The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 4 August 2024, 12:38 PM   #1
Marcjvr
"TRF" Member
 
Marcjvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Southeast
Watch: 214270
Posts: 2,747
Any GMT BlueBerry owners here ?

Came across this awesome pic of a Blue GMT and really enjoyed reading about this awesome reference

Any members on here the lucky owner of one of these? Would love to see some member pics






“The ‘Blueberry’ GMT-Master is essentially just a regular reference 1675 from the 1970s that was originally fitted with an all-blue bezel insert. Unlike the other colors of bezel inserts that have been available for the Rolex GMT-Master line of watches, the all-blue insert of the “Blueberry” GMT is not something that Rolex ever officially offered as an option at any of their regular authorized dealers.

Instead, the entirely blue, GMT bezel insert was manufactured in small numbers (primarily for the Eastern market) during the 1970s, and reserved exclusively for special orders by select retailers and military groups – examples can be found with the UAE Air Force emblem on the dial. Exact production numbers are unknown; however since the all-blue, GMT bezel insert was never officially offered to the general public, even service replacement inserts would have existed in significantly smaller numbers than the rest of the available colors.”

From: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...blueberry.html
__________________
Never place your happiness on something you have or can physically acquire
Marcjvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 02:39 PM   #2
CarlOver
"TRF" Member
 
CarlOver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: US
Posts: 2,214
Perezscope had some good info on these.
CarlOver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 05:21 PM   #3
Swearengen
"TRF" Member
 
Swearengen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: Gabriel
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,859
Interesting that they only started appearing +20 years after they were released.
__________________

1680 1675 16800 16570 16710 17000 16613 17013

Gone but not forgotten 16610LV 1016
16234
Swearengen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 08:11 PM   #4
Dom9
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Real Name: Dom
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: SD16600 & 9411
Posts: 472
Quote:
Originally Posted by Swearengen View Post
Interesting that they only started appearing +20 years after they were released.
Bob's seem confident in the authenticity... Will we ever really know? Not sure I have seen an official statement from Rolex on them or have I missed it?
__________________
Rolex 16610, 16600, 2 x Tudor 9411/0 black, 2 x blue and a black 79090
Dom9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 10:41 PM   #5
Jaegodylan
"TRF" Member
 
Jaegodylan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 133
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dom9 View Post
Bob's seem confident in the authenticity... Will we ever really know? Not sure I have seen an official statement from Rolex on them or have I missed it?
There is a letter from Rolex that states they never made them but it was a bit… questionable itself.

Haven’t seen much debate about it since 2019.
Jaegodylan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 06:35 PM   #6
lee fowler
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
lee fowler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: UK
Watch: GMT
Posts: 2,559
One here!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_3191a.jpg (252.6 KB, 860 views)
__________________


Instagram: @lee1563
lee fowler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 10:54 PM   #7
Marcjvr
"TRF" Member
 
Marcjvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Southeast
Watch: 214270
Posts: 2,747
Quote:
Originally Posted by lee fowler View Post
One here!
Man that is a great looking watch. Thanks for sharing
__________________
Never place your happiness on something you have or can physically acquire
Marcjvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 08:47 PM   #8
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 77,935
Here we go …
brandrea is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 12:29 AM   #9
77T
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,957
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandrea View Post
Here we go …

Yep - Rolex never made those inserts, it was a subcontractor.

And I think that they are still being churned out using the same anodizing mask.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 12:44 AM   #10
brandrea
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
brandrea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Brian (TBone)
Location: canada
Watch: es make me smile
Posts: 77,935
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
Yep - Rolex never made those inserts, it was a subcontractor.

And I think that they are still being churned out using the same anodizing mask.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
brandrea is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 09:45 PM   #11
thegrandseirolexguy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Asia
Posts: 463
I really like this reference. Thanks for sharing!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
thegrandseirolexguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 10:04 PM   #12
1675-David
"TRF" Member
 
1675-David's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 6,060
This thread rumbled on for over 2 1/2 years over a VRF if anyone would like some factually grounded analysis.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...s-t257145.html
1675-David is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 10:56 PM   #13
c41006
"TRF" Member
 
c41006's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Real Name: Joshua
Location: Atlanta
Watch: Pelagos
Posts: 7,933
I'm confused lol
c41006 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 10:59 PM   #14
Kingface66
2024 Pledge Member
 
Kingface66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: Many
Posts: 3,459
Would love to see one in a Rolex catalogue/brochure/pamphlet/advertisement.
I’ll wait.
__________________
Kingface66 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 11:00 PM   #15
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,309
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcjvr View Post
Came across this awesome pic of a Blue GMT and really enjoyed reading about this awesome reference

Any members on here the lucky owner of one of these? Would love to see some member pics






“The ‘Blueberry’ GMT-Master is essentially just a regular reference 1675 from the 1970s that was originally fitted with an all-blue bezel insert. Unlike the other colors of bezel inserts that have been available for the Rolex GMT-Master line of watches, the all-blue insert of the “Blueberry” GMT is not something that Rolex ever officially offered as an option at any of their regular authorized dealers.

Instead, the entirely blue, GMT bezel insert was manufactured in small numbers (primarily for the Eastern market) during the 1970s, and reserved exclusively for special orders by select retailers and military groups – examples can be found with the UAE Air Force emblem on the dial. Exact production numbers are unknown; however since the all-blue, GMT bezel insert was never officially offered to the general public, even service replacement inserts would have existed in significantly smaller numbers than the rest of the available colors.”

From: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-bl...blueberry.html
Which reference are you referring to? If you are referring to the radial-dial GMT 1675, collectors that believe the blueberry is genuine, and it could very well be, love placing all the rare GMT parts on cobbled together radial dial GMTs - to include the those original, repainted, red, GMT 24-hour hands.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 11:44 PM   #16
offrdmania
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
offrdmania's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Matt
Location: Wine Country, Ca
Posts: 5,996
There is a banger blueberry on HQ Milton for only $59,550. What could go wrong
__________________
TRF Member 11738
offrdmania is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 11:54 PM   #17
Marcjvr
"TRF" Member
 
Marcjvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Southeast
Watch: 214270
Posts: 2,747
Didn’t realize there was so much controversy around whether these are a real thing or not

Regardless though they look fantastic!!!
__________________
Never place your happiness on something you have or can physically acquire
Marcjvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 August 2024, 11:57 PM   #18
Dan S
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 6,271
If you like it, buy it, but be realistic about the originality of these inserts. At this point, if they were installed originally we would know it. Some people have a lot of money invested in them, and it's in their best interest to continue to obfuscate things and make unsupported claims about their originality. Personally, I'm extremely skeptical, but at the same time I don't think their value is going to collapse. They just have too much momentum with powerful people in the industry.
__________________
@oldwatchdan on IG
Dan S is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 12:17 AM   #19
Bazil
2024 Pledge Member
 
Bazil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Real Name: Bazil Brush
Location: Star Gazing
Watch: Any Daytona
Posts: 3,460
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl7aV2KyohY
__________________
<a href=https://ibb.co/P5C6k8z target=_blank>https://ibb.co/P5C6k8z</a>
One day, it just stops ticking, so enjoy every second
If you have no enemies, you have no character. Taking a stand always creates opposition.
Paul Newman

Being Serious = Onto the list you go
Bazil is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 02:41 AM   #20
Dom9
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Real Name: Dom
Location: United Kingdom
Watch: SD16600 & 9411
Posts: 472
Subcontractor in that they came from the same factory, using the same insert stock, font masks, etc. as a say a blue/red? In which case... hmmm... difficult one. Difference between these inserts and say a Crown Art Customs could be considered significant in terms of authenticity. They're effectively Rolex inserts... just never ordered by Rolex?
__________________
Rolex 16610, 16600, 2 x Tudor 9411/0 black, 2 x blue and a black 79090
Dom9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 03:45 AM   #21
1675-David
"TRF" Member
 
1675-David's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 6,060
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dom9 View Post
Subcontractor in that they came from the same factory, using the same insert stock, font masks, etc. as a say a blue/red?

Eh...no. As in aftermarket not connected to Rolex probably made by crown art customs Dad.
1675-David is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 06:41 AM   #22
4reRlxGuy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Real Name: David
Location: Socal
Watch: Patek 3970
Posts: 378
One more
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_20240804_133737_(900_x_900_pixel).jpg (162.2 KB, 720 views)
4reRlxGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 08:24 AM   #23
XavierM
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 388
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy View Post
One more
Looks beautiful but insert font is questionable on this one IMO
__________________
Instagram: @vert_eternel
XavierM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 10:07 AM   #24
4reRlxGuy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Real Name: David
Location: Socal
Watch: Patek 3970
Posts: 378
The insert was purchased in the 90s along with an all red insert that was switched out to a traditional insert and 24 hr hand.

Was waiting for the right watch to utilize these components. Fortunately this 70s 1675 already came with an all red hand.

Actually the fuschia insert it came with looks better IMHO.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_20240804_170050_(900_x_900_pixel).jpg (161.6 KB, 676 views)
4reRlxGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 08:14 PM   #25
swaini3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Mo
Location: Dubai
Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by XavierM View Post
Looks beautiful but insert font is questionable on this one IMO
Agree. Font is the same as a known rep.
swaini3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 August 2024, 11:54 AM   #26
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,309
Quote:
Originally Posted by XavierM View Post
Looks beautiful but insert font is questionable on this one IMO
That red hand has clearly been repainted.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 August 2024, 03:44 PM   #27
suligeo
2024 Pledge Member
 
suligeo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 597
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy View Post
One more

This insert is fake


https://www.instagram.com/vintage_georgex/
suligeo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 06:45 AM   #28
rootbeer7
2024 Pledge Member
 
rootbeer7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: london
Posts: 6,149
The facts: they were never officially produced or released or placed on watches by Rolex. Oddly they never appear on ratty old watches either.
YMMV
__________________
@imrootbeer7
rootbeer7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 August 2024, 11:00 PM   #29
swish77
2024 Pledge Member
 
swish77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 6,988
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcjvr View Post
Came across this awesome pic of a Blue GMT and really enjoyed reading about this awesome reference

Any members on here the lucky owner of one of these? Would love to see some member pics
Stepped into a hornet's nest on this one.

Zero conclusive proof they're legit. I believe there was ONE Rolex Service Center that took one in for a service estimate and noted the all-blue bezel on the paperwork. And RSCs are known to make mistakes and miss aftermarket parts at times, of course.
swish77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6 August 2024, 10:25 AM   #30
4reRlxGuy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2023
Real Name: David
Location: Socal
Watch: Patek 3970
Posts: 378
Will try to find a pic (it's on my blackberry lol). It is a of batch purchased Dubai many years ago.

The bezels were confirmed to be authentic by 2 well know US authorities after purchase.
4reRlxGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.