GMT 16710 Question

[slocke0624]

Hello. I'm brand new to the forum and wanted to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge on this site. I've had my heart set on a 16710 with the Pepsi bezel for quite some time now and came across one today at a very reputable local store that was taken in on trade. It is near mint except for the bracelet which was damaged in a cycling accident and poorly refinished by the previous owner. Half of the bracelet is mint and the other half looks like someone took a belt sander to it. It has the original box and papers and was sold new in 2006. The store is selling the piece as is or will order a brand new 78360 bracelet from Rolex for $1000. If it is possible to pick up the piece as is for around $5k, is that the way to go and go with a NATO strap for now and try to pick up a nice used bracelet, or pay the $1000 and go with a brand new bracelet from Rolex? If the case wasn't mint, I wouldn't think twice about picking up a used original bracelet, but I can have a near mint GMT with the original box and papers for around $6k. It's not a steal either way, but the price is competitive and I can have it on my wrist tomorrow. If this one doesn't work out, I'll be posting soon in the WTB forum.