On the hunt for an unpolished GMT 16710!

[japenney]

I've decided I need one of these in my life before they are too difficult to find. Unpolished with box and papers. I like with and without lug holes. Do you guys think these are too expensive already? How much would you dish out for a nice example? Lets assume we are not talking about 3186 movements. I have not seen many available for sale recently. Any advice on finding one? I have tried the for sale forums, emailed davidsw and takuya, and i look reguarly at watchrecon.

They save the hunt is half the fun. I hope that's true

[JP Chestnut]

Most of those sellers polish whatever they get. Your best bet is to buy from an enthusiast, or just pay up for a NOS example.

[Vintage12]

Nice choice. I'd budget at least $7K for the 3185 and probably double that for the 3186 unpolished with box and papers. A little pricey but the market speaks and I doubt these are going down in price any time soon.

I'm pleased with my last pick up. These watches are very versatile and wear nicely on the wrist. Good luck!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Vintage12

Nice choice. I'd budget at least $7K for the 3185 and probably double that for the 3186 unpolished with box and papers. A little pricey but the market speaks and I doubt these are going down in price any time soon.

I'm pleased with my last pick up. These watches are very versatile and wear nicely on the wrist. Good luck!

You should be pleased! That's beautiful.

[bmpregler]

Same watch is high on my "next to acquire" list. Hopefully after the first of the year.

[breitlings]

I would say a very nice 16710 without papers and a box is likely around 6.5-7.5k with the higher prices for the better pieces. A true unworn 16710 or unpolished will add more to the 6.5k-7.5k estimate.

An unpolished full set. I think those are going to be 7-8.5k and a more sought out 16710 could easily be 10-15k for the set.

[Onikage]

Look for a slightly bubbly, leather-like surface on the polished sides of the case. Instead of a perfectly smooth Breitling sort of mirror finish. Mine has been elevated to almost safequeen status since the BLRO madness started and 16710 prices went silly.

[mtgjr]

I bought my D serial, never polished, never serviced, full set BLRO from the original owner (retired commercial airline pilot) in April for $5900.

[zack777es]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

I bought my D serial, never polished, never serviced, full set BLRO from the original owner (retired commercial airline pilot) in August for $5900.

Now, that's a steal!

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by zack777es

Now, that's a steal!

Yes, I was very fortunate. I meant to type April (corrected original post). Note that I didn't buy it from a "trusted seller".....I bought it directly from the original owner. We both made out better than if we had sold to/bought from a professional watch dealer.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

Yes, I was very fortunate. I meant to type April (corrected original post). Note that I didn't buy it from a "trusted seller".....I bought it directly from the original owner. We both made out better than if we had sold to/bought from a professional watch dealer.

Those dealers are adding a lot of friction to the market. Always better to buy from a well known fellow enthusiast.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

I bought my D serial, never polished, never serviced, full set BLRO from the original owner (retired commercial airline pilot) in April for $5900.

Nice!

Got my D serial "full set" from a TS for $4,000 USD in 2009.

Wish my actual "investments" had all increased proportionally as much since then.

Can't imagine selling but never say never I guess.

[zack777es]

When it comes to 16710, I always believe that it's going to be a real classic (if it's not already one).
Now is as good a time as any, to get one.

I've seen prices going up steadily especially over the last couple of years.
Good D,Z serial examples are seen running around 7K as mentioned.
Box + Papers up to 7.5K.
Unworn/safe queens definitely going to be more.

Good luck and happy hunting!

[VerticalHorizon]

I've been very fortunate to have been able to pick one up (albeit without boxes and papers) for a great price before prices went silly.
I got mine for $3700 late last year (November 2015).

It is my grail watch and one of two of the permanents in my collection.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by japenney

I've decided I need one of these in my life before they are too difficult to find......

They save the hunt is half the fun. I hope that's true

You tell us. Seems you've been hunting for a while now. I remember you posting a 16710 you were considering a couple of months ago, asking the forum for opinions.

[sensui]

It's nice some people are getting these deals....but realistically the market dictates a nice unpolished 16710 is for sure $8-$10k pending on year and completeness of the package/type (original blro, coke, or black bezel insert for 3185 movements. The only trusted seller that I know of for sure that has a healthy inventory of these and knows everything about them is justrolexes. I would browse his site (sdwatches.com)/contact him and get what you want now as I'm sure these will just keep going up. I've already had my fill of them and am enjoying them to no end.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by sensui

The only trusted seller that I know of for sure that has a healthy inventory of these and knows everything about them is justrolexes. I would browse his site (sdwatches.com)/contact him and get what you want now as I'm sure these will just keep going up.

This!


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[Volatile Agent]

Originally Posted by sensui

It's nice some people are getting these deals....but realistically the market dictates a nice unpolished 16710 is for sure $8-$10k pending on year and completeness of the package/type (original blro, coke, or black bezel insert for 3185 movements. The only trusted seller that I know of for sure that has a healthy inventory of these and knows everything about them is justrolexes. I would browse his site (sdwatches.com)/contact him and get what you want now as I'm sure these will just keep going up. I've already had my fill of them and am enjoying them to no end.

I bought one from Tony (justrolexes) last year. I told him what I was looking for and he gave me several examples which fit my requirements. The prices are going crazy. Looks like they are about $1000 more now then when I bought. it is easily my favorite Rolex now and I can say with certainty that I will never part with it.

Good luck with the hunt.

[dbhak22]

I am certainly not a "trusted seller" (but it doesn't mean I'm not trustworthy...I swear!) nor am I a dealer but I happen to come across (and acquire) a couple 16710s in the past month (both A-serials) which I sold to fellow enthusiasts here. Neither had box/papers but both were in quite good condition and sold for less than what most are quoting here...but that's likely due to me not being a "trusted seller":

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=494561

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=489828

I also own a 16710 myself (my first Rolex) and it's so versatile. Certainly the one that gets the most wrist time.

[Boaters]

Hey Josh I just picked this one up no box or papers but thats okay I don't wear the box anyway I had him do a real light polish on it maybe it's first. I got a clamshell but also ALL three bezel inserts. Very happy beautiful piece and it looks great. Just put a 97200 with the glidelock on it and can't take it off. Good luck on your hunt.

[kromdom]

Originally Posted by japenney

Any advice on finding one? I have tried the for sale forums, emailed davidsw and takuya, and i look reguarly at watchrecon

when was the last time you looked? there are at least 30 listed now:

http://www.watchrecon.com/?query=gmt+16710&brand=rolex

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by kromdom

when was the last time you looked? there are at least 30 listed now:

http://www.watchrecon.com/?query=gmt+16710&brand=rolex

Yeah, his whole post is somewhat dubious. He's been posting about buying a 16710 for at least a month now. He started a thread a while back asking about a specific one that was obviously (based on the pics) grossly over-polished. After several people told him it was grossly over-polished, he wound up having the thread deleted for some reason.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

Yeah, his whole post is somewhat dubious. He's been posting about buying a 16710 for at least a month now. He started a thread a while back asking about a specific one that was obviously (based on the pics) grossly over-polished. After several people told him it was grossly over-polished, he wound up having the thread deleted for some reason.

I assure you there is nothing dubious at work here other than your misconstrued attempts at creating a conspiracy!

I, like many, come to this forum for advice and in return when I can be of help to someone else I provide my feedback :).

[japenney]

Originally Posted by kromdom

when was the last time you looked? there are at least 30 listed now:

http://www.watchrecon.com/?query=gmt+16710&brand=rolex

Yes but when you consider that I am looking for an unpolished example in good condition the list diminishes very quickly.

Thanks for the replies guys, helps a lot!

[Fleetlord]

This may sound weird, but these are definitely overvalued...but don't expect pricing to come down...because you know...ROLEX

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

This may sound weird, but these are definitely overvalued...but don't expect pricing to come down...because you know...ROLEX

Unquestionably over valued. I bought mine NIB for around $3,000 in 2004. Another super overpriced reference is the 16610lv. Not coincidently, both references don't have a compelling alternative among the new models.

[swish77]

I've seen several of these types of posts recently about old GMTs, but when I sold my full set 16710 in July (yes, untouched, unpolished), it sat on TRF for about two weeks before it sold. Now, mine was an early one, all tritium, but it was pristine, definitely collectable. Sold for $6800 net.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=485028

[sensui]

Originally Posted by swish77

I've seen several of these types of posts recently about old GMTs, but when I sold my full set 16710 in July (yes, untouched, unpolished), it sat on TRF for about two weeks before it sold. Now, mine was an early one, all tritium, but it was pristine, definitely collectable. Sold for $6800 net.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=485028

I wish I saw this deal.....but then again maybe it's for the best since I already got my stash. To be honest a more modern set with luminova full papered/box BLRO sells for far more. The collectors are more keen on the original pepsi inserts (denoted by the 16710B) on the paperwork versus the black/red (16710N/A).

For the people that haven't been following as closely or have questions, I highly suggest you talk to Tony Geha (justrolexes) about these. There's a reason why he hangs onto so many because he knows what they're worth and where the market is going with them. Not to mention he's one of the most honorable/honest trusted sellers I've dealt with on TRF. Just a guy with all class.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by sensui

I wish I saw this deal.....but then again maybe it's for the best since I already got my stash. To be honest a more modern set with luminova full papered/box BLRO sells for far more. The collectors are more keen on the original pepsi inserts (denoted by the 16710B) on the paperwork versus the black/red (16710N/A).

Perhaps, but I don't think that bezel insert distinction was on Rolex paperwork in all markets. My old 16710 was originally sold in Hong Kong and the Rolex guarantee paper didn't specify the bezel insert color. Mine happened to have the original Coke insert, but I could have switched it to the Pepsi insert and the change would have been impossible to detect, based just on the paperwork.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Unquestionably over valued. I bought mine NIB for around $3,000 in 2004. Another super overpriced reference is the 16610lv. Not coincidently, both references don't have a compelling alternative among the new models.

I bought mine, a Y-series GMT-II NIB with a black bezel, about the same time for about $3,200. It's my favorite watch. I would never part with it.