Suggestions on finding new Black Bezel 16710

[Coastal1]

Hello everyone,

I wanted my first post on the forum to include pics of a new watch but I have run into a road block. I have been trying to purchase a new Black Bezel GMT Master II (16710) but none of the ADs I have contacted have a black bezel watch (I have spoke with 6 ADs along the Gulf coast- LA, MS, FL). I have asked them all if they would change out the bezel and they have all told me they cannot change the bezel per ROLEX. Yesterday, by chance I called an AD in NW FL and he had a black/maroon bezel that he offered to me at an 11% discount which seems to be a pretty good deal. I asked if he would replace the bezel with a black one if I purchased and paid for everything involved. He said 6 months ago he could have done that but Rolex will not let him do that now. He suggested purchasing the watch if I want to, wait a few months, and send it to Rolex to have the bezel changed. I thought well that might be the answer. I called the RSC in Dallas a little while ago and they told me that they could not change the bezel, it started out as a black/maroon gmt II and would have to stay that way. She said there would be a remote chance that when the watch came up for service (5 -7 yrs) and I asked for a bezel change then they may possibly consider my request.

Do any of you guys have a suggestion? Any AD suggestions? (that may discount if possible) I just really like that black classic look.

Sorry for the small novel. I have truly enjoyed reading on this forum and I must say this forum has a great group of people. I have only been on another forum with people of this caliber. It was a stock forum that I made some money on. This one, I think with cost me a lot of money but bring probably more joy! I have officially caught the ROLEX bug! Thank you everyone!

[Welshwatchman]

Hi Coasty,

If I were in your position I would buy the black/maroon GMT at 11% discount and keep your eyes out for a pepsi & black bezel. You may find them easier to find in Europe due to the Stalinist approach of RUSA.

You will then have the full compliment of bezels for a modest sum and (with careful practice and the right knife) then be able to swap bezels yourself.

[Tools]

Coasty,

I second Paul...get the black/red.... It's a knockout in it's own right..

However, you can track down a black insert easier than another GMT.

[mullman]

You can buy mine in the forsale section...
Make offer.

[Joey_V]

I saw 2 at my AD.

[mullman]

[Coastal1]

Thanks guys....I may end up purchasing the Maroon/black bezel. (It is a nice looking watch) My concern is finding the all Black bezel after I buy the watch. Any suggestions on where to locate one? Other than Ebay which seems to have aftermarket bezels which I do not want to get involved with. Also I would assume if and when I had the watch serviced by RSC I would have to put the orginal bezel back on before I sent it off? Thanks again!

[Welshwatchman]

Shameful advertising.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Coastal1

Thanks guys....I may end up purchasing the Maroon/black bezel. (It is a nice looking watch) My concern is finding the all Black bezel after I buy the watch. Any suggestions on where to locate one? Other than Ebay which seems to have aftermarket bezels which I do not want to get involved with. Also I would assume if and when I had the watch serviced by RSC I would have to put the orginal bezel back on before I sent it off? Thanks again!

As long as you have an authentic bezel in the watch then Rolex are happy chappies.

As Larry said, make sure you don't end up WITHOUT a GMT. The bezel issue will be irrelevant then.

Like the saying goes "He who hesitates - (something that rhymes with hesitates)"

[Coastal1]

Mullman, that is a beauty....I was looking for new but that watch is nice. You may have me thinking......
Thanks for the offer

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

Shameful advertising.

I wholeheartedly resemble that remark

Can't blame a guy for trying!

[Coastal1]

You are right Welsh....there are few around here. My wife has been laughing at me about my quest for this watch. I have never really worn a watch but have always loved Rolexs and Omegas. The subject of getting a watch has come up now and then. I have always told her that I was saving myself for something special. We are about to have our second child and I thought this may be the time if I am going to do it. Besides I can pass on to my son one day! Just means I'll need to get a second one later so they can both have one...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

As stated, in Europe you can get the bezel inserts without problems, so I suggest you contact some European AD's.

Best of luck!

[Coastal1]

If I call a European AD and ask to purchase a Black bezel they will selll it to me? That would be great! Why is this bezel change such a big issue for ROLEX USA? It doesn't make much since to me....

Thanks guys....and thanks for the welcome!

[mullman]

My 16710 originally had a red/black bezel.
At the first service (sometime in the 6th year) I requested the NYC RSC to change it to black, and they did for something like $40. I did not get to keep the red/black insert which I thought was odd. But I was too thrilled with the new look of my watch to be very concerned.

[mike]

I would second those that say get the RED/BLACK. Part of the fun of the 16710 is the ability to change inserts. The BLACK and RED/BLUE can be had with a little effort.
Nice to be able to change.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mike

I would second those that say get the RED/BLACK. Part of the fun of the 16710 is the ability to change inserts. The BLACK and RED/BLUE can be had with a little effort.
Nice to be able to change.

Agreed. I plan on completing my insert collection with a red/black while in London next year.
dP

[Coastal1]

Thanks guys, I may go with the black and maroon bezel. How's 11% off of list price sound? Seems pretty fair to me.

[sleedawg]

Coastal1. I sent you a PM where you can find an all Black GMT II in stock for about that same price.

[Coastal1]

I finally found a Black Bezel GMT (16710) in NJ thanks to TRF member "sleedawg". He gave me the name of an AD in NJ that had one and I got a good price too. My sincere thanks to him for that!

I called a total of 8 ADs along the Gulf coast and no one had the watch, it was amazing. I decided to buy the black/maroon GMT but the AD in FL flaked out on me. I will explain that story if anyone is interested. Now, I have to sit and wait. Waiting will be the hard part. The good news is I bought a ROLEX and now I am going to Disney World to celebrate. The bad news is I have to wait unitl I get back to get the watch.

Thanks again to everyone that offered me help on my watch quest.

I will post pics when I get it.

[Dan Pierce]

Good for you Coastal. You're gonna love that watch. Can't wait to see the pics. Here's one to tide you over.
dP

[CPTL]

Congrats on finding it!! And of course--we're always interested in every insignificant detail of every Rolex purchase ever. It's a sickness.

[nyyankees]

Just sent you a PM

[clbcpa]

Originally Posted by Coastal1

Thanks guys....I may end up purchasing the Maroon/black bezel. (It is a nice looking watch) My concern is finding the all Black bezel after I buy the watch. Any suggestions on where to locate one? Other than Ebay which seems to have aftermarket bezels which I do not want to get involved with. Also I would assume if and when I had the watch serviced by RSC I would have to put the orginal bezel back on before I sent it off? Thanks again!

I called my AD who has authorized rolex techs and asked your questions. PM me and I will give you the answers they gave me

[clbcpa]

Well.. now I just found one in the case with black bezel. PM me if interested

[clbcpa]

My bad.. Didnt see where you found one! Congrats.

[Coastal1]

Thanks Dan......that watch is a beauty.....I can't wait for mine!