Question -- GMT Bezels and the U.S. RSC

[avusblue]

Hello guys, long time no post.

I am about to take delivery of a “U” series 16710 GMT-Master II from a friend-of-a-friend. He is the original owner of the watch, bought it new from an AD back in ’97. He still has all the boxes and papers, most notably the original certificate showing the model number as R16710A30B7879. It’s never been serviced, and is in kinda rough cosmetic condition, so I intend to send it into the Rolex Service Center right away for a full refurbishment.

The watch has the “Coke” (black / burgundy) bezel insert. I would prefer the all-black insert. I know the RSC will refuse to change the insert color from original.

My question. If I send the watch in for service without an insert (“it fell out!”), and request black, will they provide it?

I know newer GMT’s have an “A”, a “B / BLRO”, or an “N / LN” on their original hangtag to denote Coke, Pepsi, or Black, respectively. But I’ve also heard that on older watches, Rolex may not be able to tell (from the watch alone) what color the original insert was.

Have any of you Americans done this successfully? Is it worth a try? I’d rather do it this way (officially through Rolex service) than sourcing an insert on my own after it comes back from service. Although that will be my fallback position if Rolex won’t install the Black insert.

Thanks for the advice -- cheers, and happy holidays!