I Don't Get the GMT II Appeal

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

While my remark regarding the bezel still stands, the comment is the core of my query. That is: not understanding the super-popularity of a small design change which, to me - and only me - is rather insignificant.

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That’s the thing though that is interesting about Rolex ownership ...we all get really interested in small design changes. To use an example I posted a few replies ago, take the current Sea Dweller. If people getting excited over half a blue bezel and a blue GMT hand is of note, what about people getting excited over one single line of red text? One line of different colored text!

But it’s an emotive issue, and I myself love the overall design of the Sea Dweller. Just stating that there are other references that also have small (in some cases, tiny) design changes that also end up similarly exciting people.

[Dompropat]

for me, no other reason than I just think it looks great

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by GMT Fan

I just got a BLNR last month. I LOVE IT!!

I travel across many time zones for work all the time. Been doing it for years. Gotta tell you I was really tired of changing my watch and then having to calculate what time it was, and what day it was at home - and if it is day or night. GMT Master II is really easy to change the day and time at destination and easily tell what time it is at home and whether it is day or night.

Oh, and it looks very cool too!!!

This was also a surprise for me. I wanted the Batman and the gmt complication but have been surprised at how useful it really is on a day to day basis. For travel. For international conference calls. It’s just incredible.

And, as you say, cool and beautiful. The BLNR has it all!

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by FrankBullitt

I think the GMT II in general, and the BLNR in particular, have a uniquely masculine appeal. For the BLNR the whole black-and-blue / bruising connotation does it, as does the Batman tie-in moniker.

I'm a 5-digit BLRO fan myself, but the BLNR definitely has an appeal in person that doesn't fully translate in pictures. It honestly does look like a piece of superhero kit on the wrist.

Back in the Happy Time Of Availability®, when I went window-shopping for Rolexes with a woman, they universally hated any GMT II that I liked, feeling that the colored aluminum bezels looked cheap and very un-Rolex, and the ceramic bezels looked even worse, like plastic. They don't fit a woman's sensibility of what a Rolex costing many thousands of dollars should look like. The black-bezeled Sub didn't get much love, but didn't get this strong negative gut reaction. The TT GMT II with black bezel they liked, and the Bluesy. Gold changes things.

But for most men, who like fancy tools and gadgets, the colored bezel on the GMT II, or especially the BLNR, is like a tool watch on stilts. They may not know exactly what it's for, but they instinctively sense that it has some special purpose, for a special man. Big, gnarly bezel, lots of numbers and hands, and mysterious bezel color combinations that have hidden meaning to those who know how to interpret them.

When I look at a BLRO, I think of Pan-Am's vintage glory days, world travel, swinging stewardesses, and pilots or military officers. In-charge dudes.

Great post....Really enjoyed it. "In-charge dudes." I'm going to start referring to my GMT as the watch for in-charge dudes. That's awesome.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Actually, as you are being so pedantic (), you are correct that true black is not a colour but rather the absorption of all colours, however no Rolex ceramic bezel is "true" black and is, therefore a colour, albeit an achromatic one.

You want Countdown's Susie Dent's number? She'd love you. But only if you get me Rachel Riley's.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

This!


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When I got notified I was quoted I for sure thought it was going to be someone mad at me for saying that

[Uggi]

Originally Posted by AK797

You want Countdown's Susie Dent's number? She'd love you. But only if you get me Rachel Riley's.

Have you seen Susie Dent flirting with Jimmy Carr?
She's a mucky sort that one.

[mmmmp]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

That’s the thing though that is interesting about Rolex ownership ...we all get really interested in small design changes. To use an example I posted a few replies ago, take the current Sea Dweller. If people getting excited over half a blue bezel and a blue GMT hand is of note, what about people getting excited over one single line of red text? One line of different colored text!

But it’s an emotive issue, and I myself love the overall design of the Sea Dweller. Just stating that there are other references that also have small (in some cases, tiny) design changes that also end up similarly exciting people.

You know what? I never even considered that! Although in no way am I suggesting OCD or anything abnormal, I also get can get 'hung-up' on details too. An example is I can't stand when carpets and furniture are not perpendicular or corners are not at right angles. To me it throws the room off and seems sloppy. I don't mean I break out protractor and T-squares but at least straight to my eye.

Yeah, weird but true. This is the first time I've spoken of this but certainly validates detail oriented watch lovers.(notice I didn't say "obsessed")

Very good point Nairobi
Mark

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[AK797]

Originally Posted by Uggi

Have you seen Susie Dent flirting with Jimmy Carr?
She's a mucky sort that one.

I do know she really likes Danny Dyer and sometimes she wears these low cut tops that make dictionary corner too racy for a quiz show.

[F900LX]

Obviously most people don't feel like the OP as the BLNR is still in very high demand and difficult to get. It's a matter of taste. Love my BLNR. Wouldn't wear a hulk if it were given to me. De gustibus non est disputandum.

[hallidc]

I personally preferred the LN over the BLNR as the black/blue combo looked toyish to me.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by F900LX

De gustibus non est disputandum.

Exactly!

[Off Script]

I was offered a BLNR in 2016 and turned it down .

I would like a GMT II and although I think the two tone bezel is a great idea functionally, the blue and black just don't do anything for me. If Rolex came out with a ceramic Coke bezel I would be first in line at the AD.

[Nikrnic]

Blue is my favorite color, I had a black milgauss but traded for a Zblue but on the GMTII I'd prefer the black bezel LN but my favorite GMT is the EXPII Polar, more toolish and diversity for all those dark dials.
Different strokes for sure, all good choices

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[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Off Script

I was offered a BLNR in 2016 and turned it down .

I would like a GMT II and although I think the two tone bezel is a great idea functionally, the blue and black just don't do anything for me. If Rolex came out with a ceramic Coke bezel I would be first in line at the AD.

You would have to beat me there LJ

[WJGESQ]

It sold primarily because folks thought the Pepsi and Coke were dead. One the SS Pepsi becomes main stream and obtainable the Batman will fall and be forgetten by all but the current owners.

Batman has a vocal fan base but then again, so does the Airking.

Preferences hard to reconcile.

[BobDyl]

I like the BLNR. I love the LN. The LN has the added advantage of being the bargain of the entire Rolex lineup. Even new, we're talking less than most Datejusts.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

One the SS Pepsi becomes main stream and obtainable the Batman will fall and be forgetten by all but the current owners.

I highly doubt that. The PepC isn't everyone's cup of tea for various reasons. The BLNR is kind of the ceramic equivalent of the Coke.

[ingoodtime]

I favor the 116710LN and that's what I own. As far as two tone bezels, we had the rootbeer get years ago as well as Pepsi and cke subs which are iconic. Ummm, do you get the BLNR now?

[Joearch]

I enjoy the black and blue combo very much with the SS. Looks great with a wide range of clothing and human skin. Perfect with my collection. Like anything else if you dont find this watch appealing you dont put one in yoir collection. If you do you like it give it serious consideration.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

No need to educate you on anything. You either like it or you don't. You've been a Rolex man for decades. Something drew you to the brand. Perhaps it was something functional like the movement, but from there you still had to pick a model based on looks. The BLNR or any other model is no different.

You like it, don't like it or are indifferent. I think it's beautiful!

Best response so far.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I moved mine on after it took me three years to realise I bought the hype and not the watch.

To BLNR is just not for me, that's all.

[scarab1st]

I didn't like the BLNR, until I saw one in the metal. I like how the shade of blue changes under different lighting conditions. I also appreciate Rolex's efforts in coming up with the innovative technology in producing a single-piece two-tone ceramic bezel.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by smym18

I feel like the multi-colored bezel looks a bit childish. And then there's the nickname...

Fair point, and totally acceptable since different people have different tastes.

I just find it interesting though considering the picture of (half a) LVc on your profile picture, with the super green coloring looking toyish to some. And as for the BLNR’s nickname, as childish as that is (I’d never refer to it after a cartoon character) it is ironic that the reference on your profile also has nickname that just happened to be a cartoon character as well

Not to mention that the way the profile is set up (a LN and LVc hemispheres coupled together using photoshop) result in a ‘multi-colored bezel’

[Pavlos]

It is all subjective. People buy what they like. I prefer an OP39 Rhodium over a Submariner Date, go figure. If I can ever afford it will get a flutted two tone date just as second Rolex.

[GMT Aviator]

The GMT is a fabulous watch, regardless of bezel combo or case material. Probably one of the best watches ever made available.
Having said that, it’s not for everyone, and whilst I have an unhealthy number of GMT’s in my collection, I also admire others in the Rolex line up. The humble Datejust being another iconic watch and not because of the brand recognition that comes with it.

[jstan9]

Originally Posted by scarab1st

I didn't like the BLNR, until I saw one in the metal. I like how the shade of blue changes under different lighting conditions. I also appreciate Rolex's efforts in coming up with the innovative technology in producing a single-piece two-tone ceramic bezel.

That the ceramic blue is so bright in sunlight, so muted indoors, and almost black in low light is just so cool and beautiful. I love mine!

[Rashid.bk]

.wrong thread.

[BLNR Nairobi]

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

One the SS Pepsi becomes main stream and obtainable the Batman will fall and be forgetten by all but the current owners.

Exactly, in the same way sales of the Submariner Date (and Submariner) LN fell in the face of the LVc, and how the GMT II LN was forgotten when the BLNR came out. /end sarcasm

Originally Posted by WJGESQ

Batman has a vocal fan base but then again, so does the Airking.
.

Now, this is true (no sarcasm). However, there is one little tiny difference - go to any AD (even in the UK) and one will almost always find an Airking. In the UK the BLNR has a several-year waiting list, implying that while both (may) have vocal fan bases, the sizes of those fan bases are significantly different.

But then again, as ‘sagely’ mentioned, once the Pepsi becomes common we will be seeing BLNRs sitting on display windows for weeks on end with no one to buy them. They might even get discontinued due to the lack of sales

[faz]

BLNR will go from 100% unobtainable to say 60% unobtainable.


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