MKII Key WestvsRolex GMT-Master II

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

MKII Key West at true scale

Key West

Rolex GMT-Master II at true scale

GMT-Master II

Diameter

40mm

40mm

Water Resistance

200m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

70h

MSRP

$1,694

lowest

$53,100

Movement

ETA 2893-2

3285

Case

5 specs
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
Oystersteel
Finish
n/a
18 kt Everose gold
Water Resistance
200m
100m
Caseback
n/a
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal Shape
n/a
Flat
Indices
n/a
Index
Lume
None
Chromalight

Movement

7 specs
Caliber
ETA 2893-2
3285
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
n/a
70h
Jewels
0
34
Hacking
No
Yes
Hand-winding
No
Yes
Complications
None
GMT, Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,694
$53,100
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

MKII Key West

Owners widely praise the MKII Key West for its true gilt dial and modest 39mm case size, making it a comfortable daily-wearer. Criticisms include the absence of a lumed bezel and cyclops, extended wait times, and a price point of $1600 USD. On balance, owners consider the MKII Key West a holy grail watch due to its vintage-inspired gilt dial and wearable dimensions.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Owners widely praise the Rolex GMT-Master II for its exceptional finishing on the Oystersteel case and bracelet, the legibility of its dial with excellent lume, and the scratch-resistance of its ceramic bezel. Many owners find it a perfect balance between sport and dress, appreciating the GMT function for travel and citing specific configurations like the "Batman" (BLNR) and "Pepsi" (BLRO) as favorites for their versatility and color schemes. The Jubilee bracelet is frequently lauded as comfortable and fantastic, with some preferring it over the Oyster. However, some owners note the bidirectional bezel lacks satisfying clicks, and one reviewer found the green GMT hand and text difficult to read. The Rolex GMT-Master II is also noted for being difficult to acquire at retail, with long wait times for popular steel models.

From video reviewers

The GMT-Master II "Root Beer" features a distinctive black and brown Cerachrom bezel and GMT complication. Reviewers did not agree on any weaknesses.