What Makes the Rolex Submariner More Desired than the GMT Master?

Rolex Submariner No Date

The Rolex Submariner is a classic timepiece which was made for the sportsman.  Even if a man doesn't dive or is even physically active, the Submariner is a go-to Rolex for every man.  This may be partly because of the men that wear the Submariner such as James Bond in the books and early Sean Connery films.  But I believe it s largely to do with the fact that men think of themselves as adventurers, able to dive, swim or take part in sports activities without a moment's notice to effect on their timepiece.

The Submariner has a very masculine appeal, with black dial, black bezel, and luminescent hour markers that can be viewed in a theater as much as under 200+ meters of water.  The steel case and large links in the bracelet make for a tough timepiece that can withstand daily wear and tear with the best of them.  The timepiece exudes strength, power, and energy.  It looks spectacular at work in a suit or at play on the beach.  Just as Bond would be up for anything, the Sub markets to the motivational desire that drives men to achieve and overcome any obstacle.

We can see in this chart provided by ablogtowatch.com that the submariner prices have skyrocketed over the last 58 years, and yet the timepiece has never been more popular.  The prices are still reasonable for men of both middle to upper class.  The timepiece will not break the bank and isn't ostentatious with people that might be put off at seeing a Gold or Diamond encrusted timepiece on one's wrist.

The Rolex Submariner is very easy to service.  It doesn't have fancy dials like the Daytona or an extra 24 hour hand as the GMT.  In fact, although the Submariner has both options with Date and No-Date, most collectors opt for the simpler no-frills No-Date version.

The GMT Master II is also a fantastic timepiece.  It is less popular probably because it appeals to the traveler rather than the sportsman.  Businessmen who are traveling between time zones can appreciate the 2nd time provided by the 24 hour hand and the rotating bezel.  However, this feature can't be appreciated by the majority of men who stick largely or entirely to one time zone.  In addition, the standard Blue and Red bezel is less stoic than the black bezel of the standard Submariner.  With that said, the GMT Master II does offer a black bezel and large link bracelet which looks awfully similar to the Submariner Date.  See below.  

Rolex GMT Master II with Black bezel looks very similar to the below Submariner with Date.

Rolex Submariner with Date

The Rolex Submariner line also has two very popular alternative colors (Green bezel and dial - aka the Hulk) and the (Blue bezel and dial).  Although Brad Pitt would scoff at any Rolex that isn't Black on Black (black bezel and dial), Robert Downey Jr. was happy to show off his Green "Money" Submariner.

Both Rolex timepieces are exceptional in quality and workmanship and at initial glance I would find it hard to differentiate between either model.  Yet both would be easily recognizable as a Rolex since they have the same Oyster case, look and feel.

In the end I would say that it is probably the fact that the Submariner is a far more marketable timepiece, not only in name (sounding similar to the Naval Submarine), but also in functionality.  Therefore the Submariner has become the de facto standard for a man's first Rolex in his timepiece collection.