Rolex GMT vs. Submariner: Complete buying guide [2026]

The Rolex Submariner is the world’s quintessential dive watch, built for underwater durability, while the Rolex GMT-Master II is the ultimate traveler's timepiece, designed to track multiple time zones. The key differences lie in their function and construction: the Submariner has a unidirectional bezel for timing dives and a 300-meter water resistance rating, whereas the GMT-Master II features a bidirectional 24-hour bezel for reading a second time zone and has a 100-meter water resistance.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right iconic sports watch from Rolex for your lifestyle.

Rolex Submariner

First released in 1953, the Rolex Submariner set the standard for modern dive watches. It's a rugged, functional tool watch designed for professional divers that has seamlessly crossed over into the world of luxury. Its clean, legible dial, robust Oyster case, and classic design have made it one of the most recognizable and sought-after watches ever made.

• What it is: A professional luxury dive watch known for its durability, water resistance, and timeless aesthetic.
• Key features: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute bezel for dive timing, Chromalight luminescent display for visibility in the dark, and exceptional water resistance of 300 meters (1,000 feet). Powered by Rolex Caliber 3230 (no-date) or 3235 (date).
• Price: The stainless steel model (ref. 124060) retails for approximately $9,150.
• Materials/Construction: Built from a solid block of highly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel (904L steel) with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel and a screw-down Triplock winding crown for enhanced water protection.
• Sizing/Fit: Features a 41mm case diameter with a thickness of about 12.5mm, offering a substantial but comfortable presence on most wrists.
• Pros: Superior 300m water resistance, clean and highly legible dial, timeless and versatile design for any occasion, incredibly robust construction, holds its value exceptionally well.
• Cons: High demand leads to very long waiting lists at authorized dealers. The functionality is less complex compared to watches with more complications. Its popularity can make it feel ubiquitous.

This is the ideal watch for those who prioritize ruggedness, water performance, and a classic, versatile design that will never go out of style.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/submariner.html

Rolex GMT-Master II

Originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s, the GMT-Master II is the definitive watch for international travelers. Its defining feature is the ability to track two - or even three - time zones simultaneously, thanks to its 24-hour hand and rotating bezel. Known for its iconic and often colorful two-tone bezels, it combines practical functionality with a bold, cosmopolitan look.

• What it is: A luxury traveler's watch beloved by pilots and globetrotters for its dual time zone complication.
• Key features: Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour bezel, an arrow-tipped 24-hour hand, and a date function. It is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet) and powered by the Rolex Caliber 3285.
• Price: The stainless steel model with a two-tone ceramic bezel (ref. 126710BLNR, "Batman") starts around $10,500.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Oystersteel with a scratch-proof Cerachrom ceramic bezel, often in two colors to distinguish between day and night hours (e.g., blue/black "Batman" or blue/red "Pepsi").
• Sizing/Fit: Has a 40mm case diameter and a thickness of around 13mm, providing a balanced and comfortable fit on the wrist.
• Pros: Highly useful GMT complication for travelers, iconic and visually striking design with famous colorways, incredible history linked to aviation, excellent investment value.
• Cons: Water resistance of 100m is less robust than the Submariner's. The dial and bezel are busier, which can feel less versatile. High price point and extreme difficulty to acquire at retail.

Perfect for frequent travelers, pilots, international business professionals, or anyone who values its technical function and instantly recognizable aesthetic.

Shop this product: rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii.html

Rolex Submariner vs. Rolex GMT-Master II Comparison

Functionality & Bezel

The biggest difference between these two watches is their core purpose. The Rolex Submariner is a tool for divers. Its bezel rotates in only one direction (counter-clockwise) as a safety feature. A diver sets the zero marker to their minute hand before descending. This way, if the bezel is accidentally knocked, it can only show that more time has passed underwater, not less, preventing them from running out of air. It’s a 60-minute analog timer.

In contrast, the GMT-Master II is a navigational instrument for the skies. Its bezel rotates in both directions and is marked with 24 hours. Paired with the fourth, 24-hour hand, it allows the wearer to track a second time zone. You can set the bezel to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) or the time zone of another location, all while the main hour hand displays your local time. This function is much more practical for someone coordinating across time zones than a simple dive timer.

Durability & Water Resistance

When it comes to withstanding the elements, the Submariner has a clear advantage. Built as a serious diving instrument, it boasts a water resistance of 300 meters (1,000 feet) and features a Triplock winding crown with three sealed zones. This makes it suitable for professional scuba diving and any water-based activity you can imagine.

The GMT-Master II is rated for 100 meters (330 feet), which is more than enough for everyday exposures like swimming, snorkeling, and showering. While robust, it's not designed for the intense pressures of deep-sea diving. For 99% of wearers, 100m is plenty, but if ultimate water protection is your priority, the Submariner is the definitive choice.

Style & Aesthetic

Both watches share the classic Rolex Oyster case DNA, but their aesthetics serve different purposes. The Submariner is the epitome of understated, functional elegance. It typically features a monochrome black or blue dial and bezel, making it incredibly versatile. It looks just as good with a wetsuit as it does with a business suit.

The GMT-Master II is flashier and more extroverted. Its two-tone bezel colorways - the iconic red-and-blue "Pepsi" or blue-and-black "Batman" - make it instantly recognizable. This bold splash of color gives it a more casual, yet cosmopolitan, personality. While still versatile, its aesthetic is more of a statement piece compared to the Submariner's clean, go-anywhere look.

Price & Value

At retail, the stainless steel GMT-Master II is slightly more expensive than its Submariner counterpart due to its more complex movement and multi-colored ceramic bezel. The Submariner starts at around $9,150, while the GMT-Master II starts at roughly $10,500.

However, getting either watch at retail price is nearly impossible due to overwhelming demand. On the secondary market, both models trade for significantly above their retail price, making them excellent stores of value. Specific models and colorways can command different premiums, but you can't go wrong with either as a long-term investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Submariner and GMT-Master II are legendary watches, but they are designed for very different people.

Choose the Rolex Submariner if:

• Your top priority is maximum water resistance and durability.
• You are a diver, a boater, or engage in frequent water sports.
• You prefer a clean, classic, and understated design that flies under the radar.
• You value a simple, highly-legible tool watch over complex functions.

Choose the Rolex GMT-Master II if:

• You are a frequent traveler or do business across multiple time zones.
• You love the iconic two-tone colorways like the "Pepsi" or "Batman."
• You want a watch with a useful real-world complication beyond just time and date.
• You prefer a piece that makes more of a distinct style statement on your wrist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Rolex GMT and Submariner?

The primary difference is their intended function. The Submariner is a dive watch with a 60-minute unilateral bezel for timing descents and 300m water resistance. The GMT-Master II is a traveler's watch with a 24-hour bidirectional bezel for tracking multiple time zones and 100m water resistance.

Which is a better investment, GMT-Master II or Submariner?

Both are considered excellent investments and hold their value remarkably well, often appreciating over time. Historically, stainless steel sports models with unique features, like the GMT-Master II's colorful bezels, have seen extremely strong demand on the secondary market. However, both are blue-chip assets in the watch world.

Can you swim with a Rolex GMT-Master II?

Yes. With a water resistance rating of 100 meters (330 feet) and a screw-down crown, the GMT-Master II is perfectly safe for swimming, snorkeling, and other surface-level water activities. It is not, however, designed for scuba diving.

Which Rolex is more popular, Submariner or GMT?

Both are among the most popular and desirable watches in the world. The Submariner is arguably more universally recognized as "the" classic Rolex and appeals to a slightly broader audience due to its simple, rugged design. The GMT-Master II has a passionate following among travelers and collectors who appreciate its function and style.

Is the Submariner bigger than the GMT-Master II?

The current Rolex Submariner has a 41mm case, while the GMT-Master II has a 40mm case. Despite the 1mm difference on paper, they wear very similarly due to their lug shape and bracelet design. The difference is barely noticeable on the wrist to most people.

What do the GMT-Master II nicknames like "Pepsi" and "Batman" mean?

These are popular enthusiast nicknames that refer to the watch's two-tone bezel colors. The "Pepsi" has a red and blue bezel, the "Batman" has a blue and black bezel, and the "Sprite" or "Starbucks" have a green and black bezel combination.

Can you actually dive with a Rolex Submariner?

Absolutely. The Rolex Submariner is a professional-grade dive watch certified to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet). Its design, materials, and features like the unidirectional bezel and Triplock crown are all purpose-built for scuba diving.

Why are Rolex sports watches so hard to buy?

Global demand for Rolex watches far exceeds the annual supply. Rolex maintains strict quality control and does not rush production, while their brand prestige and investment value have created a massive base of aspiring owners. As a result, authorized dealers have long waiting lists for popular models.