expect to spend time in the desert, sand, or mud, then the Exp II is likely the better choice.. The rotating bezels don't do well in those environments.........
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:05 PM   #27
phantom357
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Save yourself some money and go with either Snow White or an older model (non ceramic) Gmt II. Good luck!

Sent from my Evo using Tapatalk. Excuse my brevity.
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:06 PM   #28
JJL
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I'd go for a used GMT Pepsi with the extra Coke and Black inserts on the side - 3 different looks with 1 watch! That is probably my next watch.
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Old 28 January 2011, 01:19 PM   #29
bemik
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Another vote for Exp II :)
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Old 28 January 2011, 02:04 PM   #30
sea-dweller
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Either would be fine for your needs!
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