Advice on this GMT 16700

[andy2518]

Hi all,

Can I have a bit of advice on this 16700.

https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/rolex...id24649994.htm


Ad claims it to be NOS from 1992 however there are a few things I’d like some thoughts on:

- The Clasp Code is R6, which from what I understand dates it to 1993, how feasible is this being correct as the watch is 1992?
- General likelihood that it is NOS?
- The price it is offered - how reasonable is this in your opinion?


Finally I would have to sell my 1665 (Pictured below) in order to get it. My reason is purely because I was born in 1992 and love a GMT

Thanks In advance




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[1665fan]

I’d rather have the SD but that’s just me…..

[Onequik135i]

Watch looks good to me except for the price tag, as for the clasp code from my understanding these can deviate from the date code of the watch itself +/- 1 year or so.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Onequik135i

Watch looks good to me except for the price tag, as for the clasp code from my understanding these can deviate from the date code of the watch itself +/- 1 year or so.

Exactly case serials and clasps are only a approx date when they was stamped which is not always when made.

[kidneymd]

That’s a killer SD you have. Would not sell it for this GMT example. I would suggest saving up and waiting. Plenty of other GMTs from that era will be out there from trusted sellers.


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[amh]

No way I'd do that!!

'NOS' for a watch that old doesn't really mean anything at this point, you'd need to factor in a service just to get fresh lube in there. I'd find another 1992 in good condition and keep your SD. Vintage GMTs going for about $12k now but I've seen some unpolished for 10k.

[karleone]

The GMT is an amazing condition. Looks like it has never worn! The patina is very nice and the non faded serif insert is a killer. A very nice piece. Price is expensive though but makes sense for a NOS. Too bad to seek your 1665 though. I would try to keep the SD and add a very good condition 16700 / 16710 but not NOS for much cheaper (even naked for even cheaper)

[RFC]

Ortelli is the store in Italy selling the watch in Euro at roughly $1,000 less than the price it listed in C24. That is because the dollar and the Euro are virtually equivalent in value right now. The listing direct states that the watch is sourced from Japan which you can’t see in the warranty papers. Can’t tell if the papers are punched. So for an NOS I would have questions. To me the watch looks NOS but I have questions about one picture showing some imperfections in the side of the case but it may just be the photo.

Springer had an NOS 16700 listed from his collection at roughly the same price. I would prefer Springer over the Italian seller.

[RFC]

I purchased recently a 16700 ‘96 from a trusted seller in good condition at $12.8 k no box or papers, had been worn with a faded Pepsi insert and had some scratches/minuscule nicks in the lugs, sent it to RSC Dallas for service and it came back almost mint with a new insert and a 2 yr warranty. RSC also returned to me the faded original insert. All in paid 9k less than your NOS. Keep your SD and do like I did. Happy to wear it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Japanese papers, Spanish (?) booklets? Doesn't look great.

[RFC]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Japanese papers, Spanish (?) booklets? Doesn't look great.

Where did you see that the booklets are in Spanish?

[jaySL350]

Originally Posted by RFC

Where did you see that the booklets are in Spanish?

“ Su Rolex Oyster” is clear on one of the booklets,,,,

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Japanese papers, Spanish (?) booklets? Doesn't look great.

Was wondering when someone would catch that.

And, while perhaps an innocent mistake, the base caliber for this would not be 3185, which would have applied to GMT II models with the jumping hour hand.

[RFC]

Some of the C24 NOS or even full set listings are shady though I’m NOT suggesting this one is. Just be careful in doing your due diligence. For example I googled the listing of the store in Italy said to have sold a 5513 in the 70’s. Turns out that the alleged original seller had never been an authorized Rolex dealer and was a shady pawn shop with bad reviews. When I asked the C24 seller the dealer replied that’s what he got. To me the handwritten warranty papers not punched was a bad telltale sign to dig deeper. Just saying do your homework and buy only from trusted sellers from which you have recourse.

[faimag]

That 16700 looks quite legit and untouched. The only issue are the booklets (the "SU GMT Master" is in Spanish); most Japanese watches came with Japanese (or English) booklets - seems the AD just gave the original buyer (of course this could be at the request of the buyer if they were Spanish) whatever booklets they had on the side or the booklets have been added later to the set. But the watch itself is candy!

[EscapementArtist]

If it was me, I would not do this. I would not part with that SD either, it's killer!

Unless it's an absolute must that you get B&P, for a watch this old I don't think it's that important. As others have already posted, it looks like some of the literature may be sourced from other than the original purchase. A Rolex box is cheap on Ebay. It's also been stated that you'd need to service the watch due to it's age; this solves your papers issue as Rolex will issue you service paperwork/ etc. I understand that's not as cool as original papers, but really how much additional pleasure will they garnish you as they sit in your closet.

Finally, if you're absolutely wanting a 1992 model I would consider trying to reach out to a company like Bob's Watches. Places like this have stock relatively frequently. They also have contacts and may be able to put you onto a sale through their client list. See the link below to their page, these prices seem much more tolerable.

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gm...field_17:1990s

[RFC]

HQ Milton too has a few 16700’s at fair prices. So does Tropical Watch. 16700’s in good condition w/o full set are not hard to find. Unless your purpose is to put this NOS in a safe and never use it I would not part ways with the SD.

[173rdabn]

No how, no time, no way.

[Bladeshot]

No. Find another. There will be more.

Springer has good advice, and I’ll share what he told me.

“Don’t buy a birth year watch just because it’s birth year. Buy a watch based on condition.”

The condition is claimed to be NOS. Sometimes, dealers grabbed books and put them in the box without looking. Maybe this booklet came originally with the watch, but Japanese papers and Spanish books would be a no go for me.

There are issues with this GMT and condition of the complete set, as mentioned above.

[springer]

An Italian dealer selling an NOS GMT with Spanish booklets and Japanese papers. This one made put a big smile on my lips. I wonder where the missing green hang tag ended up or the clear case back sticker?

[andy2518]

Cheers for the advice as always, it’s easy to get lured in when you are after something.

Will take everything on board and give this one a miss.

Cheers


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[koronet-kid]

Originally Posted by andy2518

Cheers for the advice as always, it’s easy to get lured in when you are after something.

Will take everything on board and give this one a miss.

Cheers


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Don’t part with the SD if you intended to wear an NOS watch your better off paying less for one that has been worn otherwise you will just feel anxious when ever you wore it Your SD is killing btw

[harvey]

…I don’t get the idea of birth year watches.

[HogwldFLTR]

I believe it's lightly worn from the edges shown. Certainly not overworn. The pricing seems high, imho. I really love the 16700 and had mine been in that shape I would have kept it. But I'd not pau the price they're asking for it.