The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 is the stronger fit if you travel or want to track a second time zone; the no-date Submariner 14060M is the more focused choice for dive timing and a simpler dial. Both are 40 mm steel watches with rotating bezels, but their functions—and the way they wear those functions—are distinct. Neither is objectively better for every buyer.
At a glance: GMT 16710 vs. Submariner 14060M
| Feature | GMT-Master II 16710 | Submariner 14060M | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Travel and tracking another time zone | Dive timing | Choose the complication and bezel action you will use. |
| Case | 40 mm stainless-steel Oyster-style case | 40 mm stainless-steel Oyster-style case | The nominal diameter is the same; bracelet, case condition, and individual fit still affect wrist feel. |
| Bezel | Bidirectional 24-hour bezel | Unidirectional dive bezel | They are designed for different timing tasks. |
| Dial and hands | Date and an additional 24-hour hand | No date; conventional three-hand layout | The GMT adds information; the 14060M keeps the dial simpler. |
| Water resistance reported by Fratello’s 2020 comparison | 100 m | 300 m | The Submariner has the higher published reference-specific rating, but an older watch’s present water resistance depends on its condition and service. |
| Bezel appearance | Black, black/red, or blue/red options | Black aluminum insert | The GMT offers more color variation; the Submariner is more restrained. |
| Bracelet details described by the comparison | Smaller clasp; some examples have solid end links | Fliplock clasp with wetsuit extension; stamped end links described | Details can vary by example and production period, so inspect the actual watch. |
| Best-supported fit | Frequent travel or a useful second-time-zone display | Dive-watch function and a no-date presentation | Use case and preference—not a universal ranking—decide the better fit. |
These specifications and production observations are reported in Michael Stockton’s 2020 Fratello Watches comparison. They are not a substitute for checking the condition, originality, service history, or water resistance of a particular pre-owned watch.
Which is better for travel?
The GMT-Master II 16710 is the clear choice if you want to read a second time zone at a glance. Its additional 24-hour hand works with the bidirectional 24-hour bezel to indicate another zone. Rolex says the GMT-Master II debuted in 1982 with an hour hand that could be set independently of the other hands, a useful distinction for travelers adjusting local time. The 2024 Rolex GMT-Master II description illustrates the current line, not the discontinued 16710; do not transfer current-model specifications to this reference.
The 16710 also came with three bezel color combinations cited by Fratello: black, black/red, and blue/red. That choice can make the watch more visually expressive, though the practical reason to choose it is its second-time-zone function.
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- Pre-Loved Condition: Excellent; Light scratching and tarnishing throughout hardware
- Made in Switzerland
- Flip-lock clasp
- Signature upon delivery required
Is the 14060M the better everyday watch?
It may be, if your idea of an everyday watch is a clean no-date dial, a black bezel, and a purpose-built dive-watch layout. The 14060M’s unidirectional bezel is intended for dive timing, and the reference has no date display or extra GMT hand. It is less versatile for reading another time zone, but less information-heavy if you prefer a straightforward display.
Michael Stockton’s 2020 comparison expresses a personal preference for the 14060M as an everyday watch while also recognizing the GMT’s travel utility. That is an owner’s view, not an objective verdict: wrist fit, dial preference, and whether you use the extra function should carry more weight than someone else’s favorite.
What is the difference between a GMT and a Submariner?
The distinction is functional, not merely stylistic. Rolex dates the Submariner’s launch to 1953 and the GMT-Master’s introduction to 1955. Its history describes the Submariner as a dive watch and the GMT-Master as a navigation aid for travel across time zones. Those line histories explain the design goals; they do not establish the specification of every later reference.
- GMT-Master II 16710: a date, an extra 24-hour hand, and a bidirectional 24-hour bezel for tracking another time zone.
- Submariner 14060M: no date, a unidirectional dive bezel, and a dive-oriented layout.
For the 16710 specifically, Fratello reports a production span of 1989 to 2007 and describes changes during the run, including the disappearance of drilled lug holes and a transition from stamped to solid end links. Those details make it important to assess the individual example rather than assume every 16710 has identical components.
Rolex’s current references are not direct specification substitutes for these older watches. The company’s Submariner history describes the 2020 redesign’s 41 mm case and calibre 3230 for the no-date model; its 2024 GMT page describes a 40 mm current GMT-Master II with 100 m water resistance, a date, and calibre 3285. These current-model details provide context for the evolution of the lines, not evidence about the 16710 or 14060M.
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How should you interpret their water-resistance ratings?
Fratello’s 2020 comparison gives the 16710 a 100 m rating and the 14060M a 300 m rating. On paper, the Submariner has the higher stated rating. But these are older pre-owned watches: the original specification alone cannot establish whether a particular watch remains water-resistant. Seals, service, damage, and condition matter. Do not treat either rating as a guarantee that an individual example is safe to take swimming or diving; have it assessed by a qualified watchmaker before exposure to water.
Rolex’s history says the original 1953 Submariner was waterproof to 100 metres. That historical statement is about the first Submariner, not the 14060M; it should not be used to infer this reference’s rating.
What to check when comparing pre-owned examples
These references have production and condition variables that can change what a buyer is actually getting. The available comparison does not provide a full year-by-year guide or an authentication checklist, so treat its descriptions as points to investigate, not a guarantee of originality or completeness.
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- For a 16710: confirm which bezel insert is fitted, and inspect case details such as lug holes and bracelet end links against the specific watch’s production history.
- For a 14060M: verify the no-date dial, black bezel insert, and diver-style clasp and extension on the example you are considering.
- For either reference: review service records and documentation, ask about replaced components and polishing, and arrange an inspection by a qualified professional. A listing or original rating cannot establish authenticity or current water safety.
What do they cost now?
The Fratello article includes approximate euro price observations from 2020, including around €8,000 for certain examples then available. Those dated observations are not current market guidance. The sources cited here do not establish present transaction values or a reliable current price comparison, so assess current listings and the exact watch’s condition independently rather than using the old figure as a benchmark.
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