ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

rls77bronc · 23 January 2006, 11:38 AM

Hello Forum,

I am new to the forum and just purchased (ordered) my first Rolex. I have been wanting one for years and my wife said "go get one, you earned it".

Went to my local AD and the stock is low after the holidays so, I ordered a S/S GMTII black. She said it will be a three to five weeks before it comes in and I can change my mind if I would like another model.

I have been looking at a Sub date for years and deep down inside that is what I want. I am a failry large man so a big watch is what I want.

My questions to you the forum experts:

Is the GMT and Sub date the same size in terms of diameter, thickness and weight?

Also there seems to be a number of details about the Rolex watches that I never though of, such as different movements and etc. What is the advantage of the Sub vs. the GMT?

Since this is my fiirst Rolex and I do see myself adding one more in the next few years, which of the two I have mentioned would you recommend as my first one?

I am a Mechanical Engineer and the mnovement and drive stuff is just what a mechanical geek like me wants to learn about, is there a good book I can buy that list all of the details about this fine line of watches?

I do appreciate any help and comments to help this new member and owner of a Rolex.

Thanks,

Bronc

mailman · 23 January 2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rls77bronc

Hello Forum,

I am new to the forum and just purchased (ordered) my first Rolex. I have been wanting one for years and my wife said "go get one, you earned it".

Went to my local AD and the stock is low after the holidays so, I ordered a S/S GMTII black. She said it will be a three to five weeks before it comes in and I can change my mind if I would like another model.

I have been looking at a Sub date for years and deep down inside that is what I want. I am a failry large man so a big watch is what I want.

My questions to you the forum experts:

Is the GMT and Sub date the same size in terms of diameter, thickness and weight?

Also there seems to be a number of details about the Rolex watches that I never though of, such as different movements and etc. What is the advantage of the Sub vs. the GMT?

Since this is my fiirst Rolex and I do see myself adding one more in the next few years, which of the two I have mentioned would you recommend as my first one?

I am a Mechanical Engineer and the mnovement and drive stuff is just what a mechanical geek like me wants to learn about, is there a good book I can buy that list all of the details about this fine line of watches?

I do appreciate any help and comments to help this new member and owner of a Rolex.

Thanks,

Bronc

First off, welcome to TRF Bronc. Now bear with me as I answer as many of your questions as I can. Whatever I can't, someone else can. Here we go

Diameter, yes they are both 40mm. Thickness, I believe they are the same and weight, The Sub is heavier at 135g as opposed to the GMT at 127g
The advantage of one over the other depends on you. The Sub is the ultimate (IMO) Rolex. When you look at it it screams Rolex. As far as the movements go, you can get one either with our without a date function. It is a divers watch and if you are a scuba diver it is the watch for you.
The GMT is a little more stealth. As far as the movement goes, it has a red 24 hour hand which in conjuction with the normal hour hand and rotatable bezel, lets you tell the timt in three different zones.
Either one can be worn with jeans or a suit and look good doing both.
There are a few good books out there but you just have to go the store and see what you like if you are going to buy one. As far as a recommendation goes, you just have to see what smiles at you more when you get to your AD. This is why I don't recommend any books yet. You have to go in person first and see for yourself and try them on. F or me it was a no brainer. The SS Sub Date. Good luck and leep us posted.

Gedanken · 23 January 2006, 12:10 PM

Welcome aboard, Bronc!

The first thing to consider is the intended purpose of these two watches. The Sub is built for diving while the GMT is built for people who travel or need to keep track of two or three time zones. That said, the GMT is water resistant up to a depth of 100 metres, which is more than enough for the vast majority of sport divers.

Now as for size and heft, there is a chart that I cannot presently locate that compares the differences of all Rolex sport models. I believe JJ should be able to post a link to it. The GMT is slimmer and lighter than the Sub, although you will have to try both on to see what suits you. Personally, the one thing I do prefer on the Sub over the GMT is the Triplock crown - the Twinlock on the GMT just seems a bit too small for the rest of the watch.

From a mechanical engineering point of view, i would expect that the GMT would be more up your alley. The basic mechanism for both movements is identical, with the GMT's 3185 having an additional mechanism to drive the extra hour hand.

All things being equal, I would suggest the GMT over the Sub (even though I'm an SD owner working on getting a GMT myself). It's a much more versatile watch for a first-Rolex owner.

Uncle-AJ · 23 January 2006, 12:35 PM

Welcome Bronc to our family of nutters. I think all your questions have been answered so I don't intend to add more than, go with your heart.

RogerF · 23 January 2006, 12:59 PM

Welcome and please feel free to post any questions you might have.

Looks like your questions have been answered.....

One thing about the GMT is the ability to change the bezels and it is a more practical watch since chances are you will cross timeszones more often than you will go deeper than 100M (standard minimum on all modern oysters) Mind you I love my SD and find it great for desk diving :)

Here are some pics of my GMT2 which I just put the black bezel on this past week.

Sorry for the quality, I gotta take some pics in daylight one day LOL

and a family shot

rolexchick · 23 January 2006, 01:20 PM

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum

Launch Mini · 23 January 2006, 01:44 PM

Take a look around this forum for some pictures of both.
I went for the Sub over the GMT. Was a tough decision.
No right or wrong for whichever you buy.
Enjoy it when you get it. The smile takes a long time to wear off.
And welcome to the forum.

ralphieralph · 23 January 2006, 02:11 PM

Welcome to TRF!!!I've had the gmt and now have the sub and it does feel bigger!!!!becuase of the crown and like Paul said it's heavier!!!If the sub is what u really want get it!!There both great you can't go wrong either way!!

JJ Irani · 23 January 2006, 02:51 PM

Hi Bronc,

A big welcome to TRF from me.

This chart should give you good idea about what's what...

If you plan on doing a lot of travelling, the GMT-II would be a much better and more practical buy. However, if that RED 24-hour hand doesn't make a difference to your life, then I'd suggest you get the 16610 Sub-date, the Rolex ICON and the one that screams R O L E X....all the way.

In the end, either way, you're a winner!!!

The Sub-date has the 3135 movment, whereas the GMT-II is fitted with the 3185 movement. Both movements are identical in every respect with the exception of the additional complication of the time-zone feature in the GMT-II. So both movements are real toughies and very, very dependable....not to mention pretty damn accurate.

Good luck in your final decision.

JJ

C.J. · 23 January 2006, 03:52 PM

Bronc, welcome to the forum

I seem to be the resident new guy here, so theres nothing more I could add to the answers the other guys have given you. believe me, thier good with answers.
I just got a gmt a couple of days ago and I love it. Roger made a great point about the bezels, for about a hundred buck you can completely change the look of your watch with a new bezel from an AD.
The best advise I can offer is what the guys told me a couple of weeks ago. If deep down you really want the Sub, you should get it! If you don't you'll regret it. I almost got an Explorer 1 or a Datejust, at least that what I decided on in my first post here. I was going to forgo the gmt because I alredy had a big watch. The guys here picked up on that and convinced me to get the gmt.
If I had'nt have listened and opted fot the exp.1 or D/J I would have been miserable.
Good luck. Hope this helps, and again welcome.

padi56 · 23 January 2006, 07:30 PM

Welcome Bronc to TRF well most have been said above,try both on which one smiles back at you thats the one for you.Good luck in your choice they are both classics,welcome to the Rolex world.

Earl · 23 January 2006, 08:33 PM

Welcome to TRF rls77 hope JJ's responce is what you were looking for... if not pinch JJ again and he'll wake up !!!!

Rockrolex · 24 January 2006, 12:20 AM

Let me add my welcome to TRF, Bronc. The others have pretty much said it all as to Sub v. GMT. I won't add to the confusion, but if you've perused the threads, you'll know my strong preference is for the black bezel GMT.

What it comes down to is a matter of personal taste. Yo must try them both on. One of them will smile at you. The other will sing to you. That's the one you must get, at least for your first one.

I must warn you, though. Once you get that first one, you will not be able to stop there. That will be only the beginning of your inexorable slide into watch addiction. Once you get that first one (if it's the GMT), you will then lust for the Sub (or vice versa). Then there will be the YM, and the Daytona. That's even before you get into the dress watches - DJ, DD.

So my real advice to you is: DON'T DO IT!!

GerardoG · 24 January 2006, 01:12 AM

Welcome to the club; my only advice: try them both, you will not be able to take one off, that's the one!

P.S. Don't worry, you will ge the other watch in a very short time....believe me...believe ALL OF US!!!!

KCCHIEF · 24 January 2006, 01:16 AM

Or you could say f-off to both of 'em and go with the Explorer II!

Rockrolex · 24 January 2006, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCCHIEF

Or you could say f-off to both of 'em and go with the Explorer II!

That's blasphemy, KC.

KCCHIEF · 24 January 2006, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

That's blasphemy, KC.

The "f-off" part or the idea of purchasing an Explorer II?

Subfiend · 24 January 2006, 01:40 AM

Hi,

I need to correct one response. The GMT-II is thinner and lighter that the Sub and it does NOT come without a date. Also, the crown is smaller (Twinlock on the GMT-II v. Triplock on the Sub). Obviously, the bezels are different. However, the hour markers on the GMT-II correspond to 5 minute marks on the Sub, so some people use the GMT-II to time short increments as well as long increments. Otherwise, they are almost the same.

rls77bronc · 24 January 2006, 02:37 AM

Yes this is what I was looking for, you hit the nail on the head. JJ the chart is great, This new member does appreciate the help of the experts. I will do some thinking and will decide this week.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks again,

Richard

JJ Irani · 24 January 2006, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rls77bronc

Yes this is what I was looking for, you hit the nail on the head. JJ the chart is great, This new member does appreciate the help of the experts. I will do some thinking and will decide this week.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks again,

Richard

The chart is great and so is this guy!!

Thanks, Richard!!

Launch Mini · 24 January 2006, 02:47 AM

I think I can see JJ's head getting bigger already.

Rockrolex · 24 January 2006, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCCHIEF

The "f-off" part or the idea of purchasing an Explorer II?

Yes.

Rockrolex · 24 January 2006, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rls77bronc

Yes this is what I was looking for, you hit the nail on the head. JJ the chart is great, This new member does appreciate the help of the experts. I will do some thinking and will decide this week.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks again,

Richard

See what you've done, Richard. You gave that Kiwi a compliment. His head has swelled beyond all proportion.

A word to the wise. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, say anything complimentary to the bald one. He will become totally insufferable.

JJ Irani · 24 January 2006, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

See what you've done, Richard. You gave that Kiwi a compliment. His head has swelled beyond all proportion.

A word to the wise. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, say anything complimentary to the bald one. He will become totally insufferable.

rls77bronc · 24 January 2006, 03:04 AM

JJ,

I work for a major oil company and I have a friend/co-worker in Aussie land, he sent me some veggiemite (spelling?) and it was outstanding....He worked with us for six months here in the states and he was pure joy, many, many stories to tell, many laughs over beer.

Thanks,

Richard

JJ Irani · 24 January 2006, 03:07 AM

Thanks Richard....glad you like us poor folk from downunder!!

I think it's spelt Vegemite. There is another one called Marmite - both are high in iron and protein....but give me Nutella any day of the week.

24 January 2006, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

Yes.

Ed, you need a refresher on the beauty of the ExpII...

JJ Irani · 24 January 2006, 03:21 AM

Some more refreshers....

and one with the "white sweater"...

24 January 2006, 03:22 AM

JJ, that black dial really has a nice contrast against your white sweater.

BTW, outstanding photos, my man!

24 January 2006, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rls77bronc

JJ,

I work for a major oil company and I have a friend/co-worker in Aussie land, he sent me some veggiemite (spelling?) and it was outstanding....He worked with us for six months here in the states and he was pure joy, many, many stories to tell, many laughs over beer.

Thanks,

Richard

This is the first time I have ever heard a non-Australian say that Vegemite tastes good.......

My Australian wife loves it, but I think it's completely disgusting......

23 January 2006, 11:38 AM	#1
rls77bronc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14	New Member with Questions Hello Forum, I am new to the forum and just purchased (ordered) my first Rolex. I have been wanting one for years and my wife said "go get one, you earned it". Went to my local AD and the stock is low after the holidays so, I ordered a S/S GMTII black. She said it will be a three to five weeks before it comes in and I can change my mind if I would like another model. I have been looking at a Sub date for years and deep down inside that is what I want. I am a failry large man so a big watch is what I want. My questions to you the forum experts: Is the GMT and Sub date the same size in terms of diameter, thickness and weight? Also there seems to be a number of details about the Rolex watches that I never though of, such as different movements and etc. What is the advantage of the Sub vs. the GMT? Since this is my fiirst Rolex and I do see myself adding one more in the next few years, which of the two I have mentioned would you recommend as my first one? I am a Mechanical Engineer and the mnovement and drive stuff is just what a mechanical geek like me wants to learn about, is there a good book I can buy that list all of the details about this fine line of watches? I do appreciate any help and comments to help this new member and owner of a Rolex. Thanks, Bronc

23 January 2006, 12:10 PM	#3
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Welcome aboard, Bronc! The first thing to consider is the intended purpose of these two watches. The Sub is built for diving while the GMT is built for people who travel or need to keep track of two or three time zones. That said, the GMT is water resistant up to a depth of 100 metres, which is more than enough for the vast majority of sport divers. Now as for size and heft, there is a chart that I cannot presently locate that compares the differences of all Rolex sport models. I believe JJ should be able to post a link to it. The GMT is slimmer and lighter than the Sub, although you will have to try both on to see what suits you. Personally, the one thing I do prefer on the Sub over the GMT is the Triplock crown - the Twinlock on the GMT just seems a bit too small for the rest of the watch. From a mechanical engineering point of view, i would expect that the GMT would be more up your alley. The basic mechanism for both movements is identical, with the GMT's 3185 having an additional mechanism to drive the extra hour hand. All things being equal, I would suggest the GMT over the Sub (even though I'm an SD owner working on getting a GMT myself). It's a much more versatile watch for a first-Rolex owner. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

23 January 2006, 12:35 PM	#4
Uncle-AJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Real Name: Adrian Location: Bolton, UK. Watch: Daytona 116520 Posts: 6,844	Welcome Bronc to our family of nutters. I think all your questions have been answered so I don't intend to add more than, go with your heart. __________________ A man with a watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.........Segal's Law Member #10

23 January 2006, 01:44 PM	#7
Launch Mini "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Canada, eh Watch: can I? Posts: 6,240	Take a look around this forum for some pictures of both. I went for the Sub over the GMT. Was a tough decision. No right or wrong for whichever you buy. Enjoy it when you get it. The smile takes a long time to wear off. And welcome to the forum. __________________ Something witty to go here. Member # 293

23 January 2006, 02:51 PM	#9
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Hi Bronc, A big welcome to TRF from me. This chart should give you good idea about what's what... If you plan on doing a lot of travelling, the GMT-II would be a much better and more practical buy. However, if that RED 24-hour hand doesn't make a difference to your life, then I'd suggest you get the 16610 Sub-date, the Rolex ICON and the one that screams R O L E X....all the way. In the end, either way, you're a winner!!! The Sub-date has the 3135 movment, whereas the GMT-II is fitted with the 3185 movement. Both movements are identical in every respect with the exception of the additional complication of the time-zone feature in the GMT-II. So both movements are real toughies and very, very dependable....not to mention pretty damn accurate. Good luck in your final decision. JJ __________________ 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!!

23 January 2006, 12:59 PM	#5
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	Welcome and please feel free to post any questions you might have. Looks like your questions have been answered..... One thing about the GMT is the ability to change the bezels and it is a more practical watch since chances are you will cross timeszones more often than you will go deeper than 100M (standard minimum on all modern oysters) Mind you I love my SD and find it great for desk diving :) Here are some pics of my GMT2 which I just put the black bezel on this past week. Sorry for the quality, I gotta take some pics in daylight one day LOL and a family shot

23 January 2006, 01:20 PM	#6
rolexchick Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Catie Location: new york Posts: 336	Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the forum

23 January 2006, 02:11 PM	#8
ralphieralph "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Real Name: Ahh..."LEROY" Location: connecticut Watch: SUBMARINER Posts: 681	Welcome to TRF!!!I've had the gmt and now have the sub and it does feel bigger!!!!becuase of the crown and like Paul said it's heavier!!!If the sub is what u really want get it!!There both great you can't go wrong either way!!

23 January 2006, 03:52 PM	#10
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	Bronc, welcome to the forum I seem to be the resident new guy here, so theres nothing more I could add to the answers the other guys have given you. believe me, thier good with answers. I just got a gmt a couple of days ago and I love it. Roger made a great point about the bezels, for about a hundred buck you can completely change the look of your watch with a new bezel from an AD. The best advise I can offer is what the guys told me a couple of weeks ago. If deep down you really want the Sub, you should get it! If you don't you'll regret it. I almost got an Explorer 1 or a Datejust, at least that what I decided on in my first post here. I was going to forgo the gmt because I alredy had a big watch. The guys here picked up on that and convinced me to get the gmt. If I had'nt have listened and opted fot the exp.1 or D/J I would have been miserable. Good luck. Hope this helps, and again welcome.

23 January 2006, 07:30 PM	#11
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,541	Welcome Bronc to TRF well most have been said above,try both on which one smiles back at you thats the one for you.Good luck in your choice they are both classics,welcome to the Rolex world. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

23 January 2006, 08:33 PM	#12
Earl "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Who Me? Location: Northern Virginia Watch: out Posts: 4,616	Welcome to TRF rls77 hope JJ's responce is what you were looking for... if not pinch JJ again and he'll wake up !!!!

24 January 2006, 12:20 AM	#13
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,648	Let me add my welcome to TRF, Bronc. The others have pretty much said it all as to Sub v. GMT. I won't add to the confusion, but if you've perused the threads, you'll know my strong preference is for the black bezel GMT. What it comes down to is a matter of personal taste. Yo must try them both on. One of them will smile at you. The other will sing to you. That's the one you must get, at least for your first one. I must warn you, though. Once you get that first one, you will not be able to stop there. That will be only the beginning of your inexorable slide into watch addiction. Once you get that first one (if it's the GMT), you will then lust for the Sub (or vice versa). Then there will be the YM, and the Daytona. That's even before you get into the dress watches - DJ, DD. So my real advice to you is: DON'T DO IT!! __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

24 January 2006, 01:12 AM	#14
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Welcome to the club; my only advice: try them both, you will not be able to take one off, that's the one! P.S. Don't worry, you will ge the other watch in a very short time....believe me...believe ALL OF US!!!!

24 January 2006, 01:16 AM	#15
KCCHIEF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: Jeff Location: Kansas City, MO Watch: Daytona & Sub Date Posts: 256	Or you could say f-off to both of 'em and go with the Explorer II! __________________ Johnny Bench called SS Daytona w/ White Dial (116520) SS Submariner Date (116610LN)

24 January 2006, 01:40 AM	#18
Subfiend "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Outside Watch: Isn't it obvious? Posts: 1,926	Hi, I need to correct one response. The GMT-II is thinner and lighter that the Sub and it does NOT come without a date. Also, the crown is smaller (Twinlock on the GMT-II v. Triplock on the Sub). Obviously, the bezels are different. However, the hour markers on the GMT-II correspond to 5 minute marks on the Sub, so some people use the GMT-II to time short increments as well as long increments. Otherwise, they are almost the same. __________________ Subfiend

24 January 2006, 02:37 AM	#19
rls77bronc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14	Many Thanks Yes this is what I was looking for, you hit the nail on the head. JJ the chart is great, This new member does appreciate the help of the experts. I will do some thinking and will decide this week. Will keep you posted. Thanks again, Richard

24 January 2006, 02:47 AM	#21
Launch Mini "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Real Name: John Location: Canada, eh Watch: can I? Posts: 6,240	I think I can see JJ's head getting bigger already. __________________ Something witty to go here. Member # 293

24 January 2006, 03:04 AM	#25
rls77bronc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14	JJ, I work for a major oil company and I have a friend/co-worker in Aussie land, he sent me some veggiemite (spelling?) and it was outstanding....He worked with us for six months here in the states and he was pure joy, many, many stories to tell, many laughs over beer. Thanks, Richard

24 January 2006, 03:07 AM	#26
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Thanks Richard....glad you like us poor folk from downunder!! I think it's spelt Vegemite. There is another one called Marmite - both are high in iron and protein....but give me Nutella any day of the week. __________________ 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!!

24 January 2006, 03:21 AM	#28
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Some more refreshers.... and one with the "white sweater"... __________________ 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!!

24 January 2006, 03:22 AM	#29
Atomic Guest Posts: n/a	JJ, that black dial really has a nice contrast against your white sweater. BTW, outstanding photos, my man!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)