Is it Still Worth Buying a Rolex GMT-Master II in 2024?

So you have been planning to buy a Rolex GMT-Master II right? It is a pretty awesome watch I must admit, but you are still probably asking yourself, is it a good buy? Maybe we should talk it over and see if we can perhaps assist you in doing it.

What’s the GMT-Master II all about?

It is specific for those people who move around a lot or engage with people in different time zones. In addition to those, it can also reveal to you the time in different time zones. He is handy when I have an active lifestyle or when I am talking with friends across different parts of the world.

Advantages of buying a Rolex GMT-Master II?

It’s got a history

It has been around for 34 years since the release of the GMT-Master II watches in 1983. Since it emerged from the 1954 GMT-Master model, Rolex never ceases to amaze its customers. It takes quite a while even for a timepiece, to remain in a particular place.

It’s tough as nails

These watches have been made for use for many years and are worn by users without any indication of being affected by time. They have this special type of steel which is called the Oystersteel, And – normal luck isn’t going to stop you from rusting these bad boys! This one is the face which is made of sapphire, so it is not easy to scratch it. I think that you could perhaps wear this watch for many years and it will not look all worn out.

It keeps a great time

Inside the watch is something that is termed Caliber 3285. It is as much a part of the watch as its engine. It can go for 70 hours without you even putting it on it. This means that you can wear it on Friday night and change it on Monday morning and it will keep on going. It’s also very precise because it gains or loses only about 2 seconds a day.

You can wear it anywhere

Indeed this watch can be worn with any outfit, formal or casual. It’s a piece of jewelry that can be worn to work with a suit, to go out with friends with jeans on, or even during swim and diving since it is waterproof and can be submerged to 330 feet.

Disadvantages of buying a Rolex GMT-Master II?

It’s expensive

These watches are not cheap. First, a new GMT-Master II is in the price range of ten thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars. Hard-earned dollars, this for just a device used to determine time.

They’re hard to get

However, even if you have the cash in your pocket, you can for one just pop out to the market and buy one. Rolex does not produce that many of them and mostly you have to order one and wait. Some might take months while others will take years to land in the hands of the lucky bona fide owners.

Some people buy them for the wrong reasons

Well, this is due to the fact that Rolex is well well-known brand hence; some individuals buy these watches with the intention of flaunting around. Yes, and if you don’t seek that kind of attention, you might not like this watch.

What’s going on with Rolex prices?

As for the prices of Rolex watches they’ve been quite crazy these days. Here’s what happened with one popular version of the GMT-Master II (the one with the red and blue bezel, nicknamed “Pepsi”)

• The price in the store: It is over $9,500/AED 35000.
• The maximum that people were willing to pay in 2021: was $26000/AED 95500.
• What people are paying now in 2024: $20,000/ AED 73500.

Well, the prices have dropped slightly, but they are still over the roof more than what Rolex charges for the same pieces in their stores.

Some cool stuff you might not know about the GMT-Master II

The bezel is a neat trick

The GMT-Master II model is great and one cannot fail to notice that the bezel that is the ring that is around the face of the watch is somewhat special. It is termed the bidirectional rotatable bezel, which implies that you are free to rotate the bezel either clockwise or anti-clockwise. It is separated into 24 clicks which represents each of the hours in the day. This is useful in tracking that second-time zone, which again is very important when handling some business.

The colors mean something

You might have realized that the GMT-Master II is available in various color option options. As you can see, these aren’t just to beautify. They actually have names and meanings:

1. Red and Blue (“Pepsi”): Day and Night
2. Black and Blue (“Batman”): Day and Night
3. Black and Brown (“Root Beer”): Day and Night

It’s got a hidden clause

The above models are embedded with a small Rolex crown to facilitate the crystal at 6, o’clock position. It just lies there floating and despite one not being able to see it with the naked eye, it is there. This is one of the strategies that Rolex uses in order to prevent people from making copies of the wristwatches.

The bracelet is smarter than you think

The bracelet of the Oyster on the GMT-Master II has what is called the EasyLink comfort extension link in it. It can be expanded or shrunk by approximately 5mm without the need to use any screws or other tools. Useful if you are going to have a wrist contest and your wrist swells in hot weather.

Let’s compare some GMT watches

Here’s a quick look at how the GMT-Master II stacks up against some other GMT watches:

The GMT-Master II in real life

That being said, it is high time we look at this watch and understand how it will work out in practice. I talked to a man named Mike, presumed name because he said he has been using GMT-Master II for a least five years. He has a tight schedule due to his job, which sometimes requires him to be away from home; therefore, every time he turns on the clock there is always something showing the difference with the GMT.

Mike also adds, ”When I am in London for a meeting and I feel like it is still early to call my wife back in New York, I look at my wrist and I am informed.”

But this is not all good. Mike moved to say, “Sometimes I feel a bit weird wearing such an expensive watch And they observe me and walk up to me to start a conversation about it .”

So, is it worth buying?

After all that, we’re back to the big question: what do you need to know before deciding to purchase a GMT-Master II? Here’s what you should think about:

1. Can you afford it without going broke?
2. Are you okay with maybe waiting a long time to get one?
3. Will you actually use the GMT function, or do you just like how it looks?
4. Are you buying it because you love watches, or because you want to impress people?

If you are a watch enthusiast, a person who appreciates artistry on an object, or a person who is using it without having to worry about the price tag then yes it is worth it. You’re going to receive a watch that is going to last for a very long time and that could possibly even increase in value in the future.

However, if you are willing to let out a little more cash than you want to, don’t care for the GMT feature that greatly, or just fancy a fancy media player, you may want to rethink that.

Just one thing more you have to bear in mind – the watch is a rather intimate accessory. Even if you do it, you’re going to wear it every day. Thus, it actually goes back to the previous point: the most important thing is for you to like it irrespective of others’ opinions.

What if you decide not to get the GMT-Master II?

If you’re not sold on the GMT-Master II, there are other options out there:

• Tudor Black Bay GMT: It’s made by Rolex’s sister company and does similar stuff for less money.
• Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT: Another good Swiss watch with a GMT function.
• Grand Seiko SBGE201: A really well-made Japanese option.

These do all sorts of things like the GMT-Master II but they are far more readily available and are typically less expensive.

See related: Rolex GMT Master II vs Submariner

Conclusion

Therefore it is up to you to decide if the GMT-Master II is worth the money that is being charged for it. In the same respect, it is a great watch, no doubt. Qualitative-wise, it is well constructed and does as it is advertised and frankly it looks rather awesome.

But it’s also costly, difficult to obtain, and is usually associated with a lot of glamour.

So if you are a watch enthusiast and you can comfortably make the purchase without putting a lot of strain on your finances, then do so. You’ll be getting a watch that will stay with you for quite some time and probably be worth a bit more afterward.

However, if it is going to put a heavy strain on your pocket, or if you are just in the mood for showing off, then it is better to look the other way.

Just one final piece of advice – arguably it’s the most important one: the watch that gives you a positive emotion every time you glance at it is your best watch. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a Rolex, it can be of the same value, and that is what counts.

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