The Rolex Submariner and the GMT II Crystal Height
In reviewing my Rolex parts book, both the GMT and Submariner share the same crystal. Even though the crystals are the same, the crystal on the Submariner appers to ride just slightly higher than the crystal on the GMT. I try to capture the difference in the photo on the right.
The Rolex parts book does not shed any light on the crystal height difference; all the parts appear to be the same. It is possible that the bezel ring rides higher on the GMT because it requires a little more play to rotate bi-directional rather than un-directional on the Submariner.
Hieght & Weight
GMT: 127 g / 12.45mm
Sub: 135g / 13.00mm
Date View
With the crystal appearing a little higher, when comparing the two watches side by side, the date view appears a little bigger on the submariner. If the Sub crystal is in fact riding higher, the date would magnify larger than the GMT. The other theory is that the watch face is farther into the case, increasing the distance between the date, and the cyclops on the lens and making the date appear larger.
The Bezels
The bezel ring on the two watches are subtly different. The bezel on the GMT rotates bi-directionally, whereas the Submariner only rotates counter-clockwise. Although the insert appears to be interchangeable, the bezel is slightly thicker on the Submariner giving it a slightly more robust appearance. The picture on the right shows my extra Red-Blue GMT Bezel insert sitting on top of the Submariner bezel ring.
When looking at both watches side-by-side, the slight difference in the bezel thickness, combined with the subtle difference in how the number views in the date window give the GMT a slightly wider, shallower look. The Sub, by comparison, appears that the face is deeper in the case and the dial insert as being slightly smaller/narrower. In actuality, the bezel insert is the same dimensions as the GMT, but the smaller look is given by the slightly thicker bezel ring.
The Caseback and Height
The caseback on Submariner is thicker than on the GMT. The GMT caseback is reminiscent of the DateJust and has a very similar profile. The extra thickness on the Submariner caseback is one of the crucial differences, aside from the crown, that allows for a 1000ft / 300m depth rating. The caseback on the Submariner does not give or flex under pressure.
The next time you are at an AD, examine the GMT II. Place both your thumbs on the caseback and try to flex it. At first, you will not notice any flex, but after repeating the same test on the Sub, one will notice a difference.
The added thickness of the caseback makes the Submariner ride a little higher and with a little more watch-flop. The GMT fits closer to the wrist and seems to slip under a shirt cuff without getting hung-up.
As you can see in the old advertisement on the left, caseback thickness makes a difference.
"... At 1,700 feet the crystal began dot bend a bit. And at 1,900 feet the back showed signs of bending. At 2000 feet the crystal and the back bent severly..."
According to Carolyn (another forum reader) the caseback is almost twice as thick on a Submariner than it is on a GMT. Using calipers that have a .02mm in variance, she found the following:
|
Model |
Thickness |
| GMT 16750 |
0.72 |
| Submariner |
1.51 |
| DateJust 16233 |
0.81 |
Caseback thickness really does make a difference in the depth rating of a Rolex.
The Bracelet & Clasp
The bracelet on both watches are the same with two noticeable differences. 
The links on the Submariner are brushed on the sides whereas they are polished on the GMT. The second distinguishing difference are the 4 ½ links on the Submariner’s 6:00 O’clock side versus 5 full links on the GMT.
For smaller wristed wearers, the ½ link helps bring the clasp to the center of the wrist. I believe that if the SD had 4 ½ links rather than 5 full links, like the GMT, I would have kept the SD. For small wristed folks (eg. 6 ½” diameter), the clasp hinge does not fully center on the underside of the wrist; part of the hinge hangs over the side.
For desktop divers and aviators, the increased clasp thickness is noticeable when doing desk work (keyboard, writing). The GMT clasp, being similar in dimensions to the DateJust from which the GMT originated, excels in desktop duties.
The clasp hinge is the same on both watches, but the clasp cover is longer on the Submariner to accommodate for the divers extension. The divers extension expands very similarly as the SD. Some people have written that the clasp is longer on the Submariner. In actuality, it's only the cover that is longer as the hinge is the same length.
How they Wear on a 6.5" wrist
Even though the watch cases are the same, the watches wear different because of the increased height and weight of the Submariner caseback. The Submariner feels heavier and a little more substantial than the GMT. The increased weight provides a little more feeling of presence on the wrist. The increase height also increases its visibility to others as well as to the wearer.
Perhaps the biggest difference in how the watches wear, especially for small wristed wearers, is the ½ link on the 6:00 side of the Submariner. For small wristed wearers, the half-link on the 6:00 o’clock side brings the clasp hinge closer to the center of the wrist. The ½ link combined with the increased height of the caseback make for a perfect fit for a 6.5” wrist. The GMT always sits on the outside of the wrist because all the links are removed on the 6:00 o’clock side and the outside band links somewhat cantilever off the clasp hinge thereby pulling the watch head to the outside of the wrist. This is not a major point, but noticeable when switching between a Sub and a GMT. For 6.5” wearers, the difference the ½ link might make the difference for prospective wearers deciding between a GMT and a Sub.
In all, I like both watches. I prefer how the Sub wears, but I appreciate the lower height of the GMT and the 24 hour hand for monitoring bicycle race start time in Europe. My daily wearer is the GMT, but I switch to the Submariner on weekends and I attempt to keep this one clean.
