Sea Dweller4000 or the GMTIIc

[Dan7]

This will be my first Rolex, but considering the state of the economy, maybe my last.

Please tell me the pros and cons of buying either the Sea Dweller 4000 or the GMTIIc.

Many thanks.

[bodybump]

WELCOME TO TRF!!! I would say GMT IIc....and go get it NOW!!!!!!!heheheeh dont forget to show some pics after..

[f16570]

Welcome along.
Both watches will last a lifetime, however each will serve a slightly different function apart from the obvious capability of telling the time.
The SD (Sea Dweller) is an iconic Rolex piece and instantly recognisable.
Do you require a watch for serious diving?, if so then this is the very watch.
The GMTc II offers a dual time zone aspect, as well as having the latest 3186 movement. Some do not like the polished centre links, so this one is down to personnel choice.
Enjoy whichever you choose.

[Dan7]

I do dive into my desk ever so often but I hardly ever straddle 2 time zones. Thanks, Guys! Just Joking.

I was also thinking that the Sea Dweller 4000 has been discontinued but the GMTIIc will be around for a long time. Should this factor into my decision?

I read this article at "http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/jul/05/alternativeinvestments.moneyinvestments" . It makes me lean towards the Sea Dweller 4000.

[Troy]

This is mineIMG_0510.jpg

[sea-dweller]

Depends what you are looking for in a timepiece. Try 'em both on and see which one 'smiles' at you ! I would prefer the GMT IIC at this point, I have a SD (which I am wearing today), but it is a bit top heavy for my tastes.

[DSJ]

Both fine watches. I personally would lean towards the GMT2C as it tends to be more comfortable on the wrist, and has a higher quality bezel, bracelet and clasp.

[Gil F.]

Originally Posted by DSJ

Both fine watches. I personally would lean towards the GMT2C as it tends to be more comfortable on the wrist, and has a higher quality bezel, bracelet and clasp.

I wouldn't disagree with David's post regarding the GMT2C ... I think, however, this is an issue of personal taste. For me, my SD is iconic, more unique than other Rollies. Personally, I like the SS professional watches, and also like the lack of date bubble and clean look of the crystal. Also, the watch feels comfortable for daily wear, but also has a good heft to it. I frequently have to wear suits, and I have never had a problem with the watch hanging up on french cuffs or regular cuffs. Lastly, it looks good with jeans and looks spectacular with more formal attire, especially since the SD has the "tuxedo" appearance anyway.

I definitely agree that the discontinuance of the SD should figure in ... it's a classic watch and it will be even more unique in a few years.

Try them both on, and see which smiles more!

Let us know what you decide and post some pics!

[akhamdani]

My openion is GMT IIc.

[Ivy League]

Try this:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=55474

[dro57]

If you don't plan on doing any actual diving, the Sea Deweller is over kill and too heavy for daily wear. The GMT IIc is going to be a classic and has all the new features.

[SS Oyster]

GMT IIc

[SLS]

The GMT IIc has all the latest upgrades by Rolex, case, bracelet, claps, PB Hairspring, maxi dial/hands and the ceramic bezel. For the slight difference in price, the GMT is worth it IMO.
~Scott

[barstoolman]

Originally Posted by Gil F.

I wouldn't disagree with David's post regarding the GMT2C ... I think, however, this is an issue of personal taste. For me, my SD is iconic, more unique than other Rollies. Personally, I like the SS professional watches, and also like the lack of date bubble and clean look of the crystal. Also, the watch feels comfortable for daily wear, but also has a good heft to it. I frequently have to wear suits, and I have never had a problem with the watch hanging up on french cuffs or regular cuffs. Lastly, it looks good with jeans and looks spectacular with more formal attire, especially since the SD has the "tuxedo" appearance anyway.

I definitely agree that the discontinuance of the SD should figure in ... it's a classic watch and it will be even more unique in a few years.

Try them both on, and see which smiles more!

Let us know what you decide and post some pics!

Couldn't agree more .........the iconic SD!!!!!

[Mwing]

i thought about that when i bought my first rolex, same choices as yours, i chose sd becoz it was going to be discontinued, classic looks, no cyclops cleaner look, gmt2c can be bought later, unless you go for preowned, and more importantly, eventho i need 2 tiime zones, the polished center link was really a deal breaker for me, and i thought i could always buy gmt2c later bnib, but overall both watches are nice and you cant go wrong with either one, it is just a matter of personal preference

[dukerules]

Disagree with the contention that the SD is too heavy for daily wear. I think it feels just right, and I'm not a big guy. It's substantial in a good way, and I really like the heft of the watch. Just my thoughts.

[MAINEZX10]

I personally would go for the SD. I traded my Sub-Date fir the SD. To me the Gmt is too loud for me. Don't like the big #s on the bezel

[Brunotheboxer]

For me I would get the SD but you are not me. The polished center links are a big turn-off for me and I basically stay in my own time zone.

[Latrodectus]

Welcome to TRF
I would choose the GMT II c

[Dan7]

I have a feeling that the older members of this forum prefer the Sea Dweller 4000 and the younger ones like the GMT IIc more.

I prefer the SD from an aesthetic point of view. I think a beautiful object as one from which you cannot "subtract" anything more, and this watch fits that definition perfectly. There is a simplicity and minimalism about this watch that I find very appealing.

I also have very small wrists and the Sea Dweller seems to look far better (on my wrists) compared to the GMT IIc.

However, I live in the real world and despite the above, the GMT IIc is more eye catching.

Also, will the GMT IIc keep it's value better in future?

[cody p]

sd

[Dylan Wade]

Both great as others have said but if its only one then the SD for its versatility. I own the GMT IIc and love it to bits but cannot get myself to wear it in casual shorts or anything relating to sport (The EXP II fulfills this role) the SD however can easily cross all boundaries IMO.

Keep us posted on what you decide and of course why?

[Z-Sub]

SD first unless you love the cyclop and fatter lugs

[Dan7]

pragmatists vs. the diehard romantics?

[hflee55]

The SD is discontinued whereas the GMT IIc is pretty new in the market. The SD is a classic dive watch whereas the GMT IIc has the, well, GMT function. So, it depends on which function is prefer or require more. Something classic or something new. Both are fantastic watches.

My vote is the SD (i'm bias since i got mine today) because a year down the road, you can still get the GMT IIc NIB whereas the SD might not be so. And since rolex watches is an addiction, I'm pretty sure the one that you forgo for now will be on your next to buy wishlist. Good luck in your decision.

[Perdu]

You loose the 120 click bezel on the GMT IIc, which is very handy but otherwise I prefer the new GMT. Like Fraser said, either will last you a lifetime.

[SS Oyster]

I've already weighed in with my vote for the GMT IIc, but wanted to explain. The GMT IIc can be worn casually with jeans and a sweatshirt or with a suit. The SD looks out of place with a suit for sure ... and will be hard to fit under shirt cuffs unless you leave your left one unbuttoned. The GMT IIc is a large case (supercase), but is low profile. Plus the anti-glare cyclops is really much easier to read the date. For overall, ONE Rolex you can wear with almost anything (short of a tux - heck, even a tux), I remain strong on the GMT IIc.

[Z-Sub]

date window on the non cyclop SD is super easy to read (unless you need the magnification)

[Nigel Tufnel]

Originally Posted by Dan7

I do dive into my desk ever so often but I hardly ever straddle 2 time zones. Thanks, Guys! Just Joking.

I was also thinking that the Sea Dweller 4000 has been discontinued but the GMTIIc will be around for a long time. Should this factor into my decision?

I read this article at "http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/jul/05/alternativeinvestments.moneyinvestments" . It makes me lean towards the Sea Dweller 4000.

I think you are leaning in the right direction.

[Dan7]

I think the Sea Dweller 4000 is a more handsome watch - on my wrists, anyway.

From casual inspection, the case of the GMT IIc seems to wide for the relatively narrow width of the metal bracelet. Furthermore, the case of the GMT is too wide in the middle (as seen between 3 and 9 o'clock) to be aesthetically pleasing.

I'll be getting the SD 4000.

In India, the SD 4000 is selling for US$4800 and the GMTIIc for US$5719 ,inclusive of discounts.