Advice on a 16710 state

[Henrimontgomery]

Hello,

A seller has proposed a specimen of 16710, and I would like to show you a picture and get your opinion.


As you can see, lug holes (which wasn't my first choice), but SEL, lume and what I believe to be an excellent chamfer.

In my priority list I have "sharp case" very high. However as t he 16710 is new to me, your expertise on this topic would be appreciated. Is this a good model ?

Thanks !

[Henrimontgomery]

The clasp, which is quite polished IMO.

[mineral]

The case look like new and unworn condition (assume that it is not refinished). The Rolex bracelet looks like polished and may not be correct to the watch. Can double check the date code on clasp against the case serial.


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[JonaG]

Originally Posted by mineral

The case look like new and unworn condition (assume that it is not refinished). The Rolex bracelet looks like polished and may not be correct to the watch. Can double check the date code on clasp against the case serial.


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Would agree. The chamfer looks identical to mine. The lug hole is perfect, super clean cut.

Crown is good but could be polished. Would like to see the whole watch

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by JonaG

Would agree. The chamfer looks identical to mine. The lug hole is perfect, super clean cut.

Crown is good but could be polished. Would like to see the whole watch

Here is the full watch.


The bracelet is stamped AB10, and is a 78790A.

It's been serviced a few months ago, and seller says it is an all-original pieces specimen. Honestly it looks fine to me, but after watching hundreds of 16710, 16700 and even 16760 (!), it's all just a blur to my eyes.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

Here is the full watch.


The bracelet is stamped AB10, and is a 78790A.

It's been serviced a few months ago, and seller says it is an all-original pieces specimen. Honestly it looks fine to me, but after watching hundreds of 16710, 16700 and even 16760 (!), it's all just a blur to my eyes.

And one more thing to highlight that the box in your photo for year 2000 watch may not be period correct box too. Not something very critical but if you like period correct accessories, the box should be with brown inner cushion type.

If the case is not refinished, I’d say go for it as the unpolished and sharp case is quite difficult to come by nowadays.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by mineral

The case look like new and unworn condition (assume that it is not refinished). The Rolex bracelet looks like polished and may not be correct to the watch. Can double check the date code on clasp against the case serial.


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First would expect most used 16710 will have some sort of finishing, and clasps codes are just a approximation between X&Y years just like the case serials.And dont give a exact year when it was made only a approx year when stamped.So as the clasps are made separate to the bracelets the clasp code could be slightly different.And no clasp code or case serials are 100% accurate only a approximation between X&Y years.As all internet charts are based on when serials were first seen at ADs world wide, Rolex themselves have never made any official clasp or case serial dating public, watch bracelet all looks very good to me.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by padi56

First would expect most used 16710 will have some sort of finishing, and clasps codes are just a approximation between X&Y years just like the case serials.And dont give a exact year when it was made only a approx year when stamped.So as the clasps are made separate to the bracelets the clasp code could be slightly different.And no clasp code or case serials are 100% accurate only a approximation between X&Y years.As all internet charts are based on when serials were first seen at ADs world wide, Rolex themselves have never made any official clasp or case serial dating public, watch bracelet all looks very good to me.

That’s correct that the date code clasp is just estimation. Not 100% for sure but to get rough idea of the production year.


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[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by mineral

The case look like new and unworn condition (assume that it is not refinished). The Rolex bracelet looks like polished and may not be correct to the watch. Can double check the date code on clasp against the case serial.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bracelet is 78790 A, code AB10, so it would seem to match the watch as this is a 2000's model.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by mineral

The case look like new and unworn condition (assume that it is not refinished). The Rolex bracelet looks like polished and may not be correct to the watch. Can double check the date code on clasp against the case serial.


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Bracelet is AB10, 78790A and matches the time period of the watch (2000)

[spacedinvader]

Case looks amazing. Lug holes + SEL is the sweet spot in my opinion. Also agree that clasp looks a bit polished and that seems strange compared to pristine case. Wish mine from the similar era (1999) looked anything like that!

[Styles Bitchley]

One lug?

[SearChart]

Looks good, I wouldn't have any issues with the clasp being brushed and the logo slightly faded.

[Sandpit]

Depends on the condition you're buying it as really. If you're buying "as new", then they will be asking high end numbers.

If you're buying it as a used piece with some wear and tear, and acknowledgement it has been polished, then the price should reflect that.

In any event, the case based on the one photo looks great - could be a refinished case I'm not sure. Clasp wouldn't bother me (if i was buying as a second hand piece).

Basically, it depends on price but I think it looks good (imho).

[Dan Pierce]

Lug holes & SELs are the 16710's to get! They were only made for a few years and the best of vintage & modern.
dP

[Henrimontgomery]

Another image of the bracelet. I count 12 links.

[Bruno Datejust]

Everybody certain that the chamfer is correct that way? It seems quite large (beautiful in any case). Is it coherent with the watch-age?
Edit: must admit that on the overall watch photos "quite large" is no longer true. Splendid piece!

[lamkinpark]

The watch is polished but nicely done. Clasp coronet definitely polished, Clasp code AB10 should be year 2000 to 2001 with P serial for case. Bracelet 78790A correct for SEL, total should have 13 links.

[MrMercedes]

The Pepsi looks very good and is in a very good condition!

[Henrimontgomery]

Thanks for the advice. I will ask about refinishing, but the holes are pretty deep and clean cut, so don't think. Maybe it just belonged to somebody very careful

[Sandpit]

It's a wonderful example. I wouldn't worry too much about the polishing if you're actually going to wear it.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

It's a wonderful example. I wouldn't worry too much about the polishing if you're actually going to wear it.

That much is true, this won't be meant to stay in a safe, however in case I need to sell it (hope I ever won't), it would be safer to acquire something that is in good state. As I used to say in french "Le pas cher coûte trop cher" (Cheap costs too much).

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Sandpit

It's a wonderful example. I wouldn't worry too much about the polishing if you're actually going to wear it.

Certainly looks nice...don't get too hung up on polishing etc....just enjoy it!

[GoingPlaces]

Looks good to me. Clean. Nice watch.

[Styles Bitchley]

Boy, that looks fantastic.

[Jmbarrack]

Beautiful example.

Even if it was refinished, whoever did the work on the case did it professionally and right ala Rolliworks, etc. I think it's a winner.

[faimag]

Has been polished, as others said, but nicely done and the case remains in better shape than most. Such a nice example is getting rarer by the day.

[Melanotaenia]

Looks good; little stretch on bracelet but not that big of a deal. I would buy that watch if was in the market for a GMT. Case looks great.

[ocN55]

OP, the 16710 you show is superb! My eyes tell me that the lugs have been recut and the bracelet is refinished. That does not mean the watch is bad, it's actually a very beautiful example.

Originally Posted by Melanotaenia

Looks good; little stretch on bracelet but not that big of a deal. I would buy that watch if was in the market for a GMT. Case looks great.

Zero stretch on the band there. On the hollow bracelets, that's the appropriate amount of play

[ras47]

The dial looks new. Exactly like my P-serial model from 2000 after I sent it to the Dallas RSC for refreshing. They replaced the old dial with almost zero lume left along with the hands. I would suspect the same has been done for this watch.

I personally don't care for patina. I wanted mine to look new so I had the hands and dial repacked. Anathema for collectors, but then I'm not a collector and don't care about resale value.