Rolex 2019 GMT Major Changes - Your Thoughts?

[brmeyers]

I am curious your thoughts on the NEW GMT Concept of Rolex that was Radically Overhauled at 2019 Baselworld.

Personally, I like almost all of the changes, including Jubilee on SS.
The 3285 Movement is now standard on ALL GMT's and is a better calibre movement which is really hard to argue.

With 10 patent applications filed over the course of its development,
this self-winding mechanical movement is a consummate demonstration of Rolex technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking.
Calibre 3285 offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetism, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 3285 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability.
Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference.
-Rolex.com

Before 2019 the GMT had
- 9 references
- 4 different bezels
- 2 different bracelets
- 4 different metals (SS, WG, RG, YG)
- 2 different movements.

Aesthetically, I never bought or loved the YG GMT, though I did like the YG Sub w/ Blue Dial.

I thought the old TT was not as nice looking as the Bluesy.

I also like the new ALL bi-color theme on GMTs, again never cared for the monotone Bezels on GMTs.


2019-06-03_23-47-53.png

Currently GMT is NOW
- 6 References
- 3 different Bezels (all bi-color)
- 2 different bracelets.
- 3 Different Metals (SS, RG, WG).
- 1 Movement - 3285

My Thoughts on Jubilee...
I know there are a lot of mixed feelings on the forum with the new jubilee defining the SS Rolex GMTs, but I like it. These bracelets are so darn comfortable. I have owned a SS Pepsi for over 6 months and I think it is THE most comfortable all metal bracelet I have had!!
I also like the aesthetic though it is dressier.
I admit on the Pepsi, I still like the overall aesthetic of the WG on Oyster bracelet, but part of that is the WG factor too, its beauty, luster and feel.

Rolex Everose on GMT
I own and love the Everose on GMT, much better than YG, especially
with the color choices they had on the outgoing models.
Both the TT and Full Gold models are Magnificent.

Also I like the new blue on WG which is nicer looking than all black.

My only BUT, is the Meteor dial which seems to contradict Rolex's new theme of Coherence to the GMT Lineup. Personally I thing they should have stuck with ONLY the blue dial on WG Pepsi and saved the sixth slot for a new YG release in 2020 (maybe a 7th for a TT).

Overall , I say well done Rolex, and the outgoing models, I felt were
getting very dated looking and I am ok in Rolex letter than ALL go.

It's funny, Now the GMT lineup is fresher than the Submariner Lineup.
When I first got into Rolex PM w/ the Smurf, I liked the Submariner lineup
better than the GMT and thought IT was fresher at the time.

***NOW WE NEED SOME NEW SUBS!!***

new GMT.jpg

[Importer_Exporter]

I tend to agree with you. I really like the bi-color bezels. The all black ones tend to look dated, but I know a lot of people like them.

I do like the green date wheels on the older ones. Maybe we’ll see a blue or red moving forward??

[RolexJoe]

I like the current line up with the exception of the CHNR (based on my general dislike for TT).

I would like a GMT in the future and wish they would keep an all black bezel option. Now that the jubilee is the bracelet option it would be different enough from my Submariner to not seem redundant.

[DasKptl]

I bet Rolex will reintroduce YG GMTs next year. It'd be strange if this line lacks YG models.

[dadonn2]

I like the new lineup but feel that a YG GMT and a black stainless still belong in the mix.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by Importer_Exporter

I tend to agree with you. I really like the bi-color bezels. The all black ones tend to look dated, but I know a lot of people like them.

I do like the green date wheels on the older ones. Maybe we’ll see a blue or red moving forward??

That would be interesting to have a different color date wheel.

Originally Posted by RolexJoe

I like the current line up with the exception of the CHNR (based on my general dislike for TT).

I would like a GMT in the future and wish they would keep an all black bezel option. Now that the jubilee is the bracelet option it would be different enough from my Submariner to not seem redundant.

I think bicolor captures the spirit of GMT with Day/Night emphasis.
But you are correct with new bracelet it would be MORE different than previous GMT-Sub comparisons. I always thought they looked too much alike and preferred Subs every time.

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I bet Rolex will reintroduce YG GMTs next year. It'd be strange if this line lacks YG models.

I think they must at some point. Interested to see how they execute a bicolor on YG.
Would this be a metal for a Coke?

Originally Posted by dadonn2

I like the new lineup but feel that a YG GMT and a black stainless still belong in the mix.

I agree with YG, but feel batman is black enough. Nice to have a little added color.
All black is boring in my opinion, though it is a clean look I suppose.

[BobDyl]

If you compare these changes to the substantial transition between 5 digits and 6 digits, they are very slight. I do like the new movement but watchmakers have commented that it is far more expensive to service with core components replacement-only.

I'd be up for an aesthetic rethink of the GMT, as robust as the 6 digits but somewhat slimmed down, with glidelock and illuminated bezel markers to improve comfort and function in the dark. Movement wise, they could still solve for inaccuracies at low reserve (co-axial anyone?). Maybe in another 10 or 20 years.

Oh, and a choice of bracelets and bezels would be nice.

And the ability to actually buy the product from Rolex. Too much to ask?

[samson66]

I'm still holding out hope for a new Coke on oyster. If that were to happen I might just have to get on "the list"

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by BobDyl

If you compare these changes to the substantial transition between 5 digits and 6 digits, they are very slight. I do like the new movement but watchmakers have commented that it is far more expensive to service with core components replacement-only.

I'd be up for an aesthetic rethink of the GMT, as robust as the 6 digits but somewhat slimmed down, with glidelock and illuminated bezel markers to improve comfort and function in the dark. Movement wise, they could still solve for inaccuracies at low reserve (co-axial anyone?). Maybe in another 10 or 20 years.

Oh, and a choice of bracelets and bezels would be nice.

And the ability to actually buy the product from Rolex. Too much to ask?

Great comments, thanks for sharing.
Personally I like the aesthetics but I think a choice in bracelets is a fair thing to offer.
I think the engineering in the 3285 is a big improvement. Not a quantum leap by any means but there are a lot of little enhancements to increase power reserve, and accuracy.
All my Rolexes I have never had an issue with so I am not so concerned about service costs.
I am also a fan of glidelock, but have found easylink good enough for microadjustments.
Anyway good comments and observations, this is what I was looking for with this post

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'm still holding out hope for a new Coke on oyster. If that were to happen I might just have to get on "the list"

A new Coke must be coming in the upcoming Baselworlds.
I can't see how they could overlook this classic

[BobDyl]

Originally Posted by brmeyers

Great comments, thanks for sharing.

Personally I like the aesthetics but I think a choice in bracelets is a fair thing to offer.

I think the engineering in the 3285 is a big improvement. Not a quantum leap by any means but there are a lot of little enhancements to increase power reserve, and accuracy.

All my Rolexes I have never had an issue with so I am not so concerned about service costs.

I am also a fan of glidelock, but have found easylink good enough for microadjustments.

Anyway good comments and observations, this is what I was looking for with this post

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'm still holding out hope for a new Coke on oyster. If that were to happen I might just have to get on "the list"

I'm sure it's coming, but my money says it comes out in PM first, just like the Pepsi.

[Chester01]

I am sad to see the oyster bracelet go, but it is/was a pilot watch and as such the jubilee has a more formal look than the oyster. This makes sense for pilots. Getting rid of the black bezel on the GMT also Makes sense 1) as it differentiates it from the sub and 2) the bicolor bezels may make reading the different time zones a bit easier.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by Chester01

I am sad to see the oyster bracelet go, but it is/was a pilot watch and as such the jubilee has a more formal look than the oyster. This makes sense for pilots. Getting rid of the black bezel on the GMT also Makes sense 1) as it differentiates it from the sub and 2) the bicolor bezels may make reading the different time zones a bit easier.

Great points, I agree with this

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

I'm sure it's coming, but my money says it comes out in PM first, just like the Pepsi.

Perhaps TT and Full Gold like Rootbeer.
Or maybe just Full Gold like 2014 WG Pepsi premier.
Either, way, I think it is safe to say it will be PM first

[kneedeep]

Love the Pepsi versions. Having said that I miss the all black ceramic bezel so just found and bought one to pair with an Everest or Hirsch strap for a little less bling.

[airchitect]

All in all, I think these are by far the best GMT’s yet. And honestly, and I don’t know why, I hope the Coke never comes back.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by airchitect

All in all, I think these are by far the best GMT’s yet. And honestly, and I don’t know why, I hope the Coke never comes back.

Yes I agree, they are all so nice,
but the Coke "could" be nice if executed properly IMO.
Maybe Rolex has no plans to bring it back?
Only upcoming Baselworld's will answer this question

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by kneedeep

Love the Pepsi versions. Having said that I miss the all black ceramic bezel so just found and bought one to pair with an Everest or Hirsch strap for a little less bling.

Pepsi is one of my all time Favorite Rolex Watches.
I have owned both WG and SS. But I have to say CHNR full gold is SOOOO Nice...
Elegance combined with sportiness. It dresses up as good (or better) than any sports watch I have ever owned (WG pepsi included).

[18●20●22●▼●2●4●6]

Needs Blueberry in that line-up; period.

[10klakes]

It’s far fetched, but the meteorite could be a super small run and go away in little to no time. It’s the odd duck in the GMT line and I could see it disappearing after a year or two.

Some interesting perspectives here- good post/discussion.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

It’s far fetched, but the meteorite could be a super small run and go away in little to no time. It’s the odd duck in the GMT line and I could see it disappearing after a year or two.

Some interesting perspectives here- good post/discussion.

I agree, Rolex will realize that ...
one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other-27204709.png

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by 18●20●22●▼●2●4●6

Needs Blueberry in that line-up; period.

I don't think so with their new bi-color bezel concept.
But I have to say that might make an interesting mono-color bezel on cerachrom though.

[TswaneNguni]

WG BLRO with black dial still my favourite .

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

WG BLRO with black dial still my favourite .

One of my all time favorites
Only watch I was inspired enough to do a review.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=548410

But I have to admit, I slightly like the new darker blue dial a tad better.
I still need to see it in person though.

[ccaballero]

Based on developments over past few years I would say Rolex has transitioned to a focus on GMTs vs divers.

[HK852GMT]

Originally Posted by samson66

I'm still holding out hope for a new Coke on oyster. If that were to happen I might just have to get on "the list"

100% with you on this. Beyond wanting what i can’t get, i have very little interest in the ceramic GMT models. My ‘old’ (2004) GMT is now in a coke bezel and looks absolutely gorgeous for it. If the ceramics had coke, it might just tip me towards them.

[Ceaiu]

The GMT line is my favorite from Rolex.
I was lucky to reserve the BLRO at an AD with delivery expected in August.

I have my eyes on the new BLNR next, but I can't do it (financially) in less than 2 years, so hopefully Rolex will keep it in production.


Next I imagine they could release full YG and a rolesor based with the BLNR bezel.


Further down the line maybe they'll replace the root beer with a Coke...

[THC]

YG is a must, not sure why it is not offered. Would wager everything it would sell better than the new meteorite WG

[Onikage]

Movement. That's about it. It's still a GMTIIC as far as I can see. YG has gone. CHNR is the only half way exciting recent development and everything else bores me to tears. The ongoing ceramic Pepsi and batman whooping hysteria is really quite irritating.

[brmeyers]

Originally Posted by ccaballero

Based on developments over past few years I would say Rolex has transitioned to a focus on GMTs vs divers.

I agree, I am hoping they are going to revisit the Submariner lineup,
and give it a full Daytona and GMT treatment as they have in previous years with those two classics.