4 things I would change on the new GMT II -C

[leopardprey]

Here are 4 things I would change, if I could, to make the New Style 116710 GMT II Ceramic Bezel the absolute perfect watch:

1. All brushed SS bracelet, no polished center links

2. Anti Reflective Crystal

3. Darker Green or olive green tint for the Writing and 24 hour hand

4. Re-Design the Case a bit: Thinner case, with a bigger bubble back. (like the Sub) (but keep the more beefier lugs) (Though comfortable, I do like the thinner profile of the older style GMT II and Exp II. Also finding out that due to the case fitting flatter on the wrist, my wrist sweats (and thus smells) more.) Also the case could be sligtly curved for better wrist fit and also the ends of the lugs could be smoothed out instead of super sharp.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I am in with you on those changes, Chad!

[leopardprey]

The all brushed bracelet, that will becoming soon! That I can easily have changed! The rest, will have to live with or flip down the road when Rolex decides to finally listen to input of those who actually use their watches for adventures.

You would think Rolex would have listened when one of their Ambassadors, and a man considered the worlds greatest living explorer, bailed on Rolex and switched over on his own accord to Kobald Watches and now uses their watches instead and gives Kobald free advertising!

[leopardprey]

I was actually thinking about seeing if I could get a watchmaker to coat the inside of my crystal with AR coating (send to a place that does Eyeglasses) and also paint the Green 24 hour hand Black (subdued, and when need to see the dual time, can look at the luminous triangle). Yeah, I know it would void the warranty, but there are plenty of independant watch makers (such as Nick Hacko, or my bud Sam in Thailand) that work daily on Rolex watches and sometimes even do a better job.

[JJ Irani]

A RED 24-hour hand would make it look even better!!

[leopardprey]

I agree JJ, in some ways I like the Red 24 hour hand better on the Explorer II, other times I like the Green. Just would have liked it a little darker, instead of the Emerald Green. But, painting the Green Hand to Red or Changing it out with a red hand, would not look right with the Green Font. Unless you want a Christmas GMT II LOL LOL LOL LOL

[ron17402]

I don't know Chad. I've read your thread while starring at my 116710.

I like the polished center links, as well as the sides of the end-links.

I like the crystal, it's very Rolex like. VERY reflective. I think it contrasts nicely with the jet-black face, and extremely shinny bezel.

The case could be more sculped as you mention, but it may not fit people with large wrists iof it were. Generally, I find the case very well designed.

The one thing I would change is the length of the clasp cover. I think it should extend another 8-9mm to match the length of the clasp.

In any case, I'm betting many watch designers got paid a lot of money to design the GMT the way it is. Although I do say the following often when entering a shopping mall parking lot at Christmas: "someone got paid a lot of money to design the parking lot this way."

[leopardprey]

In any case, I'm betting many watch designers got paid a lot of money to design the GMT the way it is

Just remember it was probably the same crack smoking designers who designed the Zebra Date Just and the Yacht Master II.


Well, here are a couple things I really like about the new GMT II that is one my wrist right now:

• I love the ceramic bezel. The new inner design and how it rotates. And the glossy wet look of the bexel itself.
  
• The Larger Hands and hour markers.
  
• The inner Blue Hair Spring.
  
• The way the maxi case and lugs are shaped.
  
• The addition of the Triplock Crown.
  
• The Summer Extension on the bracelet and the heavier bracelet.
  
• The New Style Clasp.

[Downing]

I guess the only way to avoid the polished center links is to replace the bracelet or go TT.

Hmmm. What to do, what to do...

[leopardprey]

Well, you do not have to replace. Watch repair shops, such as Classic Watch Parts in Hong Kong that repairs and refinished Rolex Bracelets from around the world, has already told me they can easily brush out the center links. And many other watchmakers can easily do as well. Will probably be in Hong Kong in a couple of months, so will do then.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

In any case, I'm betting many watch designers got paid a lot of money to design the GMT the way it is

Just remember it was probably the same crack smoking designers who designed the Zebra Date Just and the Yacht Master II.


Well, here are a couple things I really like about the new GMT II that is one my wrist right now:

• I love the ceramic bezel. The new inner design and how it rotates. And the glossy wet look of the bexel itself.
  
• The Larger Hands and hour markers.
  
• The inner Blue Hair Spring.
  
• The way the maxi case and lugs are shaped.
  
• The addition of the Triplock Crown.
  
• The Summer Extension on the bracelet and the heavier bracelet.
  
• The New Style Clasp.

Have you found a use for the summer extension? It's a very well designed feature, but my wrist does not expand enough to warrant it's use. But with you being in the Middle-East, perhaps you have had a chance to appreciate it.

I agree with everything you just said!!!

[leopardprey]

I use the summer extension quite often. When working out, or when sleeping, or after a long movement on foot. Also, we are now having a lot of temperature differences here in Afghansitan. Days can still get pretty hot, but it is starting to get very chillly in the evenings after BOB retires.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Well, you do not have to replace. Watch repair shops, such as Classic Watch Parts in Hong Kong that repairs and refinished Rolex Bracelets from around the world, has already told me they can easily brush out the center links. And many other watchmakers can easily do as well. Will probably be in Hong Kong in a couple of months, so will do then.

After you get the center links brushed, I would like to see it.

Personally, I don't think it will look right with the ultra-shinny bezel and polished sides of the end-links.

As you know, the sub had brushed sides on the end-links and the SD has polished. Which way are you going?

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

In any case, I'm betting many watch designers got paid a lot of money to design the GMT the way it is
[*]The Summer Extension on the bracelet and the heavier bracelet.
[/LIST]

Can someone explain how this works? I know it's a feature and a very good idea, but see no reference to it in the manual. Is it movement to one of the three pivots points in the bracelet?

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by BigHat

Can someone explain how this works? I know it's a feature and a very good idea, but see no reference to it in the manual. Is it movement to one of the three pivots points in the bracelet?

Here are some photos of the expansion link. The curved out half-link collaspes (snaps) into itself and makes it shorter. Or you can pull it out and have it longer as you see here.

[Robb]

If the GMT had a brushed bracelet on it then it would be the perfect Rolex to me!!!!

Not that I dont like the looks but the polished links are just not as practical for me for fear of scratching!

[colemanitis]

Brushed bracelet, red 24hr hand, and a Pepsi bezel. Then the watch would be PERFECT!

[mike]

Many good points Chad. I'm pretty happy with it, but a brushed bracelet would be nice.

[Destroy]

See in Ron's cool pics how there are grooves for the snap pin which connects the bracelet to the buckle....do those snap pins need a tool to move them between those three grooves or do they literally just *snap* out???

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by Destroy

See in Ron's cool pics how there are grooves for the snap pin which connects the bracelet to the buckle....do those snap pins need a tool to move them between those three grooves or do they literally just *snap* out???

The adjustment of the length of the bracelet can be adjusted by using a push pin to disengage the spring bar and moving to one of the three positions, if I'm reading your reply correctly. Mine is in the center of the three adjustment holes. I post some more pics so you can see the buckle.

The last pic is with the extension link closed.

It's hard to explain, even with pics. I hope this helps.

[Destroy]

Okay, so see how in pic2, your push pin is locked into the centre position - can you physically MOVE that push pin (without tools) in or out into the 1st or 3rd groove? Forgetting all about the extension bit?

It's ridiculous that rolex don't have this in the manual.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by Destroy

Okay, so see how in pic2, your push pin is locked into the centre position - can you physically MOVE that push pin (without tools) in or out into the 1st or 3rd groove? Forgetting all about the extension bit?

It's ridiculous that rolex don't have this in the manual.

I have not tried to change the length, but a previous thread discussed this and several people said that a push-pin could be used to push the spring bar and then the buckle could be pushed in the direction that you want.

You can see the spring bar in the first two pics.

[Destroy]

Okay sweet, thanks Ron - will try and find out - may call my RSC a bit later.

[bayhillrolex]

Ron.. your'e getting mighty handy with that camera

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by bayhillrolex

Ron.. your'e getting mighty handy with that camera

Well, I have the time to do it and have figured out the trick; Set the camera to 2 megapixal and on close-up and she works great. Also, I work the zoom in if I want a real close-up.

I guess you could say that I have it figured out efficiently.

Also, I want to make sure I give back to the forum what I gained in knowledge and advice.

It is this forum that helped me determine what watch I wanted, and gave me much infomation about Rolex and the brand.

To all the people here.

[EvEr34]

Chad....I agree 100% with the points that you have brought up except for the links, mine is a TT
You've actually help put a finger on why this watch does not make me smile as much as other.

Anyone want to buy a GMT.....

[ldmarcht]

The bracelet sure is a conversation piece. I passed on a 116710 earlier in the year because I like the way the Sub Date wears on a daily basis. It's dressed down a bit and that just seems more appropriate when washing the car or at the beach. I really like the bracelet on my SS Daytona but I save it for more social and formal occasions.

To me the 16710 is a more wearable watch on a daily basis, so I bought one of those(pepsi bezel) recently to wear during travel. I think it wears better than the sub or the Daytona! The burnished band on the sub and older GMT II are PERFECT!

[frostie]

Originally Posted by ron17402

I don't know Chad. I've read your thread while starring at my 116710.

I like the polished center links, as well as the sides of the end-links.

I like the crystal, it's very Rolex like. VERY reflective. I think it contrasts nicely with the jet-black face, and extremely shinny bezel.

The case could be more sculped as you mention, but it may not fit people with large wrists iof it were. Generally, I find the case very well designed.

The one thing I would change is the length of the clasp cover. I think it should extend another 8-9mm to match the length of the clasp.

In any case, I'm betting many watch designers got paid a lot of money to design the GMT the way it is. Although I do say the following often when entering a shopping mall parking lot at Christmas: "someone got paid a lot of money to design the parking lot this way."

I agree with what you said

[Blue Bull]

Two things ,I would change ....

1) Red 24h hand
2) Smaller font size numbering on the bezel,in silver,not milky white.

[Ronnie Rolex]

Bull,

The color of the numbering is milky white because it is platinum. I really like it since it blends well with the changing colors of the ceramic bezel.

I would agree with Chad on the other points.