Rolex Submariner vs GMT-Master II: which to buy pre-loved?
The Submariner is Rolex's dive watch: 300 m water resistance and a one-way 60-minute bezel. The GMT-Master II is its travel watch: a 24-hour hand and bezel to track a second time zone (a third with the bezel). Choose the Submariner if you swim or dive; choose the GMT if you fly or work across time zones.
Reviewed by the Nuvinty editorial team · Fact-checked
Facts checked against brand sites, auction houses and specialist dealers.
| Rolex Submariner | Rolex GMT-Master II | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1953 | 1983 (the original GMT-Master dates to 1955) |
| Purpose | Diving | Tracking multiple time zones |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, 60-minute scale | Bidirectional, 24-hour scale (often two-colour) |
| Current case | 41 mm | 40 mm |
| Water resistance | 300 m | 100 m |
| Nicknames | Hulk, Kermit, Smurf (colourways) | Pepsi, Batman, Batgirl, Root Beer, Sprite |
| Median asking price | £16,250 (47 listings) | £16,381 (35 listings) |
Asking prices across live listings from the partner retailers we index, updated 11 Oct 2026. Asking prices, not sold prices.
Choose the Rolex Submariner if…
- •You swim or dive with your watch
- •You want a no-date option (Submariner 124060)
- •You prefer a single-colour bezel
Choose the Rolex GMT-Master II if…
- •You travel or call across time zones
- •You like two-tone bezels such as Pepsi or Batman
- •You want a Jubilee bracelet option
Prices are sellers' asking prices. Nuvinty may earn a commission if you buy through a link. How we earn
Pre-loved Rolex Submariner listings
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2025 Rolex Submariner£10,081.70 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Submariner 16800 Men's Watch Stainless Steel with Black Dial Date.£7,581.70 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Submariner Date - 126610LN - 2022 - Full Set£9,995.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Submariner Non Date 124060 41 mm Black Dial Steel 2022 Box & Papers£9,695.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Pre-loved Rolex GMT-Master II listings
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Rolex GMT Master II Steel & Gold (2007 Box & Papers) 116713£10,500.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex GMT Master ii Bi Metal Black Kit ‘116713LN’£10,950.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex GMT Master II Bruce Wayne 126710GRNR 40 mm Black Dial 2025 Box & Papers£14,695.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex GMT-Master II Men's Black Watch - 126710BLRO PEPSI Jubilee Mint 2022£18,250.00 askingvia eBayShips from the UK · no import charges
Rolex Submariner vs GMT-Master II: questions
Can you swim with a GMT-Master II?
Yes. At 100 m it's fine for swimming; the Submariner's 300 m rating and dive bezel are for diving.
Which is more comfortable?
Both use similar Oyster cases and bracelets; the GMT-Master II is slightly smaller at 40 mm against the Submariner's 41 mm.
What should I check before buying either pre-owned?
Matching serial and reference numbers to the warranty card, the bezel action and a recent service history. See the model pages for the full checklist.
Buying guides and more comparisons
Nuvinty compares listings from resale marketplaces and retailers and may earn a commission when you buy through our links. We don't sell or authenticate items; buy from sellers who offer an authentication guarantee.