They are both considered as iconic watches in the horology industry but appeal and serve the disparate demographics and usage. There are different models of the Rolex company and from them the greatest are the Rolex GMT-Master and the Rolex Submariner which is considered to be the best of all the models of the Rolex watches. In this comparison, we compare the Submariner and GMT-Master II within features, price range, and what sets each model apart in 2024.
Design and Aesthetics
The Rolex Submariner is highly recognized for its traditional divers’ watch look. It measures 40mm or 41mm in diameter, a rotating bezel for unidirectional, and a clear and bright dial and all these make the Submariner look very athletic and sleek. It is available in Oyster Steel, Rolesor or a combination of Oyster steel and gold and solid gold. The simplicity and elegance of the Submariner also play a crucial role in the general outline of the watch that can be used not only for business but also at the casuals.
In contrast to the previous model, Rolex GMT-Master II is the second time zone which is very useful for all those who travel a lot or, for example, pilots. GMT-Master II is available in a 40mm case and is designed with a bi-directional rotatable bezel provided with the 24-hour scale, so the owner of the watch can compare two or more time zones easily. Other features include a scratch resistant Cerachrom bezel insert to increase the efficiency as well as the ease of reading the dial in distance travel. It’s also very unique that it also has an independently adjustable hour hand, making adjustments to time on the watch efficiently without affecting its functionality. For a professional feel, there is the choice of Oystersteel while for those desiring the glamorous touch, there is Everose gold.
Movement and Functionality
The current Rolex Submariner uses caliber 3230 for the no-date model and caliber 3235 for the date model, these are self-developed movements with excellent accuracy, reliability, and a 70 hour power reserve. COSC movement is featured in the Submariner and it is equipped with Parachrom hairspring which renders it very shock and temperature proof. It is a diver watch with water resistance of up to 300 meters.
The last generation of the Rolex GMT-Master II is self-winding, it contains the caliber 3285 in-house movement with 70-hour power reserve and has COSC certification. What sets the GMT-Master II apart is its ability to track three time zones: the local time, home time shown using the hour hand, and an extra time zone through the use of the outer ring of the bezel. Personally, this functionality is especially helpful for those who travel frequently, or have business travels in different time zones across the globe. Surprisingly, the GMT-Master II version also comes with a water-resistant feature of up to one hundred meters which is adequate for most activities in the water but clearly not as robust as the water-resistant of the Submariner.
Price Comparison
When it comes to the price, the Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II models belong to different segments in the Indian luxury market. Currently, the minimum price for this watch, which starts at ₹7,80,000 for the Oyster Steel type that is not fitted with date and could reach up to more than ₹33,00,000 for the 18kt gold ones in the year 2024. The Submariner Date, especially the stainless steel models, is today being offered for anything between ₹8,20,000 to ₹12,30,000 depending on market conditions.
The Rolex GMT-Master II is slightly more expensive because it is a second-time zone watch which costs approximately ₹ 9,00,000 for Oyster Steel. If one wants the gold theme, one has the option of choosing the Everose and the two-tone models, which can be anywhere from ₹16,40,000 and going up to over ₹41,00,000 depending on the type and the material.
Choosing the Right Model for You
The choice between Submariner and GMT-Master II is more of a personalities’ question and depends on the lifestyle that a person leads. And thus the Submariner is perfect for anyone since as a traditional all-rounder watch with impressive roots, it can in fact be worn by anyone. It is ideal for those who love water activities like divers, sailors or people involved in water sports or anyone who requires a watch to stand unfavourable conditions but still want it to be stylish.
The GMT-Master II, on the other hand, is the watch of today’s traveller. Due to the ability to display at least two time zones simultaneously, it became not only a sign of a traveller but also a lifestyle. These colors of the bezels are again quite splendid and bring a certain personality to the watch and in the collection.
Resale Value and Investment Potential
As for the trends with the watches, both the Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II retain high resale values as they can increase in price over time due to the increasing demand for Rolex watches and limited availability. In previous years, the Submariner has been rather consistent in the secondary market, appealing to both traditional enthusiasts and collectors for its classic design and toughness. GMT-Master II can sometimes surpass Submariner in terms of collectibility due to unique design and various limited edition models, the most popular among them being bezel models.
Conclusion
Therefore, by the year 2024, the Submariner and the GMT-Master II remain the premier sports watches of Rolex within the premium segment. As much as they have numerous similarities, they possess distinct characteristics in their performance, structure and price, making them suitable for different users. The elegance and simplicity in the lines, or the comforting familiarity of the Submariner or the adventurous, international feel of the GMT-Master II, are classic Rolex in their function and look. Therefore, the decision is based on which model is employed and the specifications that are considered most important for a high end wristwatch.
