Designed as professional timepieces, both the Rolex GMT-Master and the Rolex Submariner have been favored on the markets, each lauded for their functionality and durability. However, one works in places where the other will not, so it’s important for consumers to know which watch is the best buy for their individual hobbies or careers.
Introduced as an aviation watch, the Rolex GMT-Master has met the approval of many commercial and private pilots. The most unique feature of this wristwatch is its ability to keep track the time in two different time zones. This is made possible by using a special 24-hour hand, an individual hour hand, and a bidirectional ceramic bezel that is divided into two equal parts—6:00 to 18:00 representing day and 18:00 to 6:00 representing night. This timepiece is also accompanied by a variety of jewels not seen on the Rolex Submariner, to include a diamond paved dial, a rotating bezel with beautiful diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, and even diamond fitted lugs. With only a depth rating of 330 feet, this Rolex model is not suited to diving, unlike the Submariner.
The Rolex Submariner is more suited to diving rather than flying with a depth rating of over 1,000 feet. It features a unidirectional bezel that is designed to allow divers to keep track of the time they have been underwater. This contributes to increased diver safety by measuring time that has passed by during ascent or descent underwater.
Though the two Rolex models do have their differences, they share several similarities as well. Perhaps the most notable similarity is that they were both unveiled at the famous Basel Fair in 1954. Both the Rolex GMT-Master and the Rolex Submariner feature a standard case of 40mm, a self-winding mechanism, a rotating bezel, and scratch resistant synthetic sapphire. Consumers can also find a Triplock system that provides an additional layer of protection to the beautiful Oyster case. This system contains a triple gasket feature that screws down on the case tube and firmly against the Oyster case. Both models are available in stunning Rolesor, yellow gold, or steel, along with the option of a bold black bezel and black dial. Both models are incredibly popular on the markets; however, because each serves a distinct purpose, consumers must choose carefully and wisely which of these Rolex models would be more suited to whomever wears them upon the wrist.
Bert Levi Family Jewelers is not affiliated with Rolex SA, and nothing
in this content should be construed as an endorsement by Rolex. We
are not an Official Rolex Dealer, and if you are searching for a new
Rolex, you should visit Rolex.com in order to find an authorized
Dealer. We buy and sell pre-owned Rolexes only.