Rolex GMT vs Submariner – the comparison looks quite a talk as both are the most iconic Rolex sports watch lines, and very few match the status and legacy of these two when it comes to luxury watches.
Both are built with precision, designed for adventure, and carry decades of heritage on the wrist. They may look similar to the untrained eye, but these two serve very different purposes, and choosing between them is not as simple as it seems.
These Iconic sports watches have great legacies and are highly popular in the vintage and new watch segments. They have retained their iconic look as well as their signature characteristics for over 7 decades.
In this post, we’ll discuss the key differences between the Rolex GMT and Submariner, so you can decide which Rolex is best for your wrist and lifestyle.
History & Origin Stories – Rolex GMT vs Submariner
Rolex GMT Master and Submariner watches were created as tool watches with a defined purpose for professional use.
Rolex GMT Master-II
The GMT Master was created in collaboration with Pan-Am Airlines; they needed a watch that their pilots could use on long-distance flights to monitor several time zones simultaneously. Rolex produced the first-ever GMT-Master in 1955 and was quickly accepted by pilots and travelers. Aside from the GMT feature, one of the iconic features was the bi-directional two-tone rotating bezel.
GMT Master II is the modern iteration, continuing the legacy with a slimmer profile and updated movement.
Rolex Submariner
It was one of the very first professional diving watches launched in 1953. The 100-meter water resistance was huge back then (now 300 meters). Rolex Submariner had a 60-minute bezel so that divers could monitor how long they remained underwater, and the dial was equipped with luminous material to maintain legibility in dirty water.
This watch quickly became the benchmark for all subsequent dive watches.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison: Rolex GMT vs Submariner
| Feature | Rolex GMT-Master II | Rolex Submariner |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 1955 | 1953 |
| Purpose | Track multiple time zones | Diving and Underwater use |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (330 ft) | 300 meters (1,000 ft) |
| Bezel | Bi-directional, 24-hour (Cerachrom) | Uni-directional, 60-minute (Cerachrom) |
| Movement | Caliber 3285 (GMT function) | Caliber 3230 (No Date) / 3235 (Date) |
| Complications | Second time zone, Date | Date (on Date model) |
| Price Range | $ 1,050 to $20,000 | $1250 to nearly $50,000 |
Despite having the Rolex DNA and remarkably similar appearance, the Rolex GMT Master and Submariner have specific features and differences that reveal the unique personalities and intended functionalities of both watches.
1. Bezel Functionality
The most immediate and visible difference is the bezel.
Rolex Submariner has a unidirectional single-color ceramic bezel with a 60-minute graduated scale. The diving scale allows divers to monitor their immersion time and decompression time safely. This functional bezel is scratch-resistant and protected against UV rays.
It has a luminescent pip at 12 o’clock that can be adjusted to count the minutes. The minimalist bezel has 1-minute markers up to 15 and 5-minute markers till the pip.
The bezel of the GMT Master II is a bidirectional dual-tone with 24-hour markers to distinguish the complete day cycle. The equally split colors indicate the night and day in the 24-hour cycle, and if you want, you can even track a third time zone with the bezel.
This watch has interesting bezel color combinations that have also gained it some interesting nicknames like Red and Blue Pepsi, Black and Blue Batman, Green and Black Sprite, and Brown and Black Root Beer.
2. Dial and Hands
The Submariner dial is designed for optimal legibility underwater. It has large luminescent hour markers and hands that emit a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions. The bright markers make it easy for divers to read the time even in turbid water.
The GMT naturally comes with a fourth hand on the dial to read the second time zone. The color of the GMT hand varies depending on the variant. For example, the Pepsi GMT has a red hand, while the Batman GMT comes in blue. The rest of the hands are similar on both watches, a Mercedes hand for hours, a second hand with a distinct luminescent circle, and a pointed rectangular minute hand.
3. Movement and Complications
Both watches come with Rolex’s COSC-certified chronometer movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. But the complications are different.
- The Submariner has a caliber 3235 for date versions and a caliber 3230 for non-date models.
- GMT Master II runs on the caliber 3285. This caliber supports the independent adjustment of the traditional hour hand, the 24-hour hand, and the date.
The in-house, designed, and produced proprietary self-winding movements are extensively tested to ensure compliance with the high standards of the COSC. The certification ensures that watches have a remarkable accuracy of –2/+2 seconds per day, with a power reserve of 70 hours, reflecting Rolex’s command of precision and dependability.
4. Water-Resistance
These watches aren’t just pretty faces; they are made to bear the extreme pressure and rigors of life.
The Rolex Submariner can dive to depths of 300 meters (1000ft); it defies water pressure with its Triplock crown system and robust Oyster case. The Triplock crown screws down securely, featuring three sealed zones to prevent water infiltration. Moreover, some Submariners also have a Helium escape valve, allowing gas to escape safely in a hyperbaric chamber.
GMT Master II isn’t far behind with a water resistance of up to 100 meters (330ft). Heavy downpour, pool splashes, and swimming are a piece of cake for this durable watch.
5. Case, Bracelet, and Clasp
Case
Rolex Submariner and GMT Master II have the iconic Oyster case and Oyster bracelet. However, there are differences between them.
The Rolex Submariner is 41mm in diameter, and the GMT Master II is 40mm, according to the company. But when we measure with our caliper, the GMT is 40.3mm, and the Submariner is 40.6mm. According to Rolex, these watches differ by 1mm; in reality, the difference on the watch face is only 0.3mm.
Something else that we can observe is Submariner’s trimmed lugs, providing a more streamlined and traditional look and profile. Contrastingly, the GMT Master II has a bulky case, which in the Rolex collector’s community is called a super case.
Bracelet
The bracelet is also thick on the Submariner, 21mm wide, narrowing to 16.5mm at the clasp. For comparison, the GMT Master II features a standard 20mm width, tapering down to 15.4mm at the clasp. The other difference we noticed is the polished center links and clasp of the GMT, while the Submariner’s bracelet and clasp have a brushed finish.
Clasp
Submariner has the Glidelock Extension System, a lock-safe clasp that can be precisely adjusted in 2mm increments up to a maximum of 20mm. It is specifically intended to enable divers to strap the watch over the diving jacket.
GMT Master II has a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink Comfort Extension Link. This clasp allows for a quick 5mm extension to the bracelet, providing added comfort throughout the day. Easylink is not as adjustable as Glidelock, but it still offers a convenient way to fine-tune the bracelet’s fit.
6. Wrist Presence and Style
By wearing a Submariner, you have a piece of dive watch history on your wrist. It looks great with denim and a diving suit. This Rolex Sub makes a statement without trying too hard.
GMT is a jet-setter’s choice. Beautifully designed, the GMT is made to hit time zones in style. The extra GMT hand and two-tone bezel give it a sophisticated edge. It feels equally stylish at home in the conference or airport lounge.
Both watches have killer wrist presence. The Submariner is sleeker and slides under a cuff, and the GMT sports a beefy presence that immediately grabs your attention.
Check out the List of Top 8 Rolex Watches for Men
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Rolex Submariner and a GMT-Master
When deciding between a Rolex Submariner and a Rolex GMT-Master II, several key factors should be considered to ensure that you choose the timepiece that best suits your needs and preferences.
Budget and Collectability
It is an important factor in the Rolex Submariner vs. GMT decision.
- Rolex Submariner costs from $ 1,050 to $20,000. No-date submariners are comparatively lower in price.
- GMT Master II costs from $1250 to almost $50,000. Prices depend on the popularity and scarcity of versions, e.g., Pepsi, Batman, and Root Bear.
If you’re on a small budget but still desire the Rolex look and feel, our clone watches are an affordable option. They are visually indistinguishable and made with the same materials and movements.
Investment and Resale Value
One of the biggest factors for many is the resale value of the watches. Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II are renowned for their ability to hold and often appreciate over time.
While market trends fluctuate, specific models and bezel colors can see higher demand and command premiums on the secondary market.
However, we will always recommend buying a Rolex for the passion, craftsmanship, and personal joy it brings, not solely as an investment. The actual value lies in the experience of owning and wearing such an incredible piece of horological history.
Purpose and Lifestyle
How will the watch fit into your lifestyle?
This is an important question before choosing between the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex GMT Master II.
For divers, scuba diving enthusiasts, and aquatic sport fanatics, the Submariner’s robust water resistance and diving bezel are the way to go.
If you frequently travel across various time zones or need to monitor multiple time zones simultaneously, the GMT-Master dual time zone will prove to be your best bet.
Personal Style and Preference
Personal style plays a significant role when choosing a Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master. Submariner offers a classic and timeless design that transitions from casual to formal settings.
GMT boasts a vibrant and sporty appearance, featuring iconic bezel options. It is great for casual and semi-formal settings.
Conclusion
Rolex Submariner or GMT Master II? It’s a highly personal choice, and you might entirely disagree with us, as there isn’t a definitive answer in this case. Both of these timepieces are legends, and I would be more than happy with either of them.
- The Rolex Submariner is the quintessential dive watch, a badge of honor for underwater discovery and dependability. The diving scale bezel and enhanced water resistance are testaments to its professional diving legacy.
- Rolex GMT-Master II is the perfect traveler’s and pilot’s companion, tracking multiple time zones with its bi-directional bezel and GMT hand. Its colorful ceramic bezel provides a distinguishing touch.
So, if you have decided which Rolex suits you better, but aren’t ready to spend five figures, LuxuryCloneWatch offers high-grade, Rolex Super Clone Watches that match the design, feel, and build of the originals.
