Looking for at the Omega Seamaster GMT vs. Rolex GMT II

[skoidat69]

Good morning all

I'm looking at either the Omega Seamaster GMT 2234.50 or the Rolex GMT.
This will be my first adult watch.. I have Sector 650 Chronograph that I purchased 10 years ago after my 1st trip in the merchant marines.

Thanks,
Tim

[Starwalker]

I say get the Omega unless you are getting the Rolex-GMT "C".

it's more watch for your money.

[JimSnyder]

I have the Omega GMT 50th anniversary and I love it. I just can't swing Rolexs prices any more. The Omega is a great watch for the money. Looks great on any strap. It has large markers that are easy to read, the lume is awsome and it has a tried and true movement. You can't go wrong. And they are becoming a bit of a classic since they are no longer made. The best of a Sub and a GMT with the 300m depth rating

[darwen]

Big price difference ! The seamaster is 1/2 the price of a GMT IIc.

I have both and love both but if I had to keep one it'd be the GMT IIc.

Too many seamasters out there in the wild for me...

Darwen.

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

I have the Omega GMT 50th anniversary and I love it. I just can't swing Rolexs prices any more. The Omega is a great watch for the money. Looks great on any strap. It has large markers that are easy to read, the lume is awsome and it has a tried and true movement. You can't go wrong. And they are becoming a bit of a classic since they are no longer made. The best of a Sub and a GMT with the 300m depth rating

Couldn't agree more, I have exactly the same model and love it, for the money its a bargain compared to the Rolex. It also has a jump hour hand.

(its not 300m resistant, thats only the SMP watches with the helium valve on the side, I think I am correct in saying water resistant to 200m, more than deep enough. It still has the same screw down crown)

[toph]

not much help but a pre loved Omega GMT is between $1500-$1800/ Rolex GMT II Minumum $4000 and for the GMT IIC minumum $5000. big difference in price

[JimSnyder]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

Couldn't agree more, I have exactly the same model and love it, for the money its a bargain compared to the Rolex. It also has a jump hour hand.

(its not 300m resistant, thats only the SMP watches with the helium valve on the side, I think I am correct in saying water resistant to 200m, more than deep enough. It still has the same screw down crown)

All the specs I've seen say they are rated to 300m.

[jmsrolls]

I've owned both and they are great watches but I would avoid the GMTII ceramic.

Get an older model Rolex with the aluminum bezel - much more durable and less expensive to replace. Plus you can swap the bezel inserts and change the look.

And no PCLs.

Fr. John†

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

All the specs I've seen say they are rated to 300m.

I stand corrected. I must be confused with something else, it is 300m.

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...m-gmt/22345000


Pinched from Omegas website.

[bob-e]

get what you like. I would get the Rolex GMT if I had to choose. I'd definitely go to an AD and try them both. You'll be able to decide

[greekbum]

I have owned and own lots of Rolex watches.I bought this Omega white faced GMT a little while ago and I have made it my official beater watch and I love it. Vintage Rolex is my thing but I also need a modern watch for swimming etc.I have this to say about my white faced GMT. I like everything about the watch and would buy it over a newer GMT cause its half the price and the Rolex is not double the watch. It has all you want...Sword Hands..No Cyclops....Lugs with the baddest bevels......Lume that glows to the moon.....Nice dial.....Slim not bulky on the wrist fit...and endless strap and bracelet combos.....

[Perdu]

The Omega is really good looking in situ but, never seems to photograph that well but looks great on the arm. It does not have a Brequet overcoil, full balance bridge or micro adjustment on the balance wheel, which the GMT does. It is thicker and heavier than the Rolex and looks wider, although the specs only show a 1mm difference it wears large. The Omega is waterproof to 1000ft the Rolex to 330ft. In my experience the Rolex stays regulated longer but they are both very accurate. You should be able to pick up the he Omega for $1300. In my opinion the Rolex has a better movement but the Omega 1128 (Upgraded ETA 2893) is highly rated and passes COSC first time as frequently as the Rolex 3185/6. Which ever you choose you will have made the right choice. And like the pictures show the lume on the Omega is about perfect. Have fun choosing.

[RedwinGV]

I can't help you much. Both are fine watches and the Rolex GMT C is indeed really sweet- but of course the price is much more.
I have no idea as to what you like, but I think you'll be happy with either.

Flip a coin, if you don't like the answer, then you know which one you want.

[watchf]

I say get the one that you truly want. Between the two there must be a preference rank even if minimum. Do not decide based solely on price alone because ultimately you will feel unsatisfied and will eventually get the other one hence wasting time and money.

[The GMT Master]

I think when it comes to GMT watches, Rolex is by far and away the daddy. In contrast to Fr. John, I would personally highly recommend the GMT IIc 116710 (if it fits into your budget). Not only is it the most complete watch that Rolex makes, I think it's quite possibly the best all round watch money can buy. The ceramic bezel issues have been blown way out of proportion, and, in reality, is a tiny issue in reality. Of the 30 or 40 that the shop where I work have sold, not one has had a damaged bezel. In the same period, a lot of bezels have had to be replaced on aluminium bezelled models. Admittedly, it's not expensive, but I personally think you have as much chance of damaging a ceramic bezel through normal use that wouldn't destroy an aluminium bezel as I have of becoming the Prime Minister.

Incredible watch, and a fine modern interpretation of a classic

[jmsrolls]

Here's just one of a number of treads documenting damage to the Rolex ceramic bezel:

Ceramic did NOT even last a year

For me, the odds that it might not happen do not outweigh the fact that it could, and has, happened.

My concern is not so much with shattering but my experience with applied markers/numbers has not been good. Even a fingernail has been known to damage the coating. And if the coating is damaged, the entire bezel has to be replaced.

Fr. John†

[htc8p]

rolex makes the gmt gmt imho. its the gold standard for gmts. perfect durable movement, classic practical looks, elegance and presence.

if you're just going to buy a luxury watch go for gmt master 2 c

[watchdaddy1]

IMO I say Omega, they r starting to be a difficult piece to acquire, as well as can't beat the price compared to a ROLLIE, but I'm a partial voice I LOVE OMEGA'S ....

[stockae92]

I had an Omega SMP GMT great white before, now I have a Explorer II polar. not exactly a GMT Master II, but here's my $0.02. depends on whats more important to you ...

Omega SMP GMT:
+ solid bracelet
+ great lume
+ comfortable case (i think it has a anti-mag back plate as well)
+ handsome looks
+ true GMT hand (main hour hand is jump hour)
+ WR300M
+ tried and true movement
+ perfect size (41mm)

- not a true inhouse movement
- no micro adjustment holes on the clasps

Exp II
+ reliable inhouse movement
+ true GMT hand (main hour hand is jump hour)
+ classic tool looks
+ comfortable for me as well
+ ok lume, but no Omega
+ no rotating bezel for dirt to get stucked under

- bracelet (folded center links? clasps feels like it belongs on a $80 Seiko 5)
- higher price than the Omega (from the wallet point of view)

[DCgator]

I own both the great white SMP and a GMTIIc, as well as a GMT II Coke (3186). I love GMT watches (B&M, Pam 88).

My Omega, Panerai, B&M, and Rolex GMT II are part of the weekly rotation. my tt GMTc for more dressy occasions.

I love both Omega and Rolex GMT watches! Sorry I could not be of much help to you.

Good luck and let us know which watch you decided to buy.

[Mike B]

I have owned the Omega Great White (the white faced GMT), and, while I haven't owned the Rolex GMT II-C, I'd highly prefer it over the Omega IMO

My dream watch is a TT GMTII-C. Absolutely beautiful watch all the way around IMO. One of the BEST looking GMT's out there.

So, my vote goes to Rolex.

If you have the $$$, it should be a no brain-er :)

[skoidat69]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

I stand corrected. I must be confused with something else, it is 300m.

http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/se...m-gmt/22345000


Pinched from Omegas website.

I really like that braclet but also see GMT with the Bond style braclet. What is the difference? I understand that their is the 50th anniversary Seamaster which seems like it would be collectable like the green anniversary Submariner.

I found a Seamaster in my price range on ebay with all the paperwork and original box but the other braclet. I've got a bonus that is supposed to be coming on friday so I could be posting pics of my new watch next week.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

I have the Omega GMT 50th anniversary and I love it. I just can't swing Rolexs prices any more. The Omega is a great watch for the money. Looks great on any strap. It has large markers that are easy to read, the lume is awsome and it has a tried and true movement. You can't go wrong. And they are becoming a bit of a classic since they are no longer made. The best of a Sub and a GMT with the 300m depth rating

That's a sweet a$$ watch buddy

[blackmsport]

Omega SMP GMT is a great watch and best bang for your Bucks

[Maxtor]

Love the bezel on the Omega. Very cool.

[huntershooter]

Both are great watches.
I personallly do not care for Omega's faceted bezel; it is difficult to turn. I substituted a PO bezel that works out better for me.
My experience has been the Omega is the watch that sees the roughest duty. I have no doubt the GMT ll is up to it, I just feel more comfortable swimmng/snorkling and banging around with the Seamaster.

[Juggernaut]

Does the Omega have the "jump hour" GMT Hand like the GMT II?

[KBM]

I don't mean to highjack the thread, but just so you make your decision having considered all possibilities, have you taken a look at the newly released Breitling Avenger GMT? 43mm slim case and ~ 3.5k new.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Does the Omega have the "jump hour" GMT Hand like the GMT II?

Well.....back in 2011 when this thread was started they didn't but your patience has paid off, yes the new Omegas with 85 series movements all have jump hours like the Rolex GMT2.

[dysondiver]

love the bezel swap ,,, very snazzy look.. was it a straight swap