@KeepTheTime Actually, no, I didn't keep the letter. At the time the internet wasn't in full-swing so it was all by snail mail. Honestly, I would have to spend some time with the newer ceramic bezel model to know what should be improved with it. At the time, I had both a Breitling and an Omega so most of the things that I felt needed to improve about the Rolex were direct reflections of what I liked about the others. But in having a fine eye for improving products, I bet I could find something!
You forgot one of the coolest enhancements Rolex has made to their watches...the AR coated Cyclops!! It makes it so much easier to read. A very well thought out and implemented feature.
Just bought a 2001 GMT Master 2 with Pepsi bezel. I have to say it is now my favourite watch! Practical and it looks good whatever you wear. Prefer it to the new versions, not keen on the ceramic bezel font and the placement of the serial number.
@WowzaGuy Thank you for the comment. Good point about the hairspring. Maybe they just needed to find something to improve. And hopefully they didn't just fix something that wasn't broken =P
That's not a silly question. The answer is that you can't really hear anything when you put it up to your ear. Unless you have excellent hearing and are in an extremely quiet room, then you might be able to pick something up, but unlikely.
@pcwfa No it cannot be replaced by the older style bezel. The new one is a completely different system that rotates the bezel using a bearing whereas the old style bezel had a spring that clicks from teeth to teeth. This also explains why the new bezel rotates per hour (the former model rotated per minute).
Thanks for making it easy for me to know the differences. On my second GMT now, which is a 1999 I bought new in 2000--but it is 18KT and SS. My earlier one (GMT--in SS) from perhaps ten years earlier had the plastic crystal and a different movement. The GMT II I have now works so well and just isn't as bulky as the newest ones. One great thing about Rolexes (bought my first in 1980) is that they truly hold their value. I have routinely sold my older Rolexes for more than I bought them! As a lefty, I need a watch that is tough and only the Rolex can withstand the abuse a lefty can do to a self winding watch worn by a lefty on the left wrist!
Hi there, Rolex just launched the closest thing we're going to get to a coke or pepsi style ceramic bezel for a while. It is blue and black (any drinks with those colors that we can name it after?). Please check our blog for live shots from Baselworld. Video coming soon.
This video was awesome. It really helped me understand the differences. The 16710 is the older classic look but the 116710 has some features that seem to be real improvements. The difference in the bar on the clasp, the 16710 has a stamped bar where the 116710 is machined making it more expensive to make.
It's so nice to hear that this video was helpful in understanding the differences between the GMT Master II models! Thank you for the comment, please subscribe ;)
Believe it or not, about 15 years ago I wrote Rolex and gave them a list of things that I felt the needed to improve about the Sea Dweller (as I had just bought a new one). Many of the things that I suggested are incorporated in the new design. I even suggested a multi-stone (ruby, sapphire, and diamond) bezel option for the GMT. They explained that this couldn't be done. Guess what, they offer it now!
Same as with the 16610 and 116610. The older model with its slim case and the smaller lugs is just nicer and more aesthetic. If you have wrists like Hulk or a butcher, the newer model might look fine too. What I hate most is the ugly font of the new model. I think the most beautiful model is the old GMT with all black bezel. And finally, which for me as a collector is a major thing: the older models prices go up and up and up while the prices of the 6 digit series sports Rolex are more or less stable. Cool review, thx for sharing.
great review. thanks a lot But I would like to make a pair of precisions : - the 16710 bezel clicks 120 times for a complete rotation not 60. - the last series of 16710 (some Z and all the M) have the same caliber (3186) as the 116710. This a great watch, one of the most accurate I have
I prefer the classic 16710 model, due to it's weight and size (as my wrists are quite slim) so it feels and looks better. But what disappoints me on the latest 116710, is the fact they only make the bezel click 24 times on full-rotation. Which means you cannot use it as a more precise minute timer any more. That, and also no more two-tone colour on the bezel which loses a little practicality and no more instantly recognisable classic GMT status! But I just love my 16710 with latest 3186 calibre!
Great review. I now understand my 116710 better. New clasp works wonder for me when I have to move between outdoor and air conditioned buildings. The little adjustments adds to the comfort.
+Wai-Chee Lee So glad this video was useful to you. It's a great watch and the updated clasp is an outstanding design, especially between seasons. We'd be very grateful if you were to subscribe to our channel. More 116710 vids to come!
Hi. What do you mean by "coke"? How do these compare to Breitling Avengers in accuracy? Thinking of getting either one of these or Cartier Tank Francaise next but I'm undecided coz they both look great to me. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks
just a question regarding the font bezels. is it only ceramic bezels that have the newer style font? has the rolex coke ever had the newer style font on it?
Thanks for the feedback, we can definitely adjust those. We're probably going to start putting the pop-ups directly on the videos in the future, just in case TH-cam suddenly decides to get rid of the annotations feature. The cool thing about them is that you can click a button to remove them from the video, but it's too risky to depend on them. Thanks for WATCHing! Please subscribe ;-)
Hi, one of the best things I most like about the 16710 is the ability to swap out the bezel inserts for different colours... I assume this is not possible with the ceramic model- am I right?
Hi Rod, it just comes down to price and preference. The high polish links on the newer style tend to show more wear; the older style appears to be slightly smaller on the wrist due to case design/crown size; the newer style bezel isn't as versatile; etc, etc. Which one do you like more at first glance? If you really can't make up your mind, just plan on getting both eventually ;-)
Thanks! Great video. I'm leaning to the old one: smaller numbers on the bezel, smaller indices, smaller hands, the way the bezel lays flatter. But the new bracelet I think is better. Heading to the store today to decide!
Very good points about the bezel and bracelet. Please come back and let us know what you ended up choosing. Also feel free to check our site to order a GMT from KeepTheTime. Thank you for the comment! =)
I could only wear it for about a month before I couldn't take it anymore. The watch is SO UNCOMFORTABLE as compared to the GMT 2 that I HAD TO SELL IT! Now, this new blue and black bezel has been released I am actually considering trying it again. I'm not sure if the band may have too loose which allowed the crown to dig into my hand or what but the weight and size are considerable.
Mark Steele Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that nice comment. It's really nice to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful in making your decision. Please check our site when you're in the market for a new watch ;-)
I have the older model and prefer it. It has a more classic look about it. Although i do like the look of the blue version of the new one. The lume is better on the newer one but thats about it for me. Nice video
There are good feathers on both overall I do like the newer feathers like the easy link my wrist expands a lot and the part of 10 times drop great video
I’m still confused about the new maxi-lug design that does not fit to the bracelet. Why I ask myself?? Why? To make it look bigger then it is?? These new lugs appear raw and unfinished. Gone is the elegant shape of a Rolex casing. :(
@jumboJetPilot That's interesting! Did you save a copy of the letter? If you were going to write a similar letter today, what would kind of suggestions would you offer Rolex?
My first GMT was a GMT 1 that I bought from a friend. It had the "plastic" crystal which was horrible to say the least. This was back in 1990. I upgrade 2 years later to the GMT 2 "Coke" color scheme and wore it until 2010 when the new "big watch fad" finally wore me down. I went ahead and bought the new GMT Ceramic for $7500 dollars. It was owned by a collector who didn't wear it much and you could tell it basically sat in his safe.
Hello, I hope I can buy a new 116710 for myself next year; and I agree with those who like the center link brushed bracelet. Can I have the center link brushed at the Authorized Dealer at the time of purchase? Im asking because I have heard Rolex doesn't allow that. Congrats on such a good video!!
Ceramic bezel - big negative, if it breaks/cracks big bucks to replace not ideal for a tool watch (just my opinion) Not fussed on the increased size either, it was perfect as it was. Love the improved strap though.
ive just bought a rolex gmt ii I was between the submariner and gmt they had gmt in stock so that made my mind up for me and a 10 year old one is no cheaper a rolex is a good investment if you can afford one
Thank you for making this comparison video. In 2005 I was gifted a new 16710 red black and I wish to now buy the black and / or the black and blue Master II to give the old girl a rest. I like the features of the new ones however I do prefer the 120 clicks on the original bezel. How much heavier is the new model GMT Master II's in all stainless ?
+Manuel Oranga It looks great when the newer style model has a completely satin finish on the bracelet and clasp. And with the high quality 904L steel that Rolex uses, it's easy to accomplish and even change back if you want to in the future.
i think i prefer the older model because i have a greater appreciation for most things vintage. i happen to own two vintage rollies; speedking and gmt master...thanks
honestly, i HATE the font of the numbers on the pepsi bezel. i much prefer the boxy, wider font on the newer bezel - only thing that would sway me towards the newer model (as you showed, newer model has brighter lume too). totally just an aesthetic preference. im new to automatic watches, i never knew you could adjust the time with the hour hand on the GMT, that is awesome. great, thorough review man! right now i'm settling for a Orient Ray Raven (kind of a yachtmaster knock-off, for 2.5% of the price lol)
also that engraving on the rehaut is so nice. you have covered every single difference. im gonna save up for the bamford blue black GMT. thanks for the review
Really fantastic review, thank you. I think I have been kidding myself by saying I want the Explorer 1 or 2, the new GMT Master 2s are just incredible. Best in the line.
+SeaJayBelfast They increased the size without actually increasing the overall diameter. This way they were able to give the appearance of a larger watch, which fills the need the current trend, while still maintaining the classic 40mm measurements. They did begin to offer larger versions the Datejust, Explorer, and Sea-Dweller (DSSD) models, but did not do the same with the Sub/GMT-Master. It looks like Rolex is making a statement by keeping steady at 40mm.
Technically the case size is the same, but the lugs were widened to give the appearance of being a larger overall case. Perhaps it would have been better if they get all of the same proportions and simply bumped it up to 41mm to match the Datejust II diameter.
@kroniuss No you cannot. However, you can swap the bezel insert on an older GMT from black/Pepsi/Coke style.
@KeepTheTime Actually, no, I didn't keep the letter. At the time the internet wasn't in full-swing so it was all by snail mail. Honestly, I would have to spend some time with the newer ceramic bezel model to know what should be improved with it. At the time, I had both a Breitling and an Omega so most of the things that I felt needed to improve about the Rolex were direct reflections of what I liked about the others. But in having a fine eye for improving products, I bet I could find something!
Love the older model. Looks better IMHO in every way.
+camaro Carl thank you for the comment and input ;-)
You forgot one of the coolest enhancements Rolex has made to their watches...the AR coated Cyclops!! It makes it so much easier to read. A very well thought out and implemented feature.
Just bought a 2001 GMT Master 2 with Pepsi bezel. I have to say it is now my favourite watch! Practical and it looks good whatever you wear. Prefer it to the new versions, not keen on the ceramic bezel font and the placement of the serial number.
+MachEight Congrats on your GMT, sounds like an awesome piece. If you upload a video of it, send us the link. Thank you for WATCHing!
@ihaveairlockers You have an excellent watch! Thanks for the comment, we're happy you liked the video.
Great Video, exactly what I was looking for! Great quality and showing all the differences!
Grateful,
Esteban
PS - we currently have a Coke bezel GMT that has been refinished and freshly serviced. Feel free to contact us tomorrow about it.
You are right because for now the ceramic is only in black. They haven't released a Pepsi or Coke style ceramic insert yet.
@WowzaGuy Thank you for the comment. Good point about the hairspring. Maybe they just needed to find something to improve. And hopefully they didn't just fix something that wasn't broken =P
That's not a silly question. The answer is that you can't really hear anything when you put it up to your ear. Unless you have excellent hearing and are in an extremely quiet room, then you might be able to pick something up, but unlikely.
@pcwfa No it cannot be replaced by the older style bezel. The new one is a completely different system that rotates the bezel using a bearing whereas the old style bezel had a spring that clicks from teeth to teeth. This also explains why the new bezel rotates per hour (the former model rotated per minute).
Thanks! Probably the best comparison video I have seen!
Really usefull!
I have just bought the latest blue/black bezel gmt IIc. A really great looking piece.
Awesome video, thumbs up for taking the time with the annotations man!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
This is a great review! I just bought the ceramic GMT II. I can't wait to get it!
Thanks for making it easy for me to know the differences. On my second GMT now, which is a 1999 I bought new in 2000--but it is 18KT and SS. My earlier one (GMT--in SS) from perhaps ten years earlier had the plastic crystal and a different movement. The GMT II I have now works so well and just isn't as bulky as the newest ones. One great thing about Rolexes (bought my first in 1980) is that they truly hold their value. I have routinely sold my older Rolexes for more than I bought them! As a lefty, I need a watch that is tough and only the Rolex can withstand the abuse a lefty can do to a self winding watch worn by a lefty on the left wrist!
Hi there, Rolex just launched the closest thing we're going to get to a coke or pepsi style ceramic bezel for a while. It is blue and black (any drinks with those colors that we can name it after?). Please check our blog for live shots from Baselworld. Video coming soon.
This video was awesome. It really helped me understand the differences. The 16710 is the older classic look but the 116710 has some features that seem to be real improvements. The difference in the bar on the clasp, the 16710 has a stamped bar where the 116710 is machined making it more expensive to make.
It's so nice to hear that this video was helpful in understanding the differences between the GMT Master II models! Thank you for the comment, please subscribe ;)
What an informative video comparison and not a word spoken. Thank you!
So glad you liked it, thanks!
@Boeing747fourhundred That's impossible to answer =/ You should get both (at least eventually).
Does the bezel have the same size? I really dont like the larger numbers on the new model.can it be replaced by an older bezel?
Believe it or not, about 15 years ago I wrote Rolex and gave them a list of things that I felt the needed to improve about the Sea Dweller (as I had just bought a new one). Many of the things that I suggested are incorporated in the new design. I even suggested a multi-stone (ruby, sapphire, and diamond) bezel option for the GMT. They explained that this couldn't be done. Guess what, they offer it now!
Same as with the 16610 and 116610. The older model with its slim case and the smaller lugs is just nicer and more aesthetic. If you have wrists like Hulk or a butcher, the newer model might look fine too. What I hate most is the ugly font of the new model. I think the most beautiful model is the old GMT with all black bezel. And finally, which for me as a collector is a major thing: the older models prices go up and up and up while the prices of the 6 digit series sports Rolex are more or less stable.
Cool review, thx for sharing.
@beforehangingcastle Thank you very much for the kind comment about our video =)
I don't like the new ceramic Submariner, but I think the GMT Master pulls the whole maxi-bezel thing of very well... nice watches
So? both internal movements can you swap them around? are they the exact same size?
Have you seen our blog? There's an example there now ;-)
I now have a 16710 Reference M36xxxx serial with the 3186 caliber. It's a stunner.
+Slipstream Awesome watch! You should upload a video of it ;-)
Is the older GMT master II sporting a Folded endlink as well?
great review. thanks a lot
But I would like to make a pair of precisions :
- the 16710 bezel clicks 120 times for a complete rotation not 60.
- the last series of 16710 (some Z and all the M) have the same caliber (3186) as the 116710.
This a great watch, one of the most accurate I have
Hi, "Coke" refers to the red and black style bezel. The red and blue is known as the "Pepsi" bezel. You can also get an all black bezel.
i like the ceramic one, how much of a price difference is there?
The ceramic bezel and the polished stainless band make the new GMT the best Rolex under 10k.
I prefer the classic 16710 model, due to it's weight and size (as my wrists are quite slim) so it feels and looks better. But what disappoints me on the latest 116710, is the fact they only make the bezel click 24 times on full-rotation. Which means you cannot use it as a more precise minute timer any more. That, and also no more two-tone colour on the bezel which loses a little practicality and no more instantly recognisable classic GMT status! But I just love my 16710 with latest 3186 calibre!
@TheRolexGuru Why not a Benny and Co or a Diamond Breitling?
still one of my fav videos in 2014
invictageek Thank you!
I've had both. Sold my "Pepsi" and bought a GMT-Master II ceramic. Both are great timepieces.
Could you do a video of the 116713?
Great review. I now understand my 116710 better. New clasp works wonder for me when I have to move between outdoor and air conditioned buildings. The little adjustments adds to the comfort.
+Wai-Chee Lee So glad this video was useful to you. It's a great watch and the updated clasp is an outstanding design, especially between seasons. We'd be very grateful if you were to subscribe to our channel. More 116710 vids to come!
Hi. What do you mean by "coke"? How do these compare to Breitling Avengers in accuracy? Thinking of getting either one of these or Cartier Tank Francaise next but I'm undecided coz they both look great to me. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks
just a question regarding the font bezels. is it only ceramic bezels that have the newer style font? has the rolex coke ever had the newer style font on it?
The two have never shared a font. The older aluminum bezel has never had the same font as the newer ceramic bezel. Hope this helps.
Great video. If you could leave the dialogue boxes visible for just a few seconds longer it would be nice though.
Thanks for the feedback, we can definitely adjust those. We're probably going to start putting the pop-ups directly on the videos in the future, just in case TH-cam suddenly decides to get rid of the annotations feature. The cool thing about them is that you can click a button to remove them from the video, but it's too risky to depend on them. Thanks for WATCHing! Please subscribe ;-)
Excellent! well produced and explained... Great job.
Love both, kinda hard to choose which one is my fav
Raw Fish Thank you so much for that! Glad you liked the video ;-)
Glad you enjoyed it!
They should update the Coke GMT in SS. The new Pepsi in white gold is too expensive. :(
Newer bezel looks more busy, but the dial and crystal somehow look better imo
i prefer the old one ...i have the coke one ! and submariner in ceramic ...
+Francesco Fregola That's a great combo to have. Best of all worlds!
The random serial GMT's have the chromalight blue lume now. Looks awesome.
i have a suggestion what about a coke or pepsi modal in ceramic whaooo the blue ceramic and red would look great!!
@rousp1 Thank you for the comment!
Absolutely. Great comparison video. Exceptional quality. Thank you.
Hi, one of the best things I most like about the 16710 is the ability to swap out the bezel inserts for different colours... I assume this is not possible with the ceramic model- am I right?
Wow, both are amazing pieces. Thanks for the video!
Hi Rod, it just comes down to price and preference. The high polish links on the newer style tend to show more wear; the older style appears to be slightly smaller on the wrist due to case design/crown size; the newer style bezel isn't as versatile; etc, etc. Which one do you like more at first glance? If you really can't make up your mind, just plan on getting both eventually ;-)
Thank you very much, glad you liked it. =)
Old is gold as they say... When looking at old vs new the old rolexes seem to look much more pleasing on the eye ;)
Thanks! Great video. I'm leaning to the old one: smaller numbers on the bezel, smaller indices, smaller hands, the way the bezel lays flatter. But the new bracelet I think is better. Heading to the store today to decide!
Very good points about the bezel and bracelet. Please come back and let us know what you ended up choosing. Also feel free to check our site to order a GMT from KeepTheTime. Thank you for the comment! =)
Congratulations! It's an awesome watch, especially for a first Rolex.
I could only wear it for about a month before I couldn't take it anymore. The watch is SO UNCOMFORTABLE as compared to the GMT 2 that I HAD TO SELL IT! Now, this new blue and black bezel has been released I am actually considering trying it again. I'm not sure if the band may have too loose which allowed the crown to dig into my hand or what but the weight and size are considerable.
Great informative Video. Information I learned here I have not seen or read anywhere including the official Rolex site! Thank you!!!!!
Thank you very much!
@togeeman 3186 is the latest caIibre for gmt... the new exp ii got the Iatest one 3187:-)
What is the difference in weight? Which would you rather use on a daily basis?
Great video - I have the Coke and am just about to buy the 116710 LN. This helped me make my mind up to go for it. Thanks, M
Mark Steele Thank you so much for taking the time to leave that nice comment. It's really nice to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it to be useful in making your decision. Please check our site when you're in the market for a new watch ;-)
For sure the classic old one is the best from its shape and looks.. More elegant and dynamic and more simple!
I have the older model and prefer it. It has a more classic look about it. Although i do like the look of the blue version of the new one. The lume is better on the newer one but thats about it for me. Nice video
+Sabato Notaro Thank you very much for the comment and kind words. Please subscribe to our channel when you have time ;-)
The pepsi GMTii error dial is my total grail watch, but finding one is impossible. Besides the fact that they are now 7,900.
There are good feathers on both overall I do like the newer feathers like the easy link my wrist expands a lot and the part of 10 times drop great video
Actually you can hear the pallet stones striking the pallet wheel quite clearly. At 28000 beats per hour. That's 8 per second.
Would LOVE a 116710 with the Coke colored bezel!!!
I’m still confused about the new maxi-lug design that does not fit to the bracelet. Why I ask myself?? Why? To make it look bigger then it is?? These new lugs appear raw and unfinished. Gone is the elegant shape of a Rolex casing. :(
always interesting to watch your videos !!! keep up the good rolex work ;-)
What kind of camera did you use for this video?
The gmt master II ceramic is really nice, just like the video! Good job! I would like to try out the watch!
@jumboJetPilot That's interesting! Did you save a copy of the letter? If you were going to write a similar letter today, what would kind of suggestions would you offer Rolex?
@lobzdik Thank you =)
Excellent and informative video well done enjoyed it
I have the older gmt and think its better
thank you
My first GMT was a GMT 1 that I bought from a friend. It had the "plastic" crystal which was horrible to say the least. This was back in 1990. I upgrade 2 years later to the GMT 2 "Coke" color scheme and wore it until 2010 when the new "big watch fad" finally wore me down. I went ahead and bought the new GMT Ceramic for $7500 dollars. It was owned by a collector who didn't wear it much and you could tell it basically sat in his safe.
Hello, I hope I can buy a new 116710 for myself next year; and I agree with those who like the center link brushed bracelet. Can I have the center link brushed at the Authorized Dealer at the time of purchase? Im asking because I have heard Rolex doesn't allow that. Congrats on such a good video!!
Ceramic bezel - big negative, if it breaks/cracks big bucks to replace not ideal for a tool watch (just my opinion) Not fussed on the increased size either, it was perfect as it was. Love the improved strap though.
ive just bought a rolex gmt ii I was between the submariner and gmt they had gmt in stock so that made my mind up for me and a 10 year old one is no cheaper a rolex is a good investment if you can afford one
Really cool comparison video !
Beuteful review! I've prefered ceramic version..))
New clasp, new besel, new bracelet - that it was preferable for me.
+clinpharm Thank you very much ;-)
Excellent video. Very informative
Thank you for making this comparison video.
In 2005 I was gifted a new 16710 red black and I wish to now buy the black and / or the black and blue Master II to give the old girl a rest. I like the features of the new ones however I do prefer the 120 clicks on the original bezel.
How much heavier is the new model GMT Master II's in all stainless ?
Nice video, not sure either to buy an explorer 2 or GMT2?
Tough choice. Do you like the possibility of a white dial? Do you want a rotating bezel? These are some of the things you may consider.
@Time2online Thank you!
I'll go for the newer version but wants the bracelet and clasp to be brash finish too...
+Manuel Oranga It looks great when the newer style model has a completely satin finish on the bracelet and clasp. And with the high quality 904L steel that Rolex uses, it's easy to accomplish and even change back if you want to in the future.
i think i prefer the older model because i have a greater appreciation for most things vintage. i happen to own two vintage rollies; speedking and gmt master...thanks
Thank you for sharing.
The coke is a classic time piece. Elegant...
Thank you so much for the comment. You're right with every word you said. Coke all the way!
Very well done video! Very well. Thank you!
why the bigger crown on the ceramic?
why you inner buckle on the new gmt is not mirror polished?
honestly, i HATE the font of the numbers on the pepsi bezel. i much prefer the boxy, wider font on the newer bezel - only thing that would sway me towards the newer model (as you showed, newer model has brighter lume too). totally just an aesthetic preference. im new to automatic watches, i never knew you could adjust the time with the hour hand on the GMT, that is awesome. great, thorough review man! right now i'm settling for a Orient Ray Raven (kind of a yachtmaster knock-off, for 2.5% of the price lol)
Thank you so much for the great comment and kind words! The Orient Ray Raven is a great looking watch, especially on a nato strap!
also that engraving on the rehaut is so nice. you have covered every single difference. im gonna save up for the bamford blue black GMT. thanks for the review
Really fantastic review, thank you. I think I have been kidding myself by saying I want the Explorer 1 or 2, the new GMT Master 2s are just incredible. Best in the line.
Thanks a ton for doing that!
+jw Thank you for WATCHing!
Salve come fare per acquistare?
Anyone know the reasoning behind the increased case size? Hate the big corners sticking out.
+SeaJayBelfast They increased the size without actually increasing the overall diameter. This way they were able to give the appearance of a larger watch, which fills the need the current trend, while still maintaining the classic 40mm measurements. They did begin to offer larger versions the Datejust, Explorer, and Sea-Dweller (DSSD) models, but did not do the same with the Sub/GMT-Master. It looks like Rolex is making a statement by keeping steady at 40mm.
KeepTheTime.com Thanks. Just irks me that they'd rather bloat a watch case rather than shrink it. Just seems so backwards.
+SeaJayBelfast Many collectors agree with your sentiments. Which might also explain why the older style is more popular than ever.
Technically the case size is the same, but the lugs were widened to give the appearance of being a larger overall case. Perhaps it would have been better if they get all of the same proportions and simply bumped it up to 41mm to match the Datejust II diameter.
I'm looking forward to Rolex returning to the thinner lugs
I acknowledge the improvements but stick to the older model, a classic!
Great comparison. Thanks!
+Tom Alfano Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for WATCHing!