GMT Recommendations? Rolex GMT, Explorer ii, Tudor GMT...others?

MikeJF · Jun 22, 2020

Hey friends. I hope everyone is staying safe during these crazy times. I come for guidance in my continued quest for horological perfection! I recently commissioned as an officer in the Florida Guard and will be heading to BOLC in VA to finish my training as a logistics officer. Over the last year, I whittled my collection down to the three pictured [Rolex Explorer MKii, Omega Seamasyer 300 Ti, and Seamaster 1948 small seconds] and I absolutely love these watches. With that said, I really want to add a GMT function as my forth watch and purchase as a gift to myself after three years of training.

I’ve done a lot of research (especially on this forum from passionate enthusiasts like you) and have narrowed down my search. I really want a Rolex GMT Master ii, however, it seems to be just out of my grasp in terms of price. I’ve researched the Explorer ii and Tudor GMT and both seem like solid choices. I guess my questions are: 1) any drawbacks to the Explorer ii and Tudor GMT? 2) which of those two do you recommend? 3) any other GMTs sub $7k you can recommend from experience? 4) Is it better to save up the extra few months and go the Rolex GMT route? Is the Rolex GMT worth it at the $9-11k price range? As always, I truly appreciate the insight of those dedicated to this forum. I look forward to your responses!

Uniqez · Jun 23, 2020

Buy an explorer II, I think your MK2 is lonely there)

blufinz52 · Jun 23, 2020

I have the Tudor Black Bay GMT M79830RB, and really like it. It's thicker/heavier than the Rolex Exp II, but wears comfortably. At approx. $4K USD, it's a good value imo.

gostang9 · Jun 23, 2020

I got my Explorer II in 2015 and have loved it ever since. In my mind it's the perfect GMT, under the radar, extremely easy to read and looks great with the understated steel bezel.

Albe100 · Jun 23, 2020

The grand seiko gmt is also quite nice. It depends on your wrist size as well and what your comfort levels are. I had the Explorer II, same as @gostang9, love the look, understated Rolex, proper tool watch, not very thick, but at 42 mm a lot of watch for me. The lugs do curve nicely so the fit is comfortable, but I wish it was at 39, or 40mm.

I suggest waiting a bit longer to save for that GMT if its what you really want.

ERBM · Jun 23, 2020

I have two GMT watches one is a Rolex GMT Master II, and the other is a Glycine Airman. I would highly recommend the Airman if you are looking to add a really nice timeless vintage GMT watch. Every time I wear it I'm slightly blown away by how nice it is. It does take a little bit of time to get used to the 24 hr dial though.

Larry S · Jun 23, 2020

Yes the Rolex GMT’s are worth the cash. This is mine, I have not been kind to it in our 7 years together. I do owe it a service soon.

140dave · Jun 23, 2020

Rolex-wise I’ve always preferred the Explorer II but both are obviously really nice. But if that cyclops isn’t your thing, like me, don’t sleep on Omega! The PO is fantastic but the sleeper is the 2234.50, one of my all time favorites.

gostang9 · Jun 23, 2020

Albe100
I had the Explorer II, same as @gostang9, love the look, understated Rolex, proper tool watch, not very thick, but at 42 mm a lot of watch for me. The lugs do curve nicely so the fit is comfortable, but I wish it was at 39, or 40mm.

Curious if you've ever tried the 16570 model with 40mm case...?

MikeJF · Jun 23, 2020

Uniqez
Buy an explorer II, I think your MK2 is lonely there)

Honestly in many ways Explorer ii makes most sense. Fits nice in my collection and a much more doable price tag. I definitely lean towards the 16570 with the 40mm case. Torn between white and black I think I’d enjoy either of the price is right. means Any concerns/ issues with the stainless steal bezel? Overall pros and cons with the watch?

gostang9 · Jun 23, 2020

MikeJF
Honestly in many ways Explorer ii makes most sense. Fits nice in my collection and a much more doable price tag. Any concerns/ issues with the stainless steal bezel? Overall pros and cons with the watch?

Not an issue for me, but the bezel does show marks as any steel does. If having a pristine look, a new ceramic bezel might be preferred (not for me).

MikeJF · Jun 23, 2020

gostang9
Not an issue for me, but the bezel does show marks as any steel does. If having a pristine look, a new ceramic bezel might be preferred (not for me).

Yea the dings and nicks don’t bother me too much. I’m not too clumsy and I’m fine with some wear. Although the rotating bezel looks appealing, I don’t think I really need three time zones

MikeJF · Jun 23, 2020

Albe100
The grand seiko gmt is also quite nice. It depends on your wrist size as well and what your comfort levels are. I had the Explorer II, same as @gostang9, love the look, understated Rolex, proper tool watch, not very thick, but at 42 mm a lot of watch for me. The lugs do curve nicely so the fit is comfortable, but I wish it was at 39, or 40mm.

I suggest waiting a bit longer to save for that GMT if its what you really want.

That is a clean dial which I absolutely love. I never saw this in the metal but it loooks worth the research. I also agree on the Explorer ii if I go that route I’d go the 40mm 16570

MikeJF · Jun 23, 2020

blufinz52
I have the Tudor Black Bay GMT M79830RB, and really like it. It's thicker/heavier than the Rolex Exp II, but wears comfortably. At approx. $4K USD, it's a good value imo.

I love the price and obviously love the bezel. I’ve actually never owned or worn a Tudor so I’ll need to find a local retailer to try one on. What are some pros and cons to the watch if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks

rcs914 · Jun 23, 2020

For something not nearly as expensive, but I felt captured the feel of a GMT without being a direct homage or rip-off, the Yema GMT from last year was pretty dang good at $1500 or so. But they were limited edition of 100 of each. Might be a used one available if you look.

Dan S · Jun 23, 2020

Save for the watch you want. 👍

nkhandekar · Jun 23, 2020

I was looking at an explorer II and went for this ceramic cased JLC GMT chronograph instead. I have not looked back. As you can see it goes with black tie as well as less formal gear. There is also a version in a stainless (?) diver case with a rotating bezel.

A couple of other options in my mind are Grand Seiko and Blancpain. The Blancpain GMT trilogy watches look terrible in photos but are great in person and good value for what they are.

Dsloan · Jun 23, 2020

MikeJF
I love the price and obviously love the bezel. I’ve actually never owned or worn a Tudor so I’ll need to find a local retailer to try one on. What are some pros and cons to the watch if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks

It's a great watch and a terrific value. As noted, it's bigger and heavier, and some people don't love the blocky lugs of the recent Tudor models. Also, depends on how attached you are to the Rolex brand name. If you can get over that, I think it's a good option for you.

Uniqez · Jun 23, 2020

MikeJF
Honestly in many ways Explorer ii makes most sense. Fits nice in my collection and a much more doable price tag. I definitely lean towards the 16570 with the 40mm case. Torn between white and black I think I’d enjoy either of the price is right. means Any concerns/ issues with the stainless steal bezel? Overall pros and cons with the watch?

Super happy with it. Only one ding I have on the bezel, by 11 o'clock and I'm wearing it a lot. This is my travel watch to track two time zones. Tritium is not gloving anymore but I'm waiting for it to patina! Real con is no quickset for a date.
P.S.I'm using mine as a tool, so scratch or ding would add a character. You should look at something with ceramic bezel ,if you want to keep it mint and scratch free. Otherwise, I would definitely go with tritium dial explorer 2(as I did 😉) White or black - is your personal preference - because they are both fantastic watches.
Good luck with your search.

gostang9 · Jun 23, 2020

Dan S
Save for the watch you want. 👍

As much as I recommend the Exp II, this is the best advice. Don't settle... For me the Exp II was my preferred choice, but if it's not for anyone else, I wouldn't want any of my advice responsible for convincing them to settle.

GMT Recommendations? Rolex GMT, Explorer ii, Tudor GMT...others?

MikeJF

Uniqez

blufinz52

gostang9

Albe100

ERBM

Larry S

140dave

gostang9

MikeJF

gostang9

MikeJF

MikeJF

MikeJF

rcs914

Dan S

nkhandekar

Dsloan

Uniqez

gostang9

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