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Johnny B · 21 February 2006, 05:04 AM

What's up guys? Listen, I've been thinking about getting another Rolex to add to the collection, but I'm having some problems deciding between a black bezel GMT and a black Sub date.

Here's my dilemma: I've owned a sub and I truely loved it, but I'm not sure if I want to pay $4,000+ for another one. I'd like to try something else and I like the GMT, but it looks like the crown is pretty small. I had an Exp II awhile ago and I liked it too (and I'd get the black dial version of that one), but the crown was too small for my tastes. Give me some feedback on this crown issue b/c I know many of you have both of them, or have had them both at one time or another. Plus, my jeweler, Yacthy1982, is getting a sub and GMT in this week, so I want to make my decision pretty quick. Thanks a million guys (and girls)!

P.S.
Check the family pictures thread b/c I just added a pic of myself and ralphieralph. Later!!!

21 February 2006, 05:07 AM

I have an ExpII (duh) and the crown size isn't an issue for me. Unless you want to wait for Rolex to make a 50th anniversary type GMT (which has the triplock), you're SOL. Get the GMT. The black ExpII is the ultimate Rolex, but a close second is an all black GMT.

Don't suffer from 'crown envy'... leave that to the dutch.

Johnny B · 21 February 2006, 05:16 AM

Yeah, I've been thinking alot about the black ExpII. The GMT is alright, but all of the numbers on the bezel turn me off. I'm kind of leaning towards the Exp II, but Yachty1982 has a great deal for the Sub, so it's kind of in the air right now. Thanks for the feedback and keep 'em coming!!

dman · 21 February 2006, 05:16 AM

John is right, it really is a non factor as far as functionality. I guess in the end, like all decisions it would come down to personal preference. Best of luck, but both are nice.

Johnny B · 21 February 2006, 05:21 AM

I know that the crown size does'nt matter as far as functionallity is concerned, but, yes I do happen to like a bigger crown. I'm not really sure why, but I do like bigger watches (Panerai, yesss!!!).

dman · 21 February 2006, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny B

I know that the crown size does'nt matter as far as functionallity is concerned, but, yes I do happen to like a bigger crown. I'm not really sure why, but I do like bigger watches (Panerai, yesss!!!).

Well in that case.

You know the 16610 will never be out of style, it is an icon. But I too find that my YM sits on the winder almost non stop. I am wearing a 24 right now, but will probably put the 88 on this afternoon.

C.J. · 21 February 2006, 05:40 AM

I just got the GMT. I didn't really notice the small crown until I wore it for a while. I would like it if it were a little bigger, but it's not that big of a deal it just gives me more reason to want a Sub now

dman · 21 February 2006, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.J.

I just got the GMT. I didn't really notice the small crown until I wore it for a while. I would like it if it were a little bigger, but it's not that big of a deal it just gives me more reason to want a Sub now

Small, it is just proportionate to little people, like jockeys. Know any of those mate?

C.J. · 21 February 2006, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

Small, it is just proportionate to little people, like jockeys. Know any of those mate?

It's VERTICALLY CHALLENGED

We're lobbying to make it a recognized disability, you know

mike · 21 February 2006, 06:30 AM

Lots of great answers.

I got em all so I'll put my 02 cents in.

The GMT is IMHO the most versatile watch. Multiple time zones and the ability to time short events albiet in a rudamentary way. It's also a classic Rolex.

The Sub is probably the watch that comes to mind when someone thinks Rolex. It is as others have said a classic.

The dweller comes the closest to keeping the "tool watch" concept associated with Rolex.

The EXP II is a "stealth" Rolex and one rugged piece. I'm probably in the monority here but I'd say it may well be the toughest. No rotating bezel means less to go wrong and/or pop off.

I know what you mean about the crown,I'd like to see it a bit bigger on the GMT and EXP II simply because it's easier to use,but honestly you get used to it quick.

21 February 2006, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

The EXP II is a "stealth" Rolex and one rugged piece. I'm probably in the monority here but I'd say it may well be the toughest. No rotating bezel means less to go wrong and/or pop off.

I know what you mean about the crown,I'd like to see it a bit bigger on the GMT and EXP II simply because it's easier to use,but honestly you get used to it quick.

Couldn't agree more. As I said in another thread today:

ralphieralph · 21 February 2006, 08:05 AM

Good thing Ed's on vacation or he'd hijack this thread!!

Go with the exp II Johnny b i always steer you in the right diretion

mailman · 21 February 2006, 08:05 AM

The best thing I can tell you Johnny B is to try them all on one after another and see which one smiles at you the most. You can't go wrong with any of them.

ralphieralph · 21 February 2006, 09:15 AM

Listen to paul Johnny B!!!!!!

Johnny B · 21 February 2006, 09:54 AM

Paul is right. I think I will go try on the black ExpII, but those pics from Atomic sure do look good!!! They make me want to get one tonight!!

I never knew that you could put other bands/straps on Rollies. This just opened a whole new world of possibilities, hmm...

maverick · 21 February 2006, 10:56 AM

I will put my .02 cents worth in here since I do have a Sub and two GMTs. To me the crown is a non-issue. It actually can make the watch more comfortable. No big crown to dig into the top of you wrist. It looks proportional. The Exp II lacks one feature, the rotating bezel which is hardly something else to go wrong IMHO. Compare the two. =) maverick

mailman · 21 February 2006, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick

I will put my .02 cents worth in here since I do have a Sub and two GMTs. To me the crown is a non-issue. It actually can make the watch more comfortable. No big crown to dig into the top of you wrist. It looks proportional. The Exp II lacks one feature, the rotating bezel which is hardly something else to go wrong IMHO. Compare the two. =) maverick

That's not fair Dennis. You're posting pics of two things that are very hard to come by. BTW, they're beautiful. Thanks for posting them

RandyS · 21 February 2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny B

Paul is right. I think I will go try on the black ExpII, but those pics from Atomic sure do look good!!! They make me want to get one tonight!!

I never knew that you could put other bands/straps on Rollies. This just opened a whole new world of possibilities, hmm...

I have owned both and while I prefer the larger crown's feel when using it, it does dig into my wrist where the GMT did not!

Also, the look of the black/black GMT with that Red in it is really something else! I suppose if you have owned a Sub or SD before, the GMT is the way to go, that is if you are like me and your goal is to own all of them, eventually!

(one or two at a time that is

)

p.s. two days after you buy the GMT the crown issue will be a distant memory

mailman · 21 February 2006, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyS

that is if you arel like me and your goal is to own all of them, eventually!

(one or two at a time that is

)

Hey Randy, I think we all know someone like that. With the exception of the Daytona, I think he owned all of the professsional line at least twice.

C.J. · 21 February 2006, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

That's not fair Dennis. You're posting pics of two things that are very hard to come by. BTW, they're beautiful. Thanks for posting them

Awesome watches, Maverick

I especially love that Sub

JJ Irani · 21 February 2006, 03:10 PM

Johnny B...simple solution....visit your AD....try on all of the above watches....see which one smiles at you with a twinkle in its bezel and a gleam in its cyclops....then pick only that one up....carress it lovingly....see how it responds....if you find your hand getting warmer and warmer....then that's your baby!!

RobDad · 21 February 2006, 09:01 PM

If you had an ExpII and found the crown too small, buying a GMT doesn't make much sense really

In response to the comment re the ExpII being the 'toughest' I found the brushed bezel was a real 'ding' magnet - it may be tougher-looking, but a minor whack really shows up - and there's no cheap replaceable insert!

21 February 2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny B

Paul is right. I think I will go try on the black ExpII, but those pics from Atomic sure do look good!!! They make me want to get one tonight!!

I never knew that you could put other bands/straps on Rollies. This just opened a whole new world of possibilities, hmm...

Johnny B, putting my ExpII on straps has breathed a whole new life into this three year old watch (note the bezel, not exactly a 'ding-magnet' considering it's been on my wrist 98% of the time over the past three years).

I just have the two straps so far, but it could become as bad as the panny strap sickness. LOL

21 February 2006, 05:04 AM	#1
Johnny B Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Connecticut Watch: All of 'em!! Posts: 46	GMT crown?? What's up guys? Listen, I've been thinking about getting another Rolex to add to the collection, but I'm having some problems deciding between a black bezel GMT and a black Sub date. Here's my dilemma: I've owned a sub and I truely loved it, but I'm not sure if I want to pay $4,000+ for another one. I'd like to try something else and I like the GMT, but it looks like the crown is pretty small. I had an Exp II awhile ago and I liked it too (and I'd get the black dial version of that one), but the crown was too small for my tastes. Give me some feedback on this crown issue b/c I know many of you have both of them, or have had them both at one time or another. Plus, my jeweler, Yacthy1982, is getting a sub and GMT in this week, so I want to make my decision pretty quick. Thanks a million guys (and girls)! P.S. Check the family pictures thread b/c I just added a pic of myself and ralphieralph. Later!!!

21 February 2006, 05:16 AM	#3
Johnny B Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Connecticut Watch: All of 'em!! Posts: 46	I think you're right Yeah, I've been thinking alot about the black ExpII. The GMT is alright, but all of the numbers on the bezel turn me off. I'm kind of leaning towards the Exp II, but Yachty1982 has a great deal for the Sub, so it's kind of in the air right now. Thanks for the feedback and keep 'em coming!!

21 February 2006, 05:16 AM	#4
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,583	John is right, it really is a non factor as far as functionality. I guess in the end, like all decisions it would come down to personal preference. Best of luck, but both are nice. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

21 February 2006, 05:40 AM	#7
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	I just got the GMT. I didn't really notice the small crown until I wore it for a while. I would like it if it were a little bigger, but it's not that big of a deal it just gives me more reason to want a Sub now __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

21 February 2006, 08:05 AM	#13
mailman TRF Moderator & DATE-JUST41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,387	The best thing I can tell you Johnny B is to try them all on one after another and see which one smiles at you the most. You can't go wrong with any of them. __________________ JJ

21 February 2006, 05:07 AM	#2
Atomic Guest Posts: n/a	I have an ExpII (duh) and the crown size isn't an issue for me. Unless you want to wait for Rolex to make a 50th anniversary type GMT (which has the triplock), you're SOL. Get the GMT. The black ExpII is the ultimate Rolex, but a close second is an all black GMT. Don't suffer from 'crown envy'... leave that to the dutch.

21 February 2006, 05:21 AM	#5
Johnny B Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Connecticut Watch: All of 'em!! Posts: 46	I know that the crown size does'nt matter as far as functionallity is concerned, but, yes I do happen to like a bigger crown. I'm not really sure why, but I do like bigger watches (Panerai, yesss!!!).

21 February 2006, 06:30 AM	#10
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Lots of great answers. I got em all so I'll put my 02 cents in. The GMT is IMHO the most versatile watch. Multiple time zones and the ability to time short events albiet in a rudamentary way. It's also a classic Rolex. The Sub is probably the watch that comes to mind when someone thinks Rolex. It is as others have said a classic. The dweller comes the closest to keeping the "tool watch" concept associated with Rolex. The EXP II is a "stealth" Rolex and one rugged piece. I'm probably in the monority here but I'd say it may well be the toughest. No rotating bezel means less to go wrong and/or pop off. I know what you mean about the crown,I'd like to see it a bit bigger on the GMT and EXP II simply because it's easier to use,but honestly you get used to it quick.

21 February 2006, 08:05 AM	#12
ralphieralph "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Real Name: Ahh..."LEROY" Location: connecticut Watch: SUBMARINER Posts: 681	Good thing Ed's on vacation or he'd hijack this thread!! Go with the exp II Johnny b i always steer you in the right diretion

21 February 2006, 09:15 AM	#14
ralphieralph "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Real Name: Ahh..."LEROY" Location: connecticut Watch: SUBMARINER Posts: 681	Listen to paul Johnny B!!!!!! __________________ "The difference between a madman and me,is that I'm not mad."

21 February 2006, 09:54 AM	#15
Johnny B Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Connecticut Watch: All of 'em!! Posts: 46	Paul is right. I think I will go try on the black ExpII, but those pics from Atomic sure do look good!!! They make me want to get one tonight!! I never knew that you could put other bands/straps on Rollies. This just opened a whole new world of possibilities, hmm...

21 February 2006, 10:56 AM	#16
maverick Banned Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: maverick Location: Prescott Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,180	I will put my .02 cents worth in here since I do have a Sub and two GMTs. To me the crown is a non-issue. It actually can make the watch more comfortable. No big crown to dig into the top of you wrist. It looks proportional. The Exp II lacks one feature, the rotating bezel which is hardly something else to go wrong IMHO. Compare the two. =) maverick

21 February 2006, 03:10 PM	#21
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Johnny B...simple solution....visit your AD....try on all of the above watches....see which one smiles at you with a twinkle in its bezel and a gleam in its cyclops....then pick only that one up....carress it lovingly....see how it responds....if you find your hand getting warmer and warmer....then that's your baby!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

21 February 2006, 09:01 PM	#22
RobDad Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Rob Dadd Location: London Posts: 134	If you had an ExpII and found the crown too small, buying a GMT doesn't make much sense really In response to the comment re the ExpII being the 'toughest' I found the brushed bezel was a real 'ding' magnet - it may be tougher-looking, but a minor whack really shows up - and there's no cheap replaceable insert!

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