Why Does Rolex Use IIII Instead of IV? A Centuries-Old Watchmaking Secret
Many people notice something unusual about Rolex watches – they use “IIII” instead of “IV” for the number four on their Roman numeral dials. Watch
What’s the Difference Between the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II?
Alright, so you’re eyeing a Rolex and can’t decide between the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II? You’re not alone. These two watches are often compared because, at a glance, they look pretty similar. But, oh no—there are some important differences that you need to know if you want to flex the right way.
Whether you’re a traveler, collector, or just want something that’ll make people go, “Whoa, nice watch,” We’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of these iconic timepieces and break it all down.
image courtesy of www.rolexmagazine.com
Time Travel
Buckle up! Time to travel back to where it all started. Let’s set the scene. It’s the 1950s, and air travel is booming. Pan Am Airlines wanted their pilots to have a watch that could keep track of multiple time zones (because jet-setting across the world will do that to you). Enter the Rolex GMT-Master. Launched in 1955, this bad boy was built for pilots, but it quickly became a hit with everyone who had dreams of adventure—or just really liked the idea of a watch with extra dials.
Fast forward to 1982. Rolex decided to level up with the GMT-Master II, and just like a good sequel, it took everything awesome about the original and added some serious upgrades. But don’t worry, both the original GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II are still legendary. So what’s the real difference? Let’s break it down.
Aluminum vs. Cerachrom
First up, the bezel—that colorful ring around the face that makes the GMT-Master models instantly recognizable. Both the GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II come with those cool two-tone bezels. You’ve probably heard of the Pepsi bezel (red and blue) or the more recent Batman bezel (black and blue). They’re iconic for a reason, and people love them.
Now, here’s where it gets juicy: the original GMT-Master came with an aluminum bezel. It was sturdy, sure, but it also had a tendency to fade over time. Some people dig that faded, vintage vibe, but others—not so much. If you want your bezel to stay looking fresh forever, you’ll want the GMT-Master II because it rocks Rolex’s Cerachrom bezel, made from ceramic. It’s basically invincible when it comes to scratches and fading. So, if you like your watch looking as crisp as the day you bought it, GMT-Master II is your guy.
Rolex Black Dial GMT-Master II “Pepsi” 16710 Stainless Steel Men’s Watch 2006
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Stainless Steel Watch Batman Mint
Let’s TechTalk
Alright, time to see what’s inside the heart of these masterpieces. When it comes to movements, the original GMT-Master is definitely old school. It had Rolex’s Caliber 1036 movement, which allowed you to track two time zones: your local time and GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). But here’s the catch: you couldn’t independently adjust the hour hand. Meaning? Every time you wanted to change the time, you had to mess with all the hands. Not exactly user-friendly if you’re jet-lagged and just trying to figure out what time it is in, say, Tokyo.
Then came the GMT-Master II, and Rolex said, “Let’s make life easier.” They upgraded the movement to the Caliber 3185 (now it’s the Caliber 3285, even fancier), and bam—you can now adjust the hour hand independently from the GMT hand. This means you can jump between time zones without messing up your home time. Perfect for globetrotters who don’t have the patience to fiddle with watch settings every time they land in a new country.
Size Matters (But Does It?)
Next, let’s talk about size. Both the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II come in at around 40mm, so there’s not a huge difference when it comes to the diameter. But the GMT-Master II has a little more beef to it, thanks to its thicker lugs and crown guards. Basically, it feels a bit more modern and substantial on the wrist.
The original GMT-Master, especially the early versions, has a bit of a slimmer, more vintage vibe. If you’re into that classic, low-key look, you might prefer the original. But if you want something that’s got a bit more wrist presence (without going full “look at me!”), the GMT-Master II fits the bill.
Oyster vs. Jubilee
Now, let’s get into the bracelet options, because you know the details matter. The original GMT-Master was all about the Oyster bracelet—a classic three-link design that’s durable, sporty, and perfect for adventurers.
The GMT-Master II, on the other hand, gives you some choices. You’ve got the traditional Oyster bracelet, sure, but you also get the option of the Jubilee bracelet, which is a little more dressy and sophisticated. The Jubilee is super comfy thanks to its smaller, more flexible links, and it’s perfect if you want your GMT-Master II to look just as good with a suit as it does on a casual day.
More Or Less Bling?
If you’re all about variety, the GMT-Master II has a bit more to offer when it comes to dials. You’ve got the classic black dial, sure, but you also get some fun options like sunburst blue, gem-set dials, and more. Rolex really stepped up the variety game with the GMT-Master II, so if you’re someone who likes a bit of bling (or just more options in general), you’ll probably appreciate what the newer model brings to the table.
The original GMT-Master keeps it simple with its vintage dial designs, which is great if you’re a purist. But if you like a bit more flair, the GMT-Master II has got you covered.
The Vintage Charm
If you’re into vintage watches, the original GMT-Master is your playground. It’s no longer in production, so you’ll have to hunt for one on the pre-owned or vintage market. And here’s where it gets interesting—the older the watch, the more “character” it has. You might find one with a beautifully faded bezel, or “patina” on the dial, which is basically a fancy way of saying it’s aged in a beautiful, unique way.
Collectors and watch enthusiasts love this stuff. Wearing an original GMT-Master isn’t just about telling time—it’s about wearing a piece of history on your wrist. So, if you like the idea of a watch with a story to tell, the GMT-Master could be your perfect match. After all, knowing that your watch has been around before you and will probably stay here for the next generations to come, does have its romantic appeal.
The Modern Flex
On the flip side, the GMT-Master II is still in production, and if you want the latest and greatest Rolex has to offer, this is the one to go for. Not only do you get the upgraded movement, but you also get modern materials like Cerachrom and the option to buy a brand-new watch (though, let’s be real, you’ll probably have to wait a while or deal with a waitlist).
Plus, with the GMT-Master II, you’re getting the best of both worlds: a design that harks back to the original, but with all the modern tech and durability you’d expect from a high-end timepiece.
The Price Tag
When it comes to price, it’s a tale of two worlds. The original GMT-Master? It’s all about the vintage market, and prices can range depending on the model, condition, and rarity. You could snag one for a reasonable price, or you could drop serious cash on a rare version. If you’re someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, tracking down the perfect GMT-Master could be part of the fun.
For the GMT-Master II, you’re looking at a starting price of around $10,000 for a new model, and the price goes up depending on the materials and model you choose. Sure, it’s not cheap, but hey, this is Rolex we’re talking about. You’re not just paying for a watch—you’re paying for a piece of Swiss engineering that’ll last a lifetime (and then some).
Which One Is Right for You?
Here’s the deal: both the GMT-Master and the GMT-Master II are absolute legends. If you’re into that vintage charm, love the idea of owning a watch with history, and don’t mind hunting down a pre-owned piece, the original GMT-Master could be your new best friend. It’s got that classic Rolex vibe and just enough “worn-in” character to make it feel special.
But if you’re all about modern convenience, prefer a watch that looks new for decades, and want those extra perks like the independent hour hand and a killer ceramic bezel, the GMT-Master II is calling your name. It’s the best of both worlds: a nod to Rolex’s past, but with all the upgrades that make it perfect for today’s world traveler (or, you know, someone who just loves a great watch).
Either way, you’re in good hands. Whether you go vintage or modern, the GMT-Master line is one of Rolex’s crown jewels, and it’s not just about telling time—it’s about owning that timeless timepiece.
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