What Holds Better Value: A GMT or a Submariner?

If you are deciding to make an investment in a luxury watch market and got your eyes on Rolex timepieces, it is difficult to make a choice just by tossing up a coin. Chances are you have come across two heavyweights: The GMT-Master and the Submariner. If you are curious about which model offers better long-term value, we have got you covered!

Right here and right now, we will break down everything from historical appeal to current demand, so you can decide which watch holds better value for your wrist and your pocket.

Let’s set the scene, the year is 1963 and you are watching Dr. No on your TV screen. 40 minutes into the movie and you see that everyone’s favorite double-agent James Bond is wearing the black dial, no date Rolex Submariner (Ref. 6538). The Agent keeps beating it up, putting it through its paces by taking it in the sand, mud and salt water. With just this iconic reference, The Rolex Submariner establishes itself as the most famous utilitarian luxury watch in history.

Originally released in 1953, this unique engineering masterpiece became a game-changer in underwater timekeeping. Built to withstand depths of 100 meters, this robust monster quickly became every adventurer’s dream.

You do not need to be a professional diver to appreciate the Submariner’s timeless design. With its sleek minimalistic look, the unidirectional bezel and the simple yet functional dial, the Submariner is versatile enough to wear with anything from a wetsuit to a tuxedo. Here are some of its unique features, which are important to keep in mind while mentioning this masterpiece:

• Bezel: The Cerachrom bezel is virtually scratch-proof and resistant to UV rays, so it keeps its color even after years of use.
• Dial: The black dial with Chromalight markers provides exceptional legibility in low-light situations, especially perfect for those deep dives.
• Durability: The Oystersteel case is corrosion-resistant, and the bracelet is equipped with a Glide-lock clasp for easy adjustment.

Now let’s talk about money. Here is where it gets interesting: no doubt that the Submariner is not just a dive watch – it is an investment piece. Known for its value retention, Submariners have a history of appreciating in price. Vintage models, particularly the Hulk and Kermit, have seen enormous increases in value over the past few years.

Even the newer Submariner Date in stainless steel is in such high demand that it sells for significantly above retail on the pre-owned watch market. And if you are lucky enough to score one from an authorized dealer, you’ve practically struck gold in the form of steel.

On the other hand, we have every jetsetter’s dream – the GMT-Master ll.  While the Submariner rules the seas, the GMT-Master ll is the king of the skies. Originally launched in 1954 in collaboration with Pan Am Airlines, the GMT was designed for pilots and travel enthusiasts to track two time zones simultaneously with one movement. Ideal for hopping between continents or managing business across different time zones.

Let’s discuss what makes the GMT stand out; Not only is it exceptionally practical for travelers, – it is visually striking too. The two-tone bezel is perhaps the GMT’s most famous stylistic feature, with legendary combinations like red-and-blue Pepsi, black-and-blue Batman and brown-and-black Root Beer. The GMT Master ll offers it all:

• GMT Functionality: the additional 24-hour hand and rotating bezel allow you to keep tabs on your home time and local time simultaneously.
• Color Bezel Options: The bi-color bezel adds a bit more fun to mix compared to the monochrome Submariner.
• Bracelet variety: the Rolex GMT allows you to choose between the elegant Jubilee or the sportier Oyster bracelet, depending on your style.

When it comes to investment, the GMT ll has been a rising star. The Pepsi and Batman models, in particular, have skyrocketed in price, often selling for double or even triple their retail price, in the pre-owned market. The scarcity of these models due to the fact that they have been discontinued adds to their desirability.

What’s more, vintage GMT models, especially with their faded bezels and unique patinas, are considered highly collectible. If you can find a vintage Pepsi in good condition, you’ve got yourself a solid investment.

Now, it is time for The GMT vs. Submariner showdown.

Since we’ve explored what makes each watch special, let’s pit them against each other in a few key areas.

Launched as the ultimate dive watch, the Submariner’s association with the likes of Agent 007 and its reputation of toughness make it one of the most iconic watches ever. On the other hand, GMT-Master ll doesn’t have Bond-level prestige, it has its own association with adventure – the international skies. Its collaboration with Pan Am and its iconic colorful bezels make it a cult favorite. However, we have to give this point to Hollywood’s favorite – Submariner.

The Submariner offers a clean and classic look that can work with anything from a diving suit to formal attire. Whereas GMT-Master ll offers more playful design featuring its colorful bezel and various bracelet options. So if you want something classic and understated, go for the Submariner and if you prefer Something with a bit more personality, the GMT-Master ll is your watch. This is all up-to the owner’s taste, so we say in terms of versatility and style, they score equal points.

Finally, the moment you have been waiting for – which one is a better investment piece, the Submariner or the GMT-Master ll.

The Submariner has been appreciated steadily for years. Limited availability only increases its value, especially for sought-after models like Hulk and Kermit. However, the GMT-Master ll is a hot item right now, with models like the Pepsi and Batman fetching high prices on the secondary market. So, if you are looking for quick appreciation in the current market we say – go for the GMT-Master ll, but if you play the long game, the Submariner might make it a safer bet.

If we talk about the numbers and availability – the Submariner is tough to get at retail, but available on the secondary market (at a markup). The GMT-Master ll is even harder to find at retail, and secondary market prices are often astronomically high for popular models.

Our verdict is that the GMT-Master ll wins in terms of exclusivity and price surges, but the Submariner’s steady availability makes it easier to track down.

The fact is that both the Submariner and the GMT-Master ll are incredible watches that have proven their true value over the time. But if you are asking which one holds better worth, the answer depends on what you are actually looking for in the investment timepiece:

• If you want long-term stability and classic versatility, the Submariner is a solid choice that’s likely to appreciate steadily over time.
• If you’re chasing something a bit more exclusive and don’t mind the current high prices, the GMT-Master II, especially in models like the Pepsi or Batman, could offer quicker returns on investment.

Ultimately, both watches are masterpieces of Rolex craftsmanship, so you can’t go wrong with either of them. Whether you’re investing for the future or just want to wear a piece of history on your wrist, the GMT-Master II and Submariner will continue to stand the test of time—and carry the Rolex legacy for many more decades to come.