Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 vs Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR

In-Depth Comparison

The Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 and the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Chopard and Rolex are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular L.U.C reference was introduced in 2017, while this GMT-Master II reference debuted in 2018. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 beats the Chopard L.U.C 01.10-L caliber offering a 60-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 32 jewels. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR is powered by the Rolex 3285 with a 70-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 31 jewels. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR wins on power reserve with a 10-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 features a 42.0mm case at 11.5mm thick with a 49.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR comes in at 40.0mm and 12.1mm thick with 48.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Rolesor (Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold). The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 90g, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Fixed, polished bezel, while the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR features Sapphire with Cyclops lens crystal with a Bidirectional rotating, brown and black Cerachrom ceramic insert bezel. On the wrist, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 comes on a Black alligator leather strap with Stainless steel folding clasp, while the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR is fitted with Oyster bracelet, Oystersteel and 18k Everose Gold featuring Oysterlock folding clasp with Easylink comfort extension.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 is rated to 50m / 164ft and the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR to 100m / 328ft. For water sports and diving, the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 lists for $11,600 compared to $16,900 for the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR. The Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $5,300 at retail. On the secondary market, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 trades around $8,500 while the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR commands approximately $21,000. The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR carries a 24% market premium.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 and the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One 168579-3001 delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. for dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR is more versatile. as an investment, the Rolex GMT-Master II 126711CHNR shows strong value retention. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.