Rolex Submariner vs GMT-Master II: Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for a straightforward dive watch for everyday use, the Rolex Submariner may suit you. If you want to track a second time zone, the GMT-Master II may be a better choice.
Both models belong to Rolex’s professional watch collection. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise measuring dive time or tracking different time zones.
Below, you can find the differences in design and function, dimensions, movements, and points to consider when buying new or pre-owned. The prices shown are official US retail prices; prices in Türkiye are determined separately. Contact ART Jewellery & Watches for a current quote.
Rolex Submariner
The Submariner has a straightforward, functional design. Its rotating bezel lets you track dive time.
Introduced by Rolex in 1953, the model is now available with or without a date display. In addition to Oystersteel, versions in gold and combining Oystersteel with yellow gold are also available.
The Oystersteel Submariner without a date starts from $10,050 at official US retail.
- The no-date model displays the hours, minutes and seconds.
- The unidirectional bezel lets you track dive time up to 60 minutes.
- The 41 mm Oystersteel model uses the calibre 3230 and has an approximate power reserve of 70 hours.
Case and water resistance: This 41 mm model is water-resistant to 300 metres. The Glidelock system on its bracelet allows for fine adjustments to fit the wrist.
Explore Rolex Submariner models at ART.
Rolex GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II makes it easier to track a second time zone with its additional 24-hour hand and rotating bezel.
Rolex introduced the GMT-Master in 1955 to track different time zones during international travel. The GMT-Master II joined the collection in 1982. The current collection includes Oystersteel, gold and two-tone options.
The Oystersteel GMT-Master II starts from $11,800 at official US retail.
- The 40 mm steel models use the calibre 3285 and have an approximate power reserve of 70 hours.
- When setting the local time, the hour hand can be moved independently of the other hands.
- Bezel colours and Oyster or Jubilee bracelet options give the models different looks.
Case and water resistance: The 40 mm Oystersteel GMT-Master II is water-resistant to 100 metres. Its bidirectional rotating bezel has a 24-hour scale.
Explore Rolex GMT-Master II models at ART.
Key differences
In everyday use, the deciding factor is the function the watch offers. The Submariner’s unidirectional 60-minute bezel is designed to measure elapsed time. The GMT-Master II’s 24-hour hand and bidirectional bezel let you track a second time zone.
Water resistance also differs: 300 metres for the Oystersteel Submariner and 100 metres for the Oystersteel GMT-Master II featured here. Both models have an approximate power reserve of 70 hours. Their case diameters are 41 mm and 40 mm, respectively.
New or pre-owned?
Both models belong to well-known Rolex collections and attract interest on the pre-owned market. However, value retention is not determined by the model name alone. The watch’s condition and configuration also play a part in its assessment.
- Demand for steel models may differ from that for gold or two-tone options. Dial, bezel and bracelet preferences also affect buyer interest.
- The presence of the box and papers helps verify the watch’s history and is taken into account when assessing a purchase.
- The originality of the components, the condition of the case and dial, and the movement’s performance should be examined. Missing information or inconsistent component replacements require attention.
Which one is right for you?
If you are looking for a straightforward watch that measures dive time, consider the Submariner. If you regularly need to track another time zone, consider the GMT-Master II.
You can compare the key technical specifications of the two models in the table below.
| Feature | Rolex Submariner | Rolex GMT-Master II |
|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 41 mm | 40 mm |
| Case material | Oystersteel; gold options | Oystersteel; gold options |
| Calibre | 3230, no-date model | 3285, steel model |
| Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours | Approximately 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 300 metres | 100 metres |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, 60 minutes | Bidirectional, 24 hours |
| Bracelet | Oyster | Oyster or Jubilee |
Where to buy a Rolex Submariner or GMT-Master II: ART Jewellery & Watches
ART Jewellery & Watches is an independent boutique located at Zorlu Center, with more than 30 years of experience in the watch and jewellery trade. Each piece is inspected before it is displayed.
Watches are individually assessed for case and dial condition, movement performance, the originality of components, and the presence of the box and papers. If the model you are looking for is not in the collection, sourcing options are explored on request through our network of collectors and watch trade contacts.
The website is a showcase where you can view the collection; online sales are not available. Visits are by appointment only, Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 19:00. To sell or trade in your watch, you can complete the sales enquiry form; an initial assessment is provided within 24 hours.
Address: Zorlu Center, Levazım Mahallesi Koru Sokak R2 Lobby Teras Evler T3 No:308, 34340 Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Phone and WhatsApp: 0552 353 64 84
Email: sales@artjewellerywatches.com
Visits: Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00, by appointment only
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for everyday use, the Rolex Submariner or the GMT-Master II?
If you do not track a second time zone in your daily routine, the Submariner offers a more straightforward experience. When travelling, the GMT-Master II’s additional time-zone function is useful.
Which should I choose for size and comfort?
The Submariner is 41 mm in diameter, while the GMT-Master II is 40 mm. It may be helpful to try on both models and check the bracelet adjustment to see how each fits your wrist.
Which one holds its value better on the pre-owned market?
There is no single answer to this question. Condition, original components, box and papers, and the choice of metal and dial all affect the value of both models.
Can I buy a Rolex Submariner or GMT-Master II from ART online?
No. ART’s website is a showcase for displaying products, not an online shop. You can contact us by WhatsApp or phone to learn more about a watch and arrange an appointment to view it in person.
Can I sell or trade in my Rolex Submariner or GMT-Master II at ART?
Yes, you can submit the sales enquiry form. ART will share an initial assessment within 24 hours.
What are the starting US retail prices for the Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master II?
On Rolex’s US pages, the Oystersteel Submariner starts from $10,050 at official US retail, while the GMT-Master II starts from $11,800 at official US retail. Prices in Türkiye are determined separately. Contact ART for a current quote.