Which "series" GMT?

[DJMC]

I read somewhere last night that the "K" series was the one to have (2000-2001?) due to "solid end links and lug holes produced only a few years."

Is it important which series I buy? Now looking at a GMT Master or Master II (don't like the ceramic ones) having tried to convince myself Zenith or Cartier would do. They won't. Neither will my trial "sports" watches from Seiko, Citizen, and Casio. Great quality, good to look at, but I can't leave my OP DJ at home in favour of one of them, hence they're going up for sale after 2-3 months of just looking at them but not venturing out wearing any of them. Lesson learnt, but I had to do it to actually experience the dilemma.

As I said in January...

DJMC said:

So I buy a £150 "homage" watch, and the Orients do look rather good, but when do I wear it and how do I feel? I have to leave my Rolex Datejust at home, and then wander around with an "inferior" watch on my arm? What's the point? How long would the infatuation with its look last?

Even if it was a Sub (or Fifty Fathoms!) I'm still worse off as I then have two genuine items of expensive jewellery which I can't wear at the same time yet cost twice as much as just one!

Well, at least if I buy a wisely, as I have with my other hobbies, I can always get my money back on a cheapie when I come to my senses!

Currently looking into a mint GMT II - 16710 from 1991/1992 a "N" series, for £4k.

...then starts the first world problem mentioned above. Which Rolex to leave at home?

Ah well...

[VGTICE]

The ones to have are the end of production ones which had 3186 movement (used in ceramic GMT's) instead of 3185. Finding one is a bit of a mission since the change was never advertised by Rolex and there's no clear indication as to which serial numbers have them. But since they are so special their more valuable and collectors go gaga over them (despite early 3186 suffering from some teething problems).

[DJMC]

VGTICE said:

The ones to have are the end of production ones which had 3186 movement (used in ceramic GMT's) instead of 3185. Finding one is a bit of a mission since the change was never advertised by Rolex and there's no clear indication as to which serial numbers have them. But since they are so special their more valuable and collectors go gaga over them (despite early 3186 suffering from some teething problems).

Thanks for the info. If there's no discernible difference to the uninitiated (i.e. me) I'd rather keep the cost down and find a good condition one whatever the movement. I'm sure it will be as good as my DJ. Rather liking the Coke insert of the one I've found. But black or Pepsi is also fine too. Waiting a response from the seller.

[don logan]

As well as what VGTICE mentioned there are also font variations to the numerals after GMT on the dial, you won't be bothered about having one but take a look at "stick dial" and "rectangular dial" Rolex GMT

The bezel inserts are cheap and replaceable so you can have all 3 colours

[traffman]

My pre ceramic 2006 Gm2. I believe it had the 3185 Movement . It was a lovely piece and a well proportioned compared to the ceramics.

It was a minter , and had the so called "stick" or "error" dial. I paid 6.7k. Fullset and as new.

[HaiKarate]

The title should read Which "SERIAL" GMT. I have to say that I'd rather buy a nice 16610 or, even better, a 14060, which is virtually the same watch save for a coloured insert and GMT hand, which has been redundant since the advent of digital watches.

Edited by HaiKarate on Tuesday 6th June 22:47

[don logan]

traffman said:

My pre ceramic 2006 Gm2. I believe it had the 3185 Movement . It was a lovely piece and a well proportioned compared to the ceramics.

It was a minter , and had the so called "stick" or "error" dial. I paid 6.7k. Fullset and as new.

I shouldn't have looked at that before bed!

I'm thinking of a reshuffle and a stick dial is in the "frame" (Coke bezel but nice to have a choice of inserts) the other being a late and MUCH less rare 14060m

[traffman]

The 14060 M is a perfect watch , however i prefer the 5513.

I have owned a non M 14060 , 2 x 114060's and 2 x 5513's.

Currently this is welded to my wrist...

[don logan]

traffman said:

The 14060 M is a perfect watch , however i prefer the 5513.

I have owned a non M 14060 , 2 x 114060's and 2 x 5513's.

Currently this is welded to my wrist...

5513s are lovely, I have well worn 67 "metres first" 5513 but don`t really want to wear it every day so REALLY fancy a 14060m for that, I`m thinking of selling a 42mm Explorer 2 and maybe a Pelagos to do it and have some change too (for a late mint one)

Lovely lume by the way!

[HaiKarate]

don logan said:

I'm thinking of a reshuffle and a stick dial is in the "frame" (Coke bezel but nice to have a choice of inserts) the other being a late and MUCH less rare 14060m

The 14060 Random-2011 or 2012 and late G6XXXXX serials contain the parachrom spring. These are worth getting and keeping hold of.

[don logan]

HaiKarate said:

The 14060 Random-2011 or 2012 and late G6XXXXX serials contain the parachrom spring. These are worth getting and keeping hold of.

That`s what I fancy!

[DJMC]

This being my thread, the last five posts are like reading an alien language!

Ah well, I guess I'll just buy any old GMT and keep my fingers crossed?

[don logan]

DJMC said:

This being my thread, the last five posts are like reading an alien language!

Ah well, I guess I'll just buy any old GMT and keep my fingers crossed?

Sorry DJMC!

[DJMC]

In a quiet moment I'll try and find an authoritative article on GMTs on the 'net.

Does anyone have any links to something which would fill me in a little more?

Thanks!

[don logan]

DJMC said:

In a quiet moment I'll try and find an authoritative article on GMTs on the 'net.

Does anyone have any links to something which would fill me in a little more?

Thanks!

This should be helpful

http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/

[toastybase]

[traffman]

don logan said:

5513s are lovely, I have well worn 67 "metres first" 5513 but don`t really want to wear it every day so REALLY fancy a 14060m for that, I`m thinking of selling a 42mm Explorer 2 and maybe a Pelagos to do it and have some change too (for a late mint one)

Lovely lume by the way!

Thanks Don , metres first is a very valuable watch. You'll get a fullset 14060m if you trade both those.

[traffman]

DJMC said:

This being my thread, the last five posts are like reading an alien language!

Ah well, I guess I'll just buy any old GMT and keep my fingers crossed?

Don't worry about all that vintage gabber , just look for a crisp and honest Gmt. The dates you specified with 2006/7 pre ceramic you cannot go wrong.
Nothing wrong with the newer ceramics , but you did say you wanted a nice pre ceramic. Pepsi or coke , i preffered my coke bezel. Just if i ever spotted one it allways seemed to be a pepsi.

Good luck in your search! Watchclub allways have a number of Gmt's. If you don't mind looking across the pond then HQ milton has a variety of older and newer.

[DJMC]

I'm off "across the pond" next Thursday for a few weeks in Florida (our 20th year there) so will visit Rolex in the Mall at Millennia and have a look at other brands too in Mayors and out and about. Not sure where the "used" Rolex dealers are around Orlando, Tampa, or down the west coast where we usually visit?

My eyes are straying a little to Explorer II and Yacht-Master (I)...

I like the white faced Exp.II, (black dial doesn't work for me with silver bezel) and of course it's a GMT, but although it's fine for a tanned Floridian arm I'm not so sure it's an every day look in the Midlands?...



I only started looking at the YM in the last few days when my wife said she liked the look. This one appeals...



But will the same colour dial and bezel lack contrast?...



Of course the YM is closely related to the Sub rather than GMT, so I'm straying away a little...



Cons: Can't interchange bezel inserts on the YM, look may be a little ostentatious but then so is any Rolex. Oh... and that polished centre link. It's one of the things that puts me off the Ceramic GMT but not the only thing - others are: increased size; cost of replacing damaged bezel insert; lack of easy insert change and colours; insert font.
Pros: YMs seem cheaper pro-rata to their cost new and are rarer on the wrist than the dark bezelled "diver" look of the Sub/GMT, although a diver themselves of course.

Anyhow, it'll help me to make my mind up idly mooching around the shops whilst on holiday. Used prices in the USA still seem a little lower than here per Chrono24, but then the tax and duty would be a killer coming back!

[GT03ROB]

DJMC said:

Used prices in the USA still seem a little lower than here per Chrono24, but then the tax and duty would be a killer coming back!

Only if you offer to pay it....