Need advice on GMT II (16710) purchase & service

[Omega21]

So I'm looking for my first Rolex. I've settled on a pre-owned GMT-Master II (Ref. 16710) at a local AD. Looks like the (random internet) pic below with a deep maroon (not red) lower bezel insert (exactly the shade I want). The watch is Circa 2004, and in excellent shape cosmetically.

The pros:
- 15 month AD warranty
- Just serviced in October by the store ("gaskets replaced, lubed, polished") not clear if this was anything equivalent to a factory overhaul (probably not).

The cons:
- no box or papers
- Oyster bracelet will need another link to fit me properly (so more cost)

Price is $5100

I'm not sure how to evaluate the value of the in-store service as compared to the lack of box and papers. I can find comparably priced models for sale on this form, with box & papers, but not recently serviced. I'm not buying the watch to resell, but to wear. What are your thoughts on this price and on box/papers versus store's service?

[JakobZ]

Are you sure that the watch is from 2004... It has the tritium dial...

The tritium dial was discontinued 1997.

I'd say that the price is quite high since the dial doesn't match the year your telling us. What serial is it?

If I were you I'd read this guide.
http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/gmt-...ref_16710.html

[Brushpup]

That isn't too bad a price, but I think you can match or do better here from one of our trusted guys. I would prefer B&P, but if the price was exceptionally good I would choose one without.

Sorry to say it, but some independent services are hit and miss. You have plenty of time and choices as there will be many of these watches to choose from in the future.

EDIT: I didn't even look at the dial. I would look for a watch with luminova in this model. The Tritium won't have much if any glow left, and it will die eventually.

[JakobZ]

Originally Posted by Brushpup

[...]
EDIT: I didn't even look at the dial. I would look for a watch with luminova in this model. The Tritium won't have much if any glow left, and it will die eventually.

Personally I'd go for the superluminova dial, but that's just me.

[SLS]

Guys the OP stated that the pic is a random one from the net.

Buy the best condition watch for the money, box & papers are not important, but are a nice bonus, given the choice I like having them. The bonus to a local deal is that you can go back if you have any issues (doubtful). The flip side is that you will pay sales tax on the $5100, which if it is around 8%, is the cost of a service from good independent watchmaker, so at the end of the day, it makes the sellers here around the same price.
Scott

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by SLS

Guys the OP stated that the pic is a random one from the net.
Scott

Thanks SLS, some of us are clearly not paying attention!

[Aventura]

Originally Posted by Omega21

So I'm looking for my first Rolex. I've settled on a pre-owned GMT-Master II (Ref. 16710) at a local AD. Looks like the (random internet) pic below with a deep maroon (not red) lower bezel insert (exactly the shade I want). The watch is Circa 2004, and in excellent shape cosmetically.

The pros:
- 15 month AD warranty
- Just serviced in October by the store ("gaskets replaced, lubed, polished") not clear if this was anything equivalent to a factory overhaul (probably not).

The cons:
- no box or papers
- Oyster bracelet will need another link to fit me properly (so more cost)

Price is $5100

I'm not sure how to evaluate the value of the in-store service as compared to the lack of box and papers. I can find comparably priced models for sale on this form, with box & papers, but not recently serviced. I'm not buying the watch to resell, but to wear. What are your thoughts on this price and on box/papers versus store's service?

The deep brown bezel is the Root Beer model and the dial should be light brown,beige..am I wrong?

[Omega21]

Scott, great point on the tax, that I had not considered. Sales tax here is 6%, so $306 in tax on this watch, which is quite a chunk towards a service - great point!

Aventura - the dial is black and the bottom is red/maroon but definitely not brown.

The pic I posted is indeed random from the net, but I'm glad you guys pointed out the tritium thing. I had no idea earlier versions came with tritium inserts in the dial. That would indeed get annoying after 12 years. I have enough tritium pistol sights that need to be replaced, I have no interest in adding to that burden. I'll certainly look for a post-1997 model. Thank you guys for educating me on that.

Does anyone have a sense of what a "factory" overhaul costs? I don't mean a simple lube and seal replacement, I mean a tear apart, clean, and calibrate kind of thing. That gives me a sense of post-purchase cost IF I choose to do that to a newly purchased watch.

Any other considerations I should keep in mind with this purchase?

[s14roller]

Sounds high without boxes/papers.

[Tools]

If the Dealer is reputable then you may find this a good buy; dealer prices are generally higher than individual purchases. Nothing wrong with that as you have somebody to go to with any issues or concerns and there is some degree of safety in a brick and mortar store. Box and papers are seldom provided from Dealers and are mostly seen in "Internet Deals". They are of absolutely no value unless you feel they are of value to you. They do make them easier to sell on the Internet, as mentioned, and sellers always want more for them. It's up to you if you want to play that game.

2004 is a good year.. recent enough to be in excellent condition with the solid end links and Luminova dial.

A new link shouldn't cost more than 35 to 50 bucks and most Rolex Dealers should have one in stock or readily available..

Your dealer may have some negotiating room - doesn't hurt to ask..