Rolex GMT-Master IIvsUlysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date

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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.

Rolex GMT-Master II at true scale

GMT-Master II

Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date at true scale

San Marco GMT ± Big Date

Diameter

40mm

40mm

Thickness

n/a

11.8mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

70h

highest

42h

MSRP

$53,100

n/a

Movement

3285

UN-22

Case

5 specs
Thickness
n/a
11.8mm
Lug Width
n/a
n/a
Material
Oystersteel
Stainless steel
Finish
18 kt Everose gold
Polished
Caseback
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
n/a

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Crystal Shape
Flat
n/a
Indices
Index
n/a
Lume
Chromalight
Luminous hands and numerals

Movement

7 specs
Caliber
3285
UN-22
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
70h
42 hoursh
Jewels
34
28
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
GMT, Date
GMT / dual time with ± pushers for one-touch time-zone change, Permanent home-time display, Double-digit big date at 2 o'clock

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$53,100
n/a
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Reviews

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

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.

Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date

Owners widely praise the Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date for its exceptional reliability and build quality, with one owner reporting twelve years of service comparable to Rolex and JLC. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight its superb accuracy, with figures as precise as ±1 second per day, and its practical GMT functionality for travelers. The watch's design is described as having just enough eccentricity to be interesting, featuring good legibility and great finishing, though some find its aesthetic dated. The 40mm case is noted to wear well, and the movement is praised for its in-house components and silicon parts. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Ulysse Nardin San Marco GMT ± Big Date highly for its enduring reliability and precise timekeeping.