Thread: L4P Review™ Rolex GMT-Master II

Rolex GMT-Master II
One of my early favorites in my watch collection was a Rolex GMT-Master II, stainless steel, red and black bezel. It sees a lot of wrist time, I liked the set of complications, and could be worn casually or dressed up. That watch introduced me to a series of Rolex watches I later added to my collection including a Submariner and a Daytona, but my latest is the new model of the GMT-Master II with the ceramic bezel. MSRP was $5950 last year when I picked it up.

The History
Rolex invented the first waterproof watch, named the Oyster in 1926. Every Oyster model is waterproof to 100m/330 feet, the divers models far exceeding this depth. The Oyster case is made from a solid block of 904L stainless steel. The crown uses a system Rolex calls the Triplock winding crown. The crown basically screws into the case when not in use to seal and protect the watch internals. The way the calendar works on a Rolex is that the date instantly adjusts at midnight. This mechanism was introduced to the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945. In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the Perpetual rotor, the first self winding watch. The 3186 movement developed and manufactured by Rolex and used in the GMT-Master II has earned a COSC certification.

The Watch

I’ll be straight to the point; one of the main attractions of this watch was the new ceramic bezel. Besides being extremely rugged, It has a way of reflecting light giving it a different look than the past metallic bezel, notice this in the pictures.


Other differences include a redesigned case that is “beefier” at the crown guards and were it joins the stap. The crown itself is larger in both height and diameter. The strap has a more solid feel to it and the deyploymant clasp has been updated to the clasp used on the Daytona. The inside bezel edge now has Rolex crowns and type engraved in it, nice touch, I like the detail. Also the dial got updated, with much larger lume surfaces, and the hands are wider witm more lume too. The combination of these upgrades makes for a stockier appearance.

'
The lastest model compared to the previous.




Notice the robustness of the updated deployment clasp and bracelet.




The lume on this model is ridiculous!






All the rolex boxes are fairly similar, elegant, efficient and practical in size.

My Thoughts
This watch is a daily driver, almost like an pair of jeans that just fit right after breaking in. The combination of complications on this model suite my tastes. Having the additional green 24 hour hand, along side a bi-directional rotating bezel and the ability to adust just the hour hand for rapid time zone setting make this a favorite when traveling. Also the clasp has a little half link relief that allows me to loosten the strap from time to time with just a snap. This is a rugged watch, the combination of the 904L stainless steel, the ceramic bezel and a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, this is a watch that is meant to be enjoyed and worn. I'm thinking of trying a NATO strap on it in the future, just for a change of pace.

I have the one on the right, It was the FIRST watch I ever purchased for myself and still to this day I have it and I do wear it once in a while.

Originally Posted by RAWMEAN

I have the one on the right, It was the FIRST watch I ever purchased for myself and still to this day I have it and I do wear it once in a while.

That was my first too, RAW. Still have it, still rock it.

I like the GMT II ceramic a lot, I would like one some day, it's very attractive in person and wears well!

Funny how many people tend to keep their Rolex for a very long time. I still have my first Rolex, the Explorer II, just turned 10 years old.

Thanks for the review and pics Jim.

I got mine as a present to myself when I got married, hell if nobody was gone be giving me anything then might as well give it to myself.

Nice write up. The lume is insane!

Great Review! I am in love with this watch!!

my buddy got his PVD'd I will post pics when he gets it back.