GMTIIC as tool watch?

[jujin]

I know it's been discussed before but I was hoping to get an answer more tailored to my specific situation.

I've done a lot of research and I've read more often than not that people think the GMTIIC is too blingy to be a true tool watch. People say the Sub is a tool watch, I'm not sure what the huge difference between the GMT and sub is in terms of viability as a tool watch. Aside from the PCL, which in my opinion is easily remedied, what is everyone's opinion that has owned or currently owns one? I'm in the military so sometimes we work in rough environments. I'm in the middle east right now and that watch would have taken quite a beating out here just from all the sandstorms we've experienced. I'm not kicking down doors or anything but we still deal with the harsh conditions.

I was originally going to get a speedy pro but I was put off by it's lack of water resistance which again I've read from online research. I realize omega has a water resistance chart but a lot of people don't let their speedies get wet even when washing their hands. Also when I was at the omega store the sales associates told me not to get a speedy pro because it wouldn't suit my line of work.

I figured the GMTIIC with it's triple lock crown and overall Rolex renown durability would have been the perfect watch for me. I'm afraid once I get back to the states and put it on for the first time I'll be too scared to do anything with it and I'll end up 'babying' it. I'm not going to lie the bezel worries me a little bit... I've banged around my G-Shock in HMMWVs and it's left a few dents on the face of the watch. Not sure what would happen if I did that with the GMT. If I were to insure the watch through USAA or a similar insurance company would that cover me if the bezel or sapphire crystal were to break? Also since we buy our watches for longevity if the watch or bezel were to potentially have issues 30 years from now would we have a hard time getting it fixed if they stopped making that specific style?

What do you guys think? I just want a good watch I can wear all the time and pass on to my next generation!

p.s. Sorry for those last two questions. This is my first Rolex and I technically haven't seen or held it yet so I'm new to the world of high end time pieces. I bought it from a seller here on TRF right as I was coming off R&R so it's just sitting at my parent's house waiting for me.

p.p.s. I'm not a huge fan of the explorer II... I know someone's bound to suggest it.

Thanks in advanced everyone!

[padi56]

Apart from the PCL the GMT is just as good as the sub and will take anything your body can stand and more.The subs extra W/R comes from mainly from a thicker case back than the GMT nothing more.As for the insurance part you will have to ask the the insurance agent for what's covered or not covered as with any insurance policy.The sapphire crystals are not all that expensive to replace, but that thin slither of ceramic bezel insert is very expensive for what it is.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by jujin

I was originally going to get a speedy pro but I was put off by it's lack of water resistance which again I've read from online research. I realize omega has a water resistance chart but a lot of people don't let their speedies get wet even when washing their hands.

it's water resistant to 50 meters....i think you need to conduct your online research elsewhere.

as to GMTIIc/sub, both are equally as "tool watch" as a luxury multi-multi-thousand luxury watch can be. no worries there.

[capote]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

it's water resistant to 50 meters....i think you need to conduct your online research elsewhere.

[roley798]

Have you considered an explorer 2? Same complications, more durable bezel. May also be better suited for sand storms...

[How]

Put it on a NATO strap, and you have a military-tough watch.

[caryyee]

GMT / Sub are an excellent tool watch, there are many stories of how they've survived all sorts of wars etc. The ceramic bezel is rather expensive to replace, so maybe a gently used pre-ceramic bezel model? You mentioned you might end up babying it ... it's understandable, if you are buying new, it's an $8k watch. You've really got to decide, are you prepared to use an $8k watch as a real tool watch, and not be at all concerned about smashing it into something, or scratching it? In your line of work, I would imagine you would need 100% focus on the job at hand, and worrying about your watch is something you cannot afford to be doing at critical times.

[jujin]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

it's water resistant to 50 meters....i think you need to conduct your online research elsewhere.

That's what I said when I saw the chart but a lot of people on watchuseek forum will say they avoid water like the plague when they're wearing their speedy...

Originally Posted by roley798

Have you considered an explorer 2?

I tried my hardest to get myself to like the explorer 2 but I really don't like the appearance of that watch. I think the biggest turn off for me is the bezel is the same color as the case so the numbers just look like they were sharpied on the case. I just don't dig it...

Originally Posted by caryyee

GMT / Sub are an excellent tool watch, there are many stories of how they've survived all sorts of wars etc. The ceramic bezel is rather expensive to replace, so maybe a gently used pre-ceramic bezel model? You mentioned you might end up babying it ... it's understandable, if you are buying new, it's an $8k watch. You've really got to decide, are you prepared to use an $8k watch as a real tool watch, and not be at all concerned about smashing it into something, or scratching it? In your line of work, I would imagine you would need 100% focus on the job at hand, and worrying about your watch is something you cannot afford to be doing at critical times.

I've actually already bought the watch back in March... Just waiting to get home to finally see it for the first time

Originally Posted by How

Put it on a NATO strap, and you have a military-tough watch.

I'm more worried about the case/bezel then I am about the strap, but I planned on buying a NATO anyway. I've seen some great GMT/NATO combos on TRF.

[bluemartinifan]

I am just wearing mine and loving it. Not worrying about swirlies that are collecting on the clasp. Of course, I do switch to my Seiko when doing yard wok or at the gym. I did swim laps with it and had no worries what so ever - just the opposite - it is beautiful to look at when in the water.

[kilyung]

Brush the PCLs, insure it, and you're good to go! Enjoy. Thanks for your service!

[swissautopro]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Brush the PCLs, insure it, and you're good to go! Enjoy. Thanks for your service!

X2

[esm]

116710 is a tool watch.
3570's water resistance is more than adequate for 99.9% of people.

[TempoKing]

From Wikipedia...and me !
The Rolex GMT-Master wristwatch was originally designed in collaboration with Pan Am Airways and issued by the airline to their crews on transcontinental long-haul flights. ("GMT" in the name stands for Greenwich Mean Time). The watch has a convenient capability that was unique at the time as it enabled the crews to have GMT or another second time zone displayed. GMT is the time zone that is required for all aviation planning, weather forecasts, schedules and other paperwork. In addition as Inertial Navigation and Global Positioning System technologies did not yet exist, and aircraft were out of range of normal radio navigation beacons during transoceanic flights, an accurate GMT time source was essential for use with specialist sextants for astronavigation (obtaining geographical position by relative angles of the horizon, the sun and other stars). In fact the very first “Marine Chronometers” (the predecessors of more modern mechanical watches) were specifically developed for use in astronavigation on ships during the 18th century.
The second time zone on the watch also proved a great help to crews for managing jetlag and for communications home when abroad. It is this capability that has made them very popular with businessmen and other travellers. They have also been particularly popular with NASA and military pilots and many soldiers and sailors who often require GMT or a second time zone.
In the early 1980s the Rolex GMT-Master II was released (although production of the original version continued alongside it until the late 1990s). Although the watch looks almost identical it uses a movement that has the additional capability of a quickset hour hand that can be adjusted to local time without stopping the seconds or disturbing the minutes and 24 hour GMT hand. As the watch continues to feature the rotatable bezel it is now able to display a third time reference.
The Rolex GMT 24 hour hand feature has been adopted by many other watch manufacturers and is now a relatively common feature. However nearly all of these watches use an ETA movement that is operated slightly differently from the Rolex GMT-Master II design (the 24 hour hand is quickset rather than the local hour hand) and whilst perfectly usable, it is a slightly less convenient design for pilots and regular travellers but very suitable for those staying at home and wishing to track a time zone in another country (e.g. Telephone calls for business or relatives abroad). Omega are one exception as they operate in the same way as the Rolex GMT-Master II.
Although the original Rolex GMT Master was only available in Stainless Steel, as it was conceived as a functional, work watch, Rolex have been making luxury versions in both mixed steel and gold and all gold since the 1970s and there are even exotic variations that incorporate elaborate designs that include precious stones. All variants have significantly increased in their purchase cost relative to inflation and are now often regarded as high luxury or status symbols. In spite of this they still make a very accurate and robust work watch that is very well suited to its original design purpose and with their all metal construction, shock proofing and water-resistance they still remain popular amongst pilots today.
50th anniversary edition
An updated Rolex GMT Master II was released in 2007. This new model features a number of technical changes, such as Rolex's patented Parachrom hairspring as well as a larger Triplock crown (from the diver's watches). The new model also has several cosmetic changes, such as larger case, hands and hour markers and also a new bezel made using an extremely hard ceramic material that is designed to be more scratch and fade resistant. Also included in the update is a new and more luxurious style of bracelet that has heavier solid links and a machined clasp. The stainless steel version now joins the precious metal versions by having highly polished centre links on its bracelet which gives the watch a more dressy appearance but can be prone to scratches when used as an every day watch.

[Ozzy12]

I must say that I had a GMTC for a while and in my line of work I felt that it was not tool watch enough. The PCLs were the primary reason, although I wear a SS Daytona with PCLs a lot and don't think twice about it. You may want to track down a 16750 instead, the aluminum inserts can always be replaced relatively inexpensively and the brushed case and bracelet is always up for whatever you throw at it.

Thank you for your service to our country and wear whatever you decide to pick up in good health.

[watchwatcher]

Absolutely.

And as a bonus, it looks great with the ACU's.

[Ravager135]

You can absolutely use this watch as a tool watch. It will get banged up a bit but as long as you can live with that then you have your answer. My Sub is a little worse for the wear but it means the most to me because I wore it during some of the most important times in my life. My Explorer is now my "luxury" tool watch though that is quite the oxymoron in of itself. Enjoy your purchase though I agree with the sentiment that the Explorer II may have been a slight better choice.

[Wristmaster]

The PCL is the only element making it kinda dressy

[slcbbrown]

My first Rolex (38 years ago) and a daily wearer was a GMT rootbeer. That watch still looks great. My opinion is that a DJ, DD, or AK is all the "tool" watch you'll ever need and a GMT is not really much tougher for rough use. I've got a 14060, but most of my hiking, climbing, and other outdoorsy activities, in the last 10 years, have probably been done wearing my father's 1950's tt TOG.

[roley798]

Understandable. I feel the same way about the explorer, just was curious as to what turned you off to that watch. The gmc II C is actually my next purchase, if you decide to wear it over sea let me know how it holds up. Oh, and enjoy it. :thumbup:

[jujin]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Brush the PCLs, insure it, and you're good to go! Enjoy. Thanks for your service!

Haha I guess that just sums it all up! I'm going to call USAA and some other insurance companies and see if they cover accidental damage i.e. me banging my bezel against something and it cracking.

Originally Posted by Ozzy12

I must say that I had a GMTC for a while and in my line of work I felt that it was not tool watch enough. The PCLs were the primary reason, although I wear a SS Daytona with PCLs a lot and don't think twice about it. You may want to track down a 16750 instead, the aluminum inserts can always be replaced relatively inexpensively and the brushed case and bracelet is always up for whatever you throw at it.

I'm most likely going to brush the PCL. I've been pondering a 16750 but the GMTIIC looks so damn good!!

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Absolutely.

And as a bonus, it looks great with the ACU's.

Haha I hope! On various forums I've read of military members wearing rolexes, and omegas on deployments but I've yet to meet one person that even owns one of those watch brands.

Originally Posted by Ravager135

My Sub is a little worse for the wear but it means the most to me because I wore it during some of the most important times in my life.

How exactly is it a little worse for wear? Scratches on the bezel or sapphire crystal or permanent case damage?

Originally Posted by roley798

Understandable. I feel the same way about the explorer, just was curious as to what turned you off to that watch. The gmc II C is actually my next purchase, if you decide to wear it over sea let me know how it holds up. Oh, and enjoy it. :thumbup:

I'm just not attracted to the bezel on the explorer. I'm fine with it not rotating but the fact that it's the same color as the case makes it really ugly to me... And the way the numbers are engraved onto the case makes it look like someone stenciled it on there. If the exp ii had a fixed colored bezel that matched the face of the watch it would be perfect IMO... but that's just me.

[landroverking]

If pcl is a problem bush them out.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by jujin

p.p.s. I'm not a huge fan of the explorer II... I know someone's bound to suggest it.

Originally Posted by roley798

Have you considered an explorer 2? Same complications, more durable bezel. May also be better suited for sand storms...

[roley798]

Classy. Maybe you didn't understand that I wanted him to elaborate? I guess you didn't get that, did you? :thumbdown:

[fernandosmf]

GMTceramic will take anything you could possibly throw at it. Trust me, I'm extremely hard on mine. (construction background)

[Ravager135]

No just scratches... Nothing requiring an overhaul or service.

[jujin]

Originally Posted by fernandosmf

GMTceramic will take anything you could possibly throw at it. Trust me, I'm extremely hard on mine. (construction background)

oh wow what a unlikely candidate! I thought you'd be wearing a casio or something along those lines with all the drywall, fiberglass and impact tools you deal with on a daily basis... Makes my job seems much less involved in comparison to yours. I think I feel a bit better about my decision now!

[w4rmk]

You'll find the SubC get's most of the love/attention and recommendations here but the GMTIIc is not far behind. In my opinion they are pretty much the same watch with only minor differences. The GMTIIc has one more complication than the Sub (24hr hand) and given that your in the military easily being able to look at the 24hr time is a big bonus. The GMTIIc will take just as much abuse as any Rolex. My philosophy is wear it everyday, don't worry about it and send it in for a full service when it starts to look a worn down and you'll get it back near brand new again. I don't agree with brushing the PCL's, they really jazz up the watch and make it stand out. For me the PCLs were a major plus in making the watch more dressy - all brushed gets boring.

[Z-Sub]

nothing to worry. The only thing is the ceramic bezel, rare but few reported it falling out or cracking it but obviously scratch resistant.

[A.J.R.]

I guess I am of the minority that likes the PCLs on the GMTII C

[SeaDweller50]

I, too, love the PCL's. Please do not get them brushed out.