Ceramic. Whats the big deal???

[Chris the Greek]

I was after a GMT2c and instead I bought a SUB no date as they had no GMT2c in stock. I got a call today that they have a GMT2c in stock and that I could go and swap it if I wanted (obviously pay a little extra). I raced over to do the deal.

Having never held or even seen closely a GMT2c I really expected the ceramic bezel to be a far more shiney affair than the SUB n/d which I was wearing. But to be honest, I couldnt see any difference!!!

Is the ceramic bezel just an amendment to signify a change and make people go out and buy the latest model or does it serve any benefits???

If so what are those benefits?

I get 30% off list so I decided I'd buy it and keep the submariner and have both but he refused and said if I am to have the 30% discount I must choose and I cannot have both.

I surprised myself, I looked down at my SUB non date and admired its classic lines, brushed strap and I thought of Steve McQueen and it almost felt vintage, like it follows class and not fashion. Then I looked at the GMT2c and SHOCK HORROR, I think it looked tacky, I hated the green hand, the bracelet with its matt and polished links looked like every £200 watch in there.

I told him to keep his GMT2c, he says I must be mad but I think I am falling in love with my SUB n/d. I think its a watch for life.

[esm]

each to his own.

great choice on the sub nd

[kcmo]

I think you made the right choice. Enjoy your Sub!

[newmedia]

classic or new , both are nice watches, buy what you like and wear what you like.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by newmedia

classic or new , both are nice watches, buy what you like and wear what you like.

X2 I prefer the GMT, but hey, you're the one wearing it and that sub is a stunning watch! Many congrats and wear it in good health!

[SDDS]

great choice

[Perdu]

I'm with you on the green GMT hand. Although there are many fans of the GMTIIc on this site, there are many too of the classic Sub. for the reasons you mention. Enjoy your new Sub.

[JBat]

I can appreciate the differences between the two watches. I also enjoy the Sub more than the GMT, but I do love both. What I can't understand is you not seeing the difference between the bezels. To my eye, they are dramatically different and I own both watches. As to benefits of the ceramic, it is more scratch resistant, but also more expensive to replace should it be damaged. I think it comes down more to what you like from an appearance standpoint.

Regardless, enjoy your 14060. It really is a classic.

[Nicko]

Love my Sub, but I've gotta say I really do not like ceramic bezels at all. I'm with you, IMO and it's only my opinion they (Rolex) has gotten away from tool watch making and wants to PCL and ceramic the whole lot. Can't say I like it at all.

[bounce]

I have just traded my GMT IIc for a Sub date & as much as I like the GMT, the Sub seems easier to wear, I don't seem to be worried so much about knocking or scratching it.

[baldyspoon]

Great choice on the Sub and where the hell do you get 30% discount I've been all over london and best I can get is 7-10%.

[sakuraba]

Both are beautiful IMO, but you did the right thing in keeping what you like.

Although I think the GMT II-c is the best looking new watch, I wouldn't trade my sub for a II-c either. Strange that the seller wouldn't let you buy 2 watches from him.

[scl6118]

I prefer the IIC, but do love the Subby too! I'm glad you did what makes you happy because that's all that really matters! Enjoy your wonderful watch!

[karmatp]

Great choice, you can't beat the sub. Congrats and enjoy.

[ingoodtime]

I have both the sub and GMTIIC although my sub is TT and has the serti dial. I just love my GMT. It is my all time favorite watch. I wear it almost everyday and when I wear something else, I come home from work and put on the GMT. I don't even ant to take it off when i go to sleep and , sometimes I don't. However, I worry that wearing it at night will put extra stress on the band and cause it to wear faster. Am, I crazy?

I would not trade my SS GMTIIC for anything.

[drtooth73]

Good choice!

[TurboWatch]

Always shiny and almost scratch-proof. What I like about it is that you can buff it just like you could with the case and the bracelet to make it "NEW" again.
And, I have yet to see a fake ceramic bezel.

[Singslinger]

Both are great watches - congrats on buying the one that caught your eye more!

[Speed]

Yup

The Sub is a watch for life.

Well said!!!

[AWS]

I admit I have grown to like the look of the ceramic bezel very much but like you I prefer the classic look of the Sub no date. Great choice!!

[JimC]

I love the Sub, too, and the older GMTs. In the future you may want to add to your collection, but with the Sub you have a great start. Good choice!

[Deyn Man]

great job! you got the watch the you wanted!

to answer your question, the ceramic bezel, based on the press release of rolex, is "scratch resistant". unlike the old bezels that may fade due to sunlight, salt water, etc, ceramic bezels will not fade. (just got this from the rolex website hhehehe )...

[al_bongo]

You're right it ino date sub is a classic.

[rolexsubdate]

I would never buy the GMTIIc because I am only into diving watches ,,,, I have a very narrow focus ... I rather have multiple subs/SDs than have a diverse type collection .... not into diversity .... ceramics are ridiculously expensive to replace .... the standard insert, about $120 to replace IF you scratch it ..... also I heard that ceramics crack just sitting there and definitely crack if your watch takes a fall and if it does crack, the cost of replacement is about $1200 ... but yeah, I like their appearance also but not their fragility ....

[walds11]

No big deal in my opinion. I like the classics much better.

[Tombstone]

I too have both. I must say the GMT IIC feels very good on my wrist the best fitting Rolex I have ever had. I wear my Sub no date and My LV Sub all the time as I don't want to bang up the GMT IIC. The GMT IIC ceramic bezel is a large $700.00 to replace OUCH. So think of this "what if" As many know if you drop your Rolex on tile and the watch lands just right you will be buying a new crystal face as tile and Rolex crystal does not mix. If you drop a ceramic bezel on tile it too along with the crystal may break. Result $1,000 repair bill. Just ask my brother in law about his little accident. If you drop your Sub no date Crystal $250.00 steel bezel just fine. Wise choice my friend.

[Macro80]

I think you made the right choice, i prefer the old GMT2 to the new ceramic one, all that shine looks a little tacky to me.

So what if the insert fades? Buy another one as the cost very little.

[sunnyp]

30% of a SS GMTCII in London? Where?!

[alphamale2012]

I love the sub nd but I also love the gmt IIc, not because its ceramic but because it looked gd to me. Get the watch that smiles at you most.

[rolexsubdate]

So is a ceramic insert really made of ceramic, I mean, the only ceranic I know is stuff cofee mugs are made of... Ofcourse Rolex has its own mixture, but after all is said and done, ceramic is inreal life a stone like material??? So when a ceramic insert cracks, is it like cookie crumbling???