Rolex Submariner Date vs GMT-Master II Model Comparison

Rolex Submariner Date vs GMT-Master II Model Comparison

Rolex's Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) and GMT-Master II (Reference # 116710LN) models are the watchmaker's most popular professional wristwatch models and also the most similar. From a distance, the only way to really tell them apart is by the numbers on the bezel and the polished/brushed center links. However, their main difference lies in their complications: the GMT has a 24-hour hand and bezel, the Submariner a 60-minute graduated bezel.

The Submariner model was introduced in 1953 and was the first dive watch with a depth rating of 100 meters. The current model, shown in the photo above to the left of the GMT-Master II, has a depth rating of 300 meters. It is equipped with a Calibre 3130 manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel features a black Cerachrom ceramic insert that is virtually scratch-proof.

Rolex Submariner Date Case on GMT-Master II Case

The bezel of the GMT-Master II also features a black Cerachrom bezel insert, but this bezel is bi-directional with a 24-hour display instead of the 60 minute display. The green 24-hour or GMT hand can be set to GMT time, allowing the wearer to quickly and easily switch from one time zone to another with a turn of the bezel in either direction. The GMT2 contains a 3186 movement also manufactured in-house by Rolex with a power reserve of 48 hours. This timepiece was designed as a pilot's watch in the 1950s and still represents the simplest and most useful watch for travelers in Rolex's professional watch line.

Both watches feature Mercedes hour hands and Chromalight hour markers on their dials. Both cases measure 40 millimeters and are made from 904L stainless steel. They both come with Oyster bracelets, the Sub's in brushed steel and the GMT2's with polished center links. As you can see in the photo below, the Submariner's Oysterlock clasp is longer than the GMT-Master II's due to the Glidelock extension system that extends the bracelet by 20 millimeters. The GMT2 comes with an Easylink extension link that adds an additional 5 millimeters to its length.

Submariner's Brushed Steel Bracelet above the GMT-Master II's Bracelet w/ Polished Center Links

Aside from their functionality and the differences listed above, the Submariner Date and GMT-Master II models are virtually indistinguishable in their stainless steel and black configurations. The price difference between these two references is minimal, with the Submariner Date going for 8,100 Swiss francs (approximately $8,196 USD) and the GMT-Master II at 8,000 Swiss francs ($8,095 USD).

Aside from the LN (black bezel) configurations used for this comparison, Rolex offers the Submariner Date with a green bezel and dial combination (Reference # 116610LV) that is commonly referred to as the 'Hulk' and the GMT-Master II with a blue and black bezel (Reference # 116710BLNR) that is known as the 'Batman' amongst Rolex enthusiasts. For additional information on these two models, including where to buy them, visit rolex.com.

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