Please Educate Me on GMt Master II

[azguy]

Great forum guys; I have two Breitlings, Navitimers, and a Omega Seamaster Professional for everyday use. It's time for a Rolex. I love the GMT Master II with the coke bezel

But I really know nothing except for what I have picked up on here. I have tons of questions:

I see some with green 24 hour hand and some with red, the red appear older ?

I see 167xx serial numbers on these models, can they be dated by this number?

Within reason how new should I try and stay; 2007 and up? 2005 and up, etc. I see some in great condition as old as early 1990's.

Is the bezel inexpensive to replace if I find the right watch with the black bezel? By now you know I want the coke colors, lol...

I'll probably buy from one of the members on this site and not flea-bay or AD.

Thanks in advance-

AZguy