Rolex GMT-Master vs Rolex GMT-Master II
Ref. 1675 vs Ref. M126718GRNR-0001
Comparing the Rolex GMT-Master to the Rolex GMT-Master II means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At ~$32,000 (market value) versus $44,750, these two watches serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up on specifications, value retention, and investment potential.
Price Comparison
Rolex
GMT-Master
Rolex
GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT-Master is priced at ~$32,000 (market value) while the Rolex GMT-Master II comes in at $44,750. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex GMT-Master trades around $32,000 and the Rolex GMT-Master II around $67,125, a difference of $35,125 favoring the Rolex GMT-Master. Currently trending upward at just 0% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex GMT-Master II commands an even stronger market premium of +50.0%, with upward momentum. For investors, the Rolex GMT-Master II edges ahead with a flip potential score of 8/10 compared to 6/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex GMT-Master | Rolex GMT-Master II |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 40mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.0mm | 13.1mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel | 18ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Stainless steel with aluminum insert in blue and red | Cerachrom (ceramic) in green and black |
| Crystal | Acrylic with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 50m / 165ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 1575 | Rolex calibre 3285 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, folded or riveted links (varies by year) | Jubilee, five-piece links in 18ct yellow gold |
| Clasp | Oyster folding clasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 20mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex GMT-Master II leads in water resistance (100m / 330ft vs. 50m / 165ft), and the Rolex GMT-Master II offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex GMT-Master uses Stainless steel while the Rolex GMT-Master II opts for 18ct yellow gold. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex GMT-Master costs $800 versus $1,678 for the Rolex GMT-Master II. For water resistance, the Rolex GMT-Master delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex GMT-Master offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex GMT-Master if you value a lower entry price. Go with the Rolex GMT-Master II if you prioritize stronger flip potential, better value retention. For pure investment potential, the Rolex GMT-Master II has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex GMT-Master or the Rolex GMT-Master II?
The Rolex GMT-Master is more accessible, priced at ~$32,000 (market value) compared to $44,750.
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex GMT-Master II has a higher flip potential score of 8/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex GMT-Master II currently trades at 50.0% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex GMT-Master and Rolex GMT-Master II compare in size?
The Rolex GMT-Master measures 40mm in diameter and 12.0mm thick, while the Rolex GMT-Master II is 40mm by 13.1mm. Water resistance differs too: 50m / 165ft versus 100m / 330ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex GMT-Master uses the Rolex calibre 1575 with 48 hours power reserve, while the Rolex GMT-Master II runs on the Rolex calibre 3285 offering 70 hours of power reserve.