Advice on a Pre Ceramic GMT

[Mick P]

Chaps

I am about to start looking for a GMT and for reasons of appearance, it has got to be pre ceramic. I am not fussy about whether the watch is sapphire or plexi. I want the watch to be good and hence whatever I buy will be going straight in for a service.

I am hoping to solicit your views on the 16710, 16700, 16750, 16760 and 1675.

I know that they are all good useable watches and it will probably get 13 week wear each year.

I would be grateful if you could give me any pros and cons on any of the above models.

Many thanks

Mick

[Vincent65]

They are all great. 1675 is my favourite, but it does not have quick-set date.

[Old Expat Beast]

16710 and 16760 are the only ones on which you can set the hour hand separately from the 24 hour hand. Something to consider. This is a great resource for comparison.. http://gmtmasterhistory.com/

[2JHead]

If you like em all the same I would go 16710. Unbeatable practicality, accuracy, waterproofness and although prices have risen they can still be had somewhat reasonable.

1675 - nice but old
16750 - corroded hands issue
16760 - sure
16700 - sure but why not 16710
16710 - where it's at

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by 2JHead

If you like em all the same I would go 16710. Unbeatable practicality, accuracy, waterproofness and although prices have risen they can still be had somewhat reasonable.

1675 - nice but old
16750 - corroded hands issue
16760 - sure
16700 - sure but why not 16710
16710 - where it's at

I tend to agree with the above analysis.
Specifically regarding the 16760 vs. 16710, the former is rarer and more collectable, but the latter is thinner and wears lighter on the wrist, something I was definitely after (my other Rolex is a SeaDweller).

Additionally, with the 16710 you have a great range to choose from: from the early tritium dials and lug holes for that neo-vintage appeal to a recent luminova model with SELs for maximum modern functionality and guaranteed low mileage.

I went with the former, which ticked all the boxes for me:

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Blackdog

I tend to agree with the above analysis.
Specifically regarding the 16760 vs. 16710, the former is rarer and more collectable, but the latter is thinner and wears lighter on the wrist, something I was definitely after (my other Rolex is a SeaDweller).

Additionally, with the 16710 you have a great range to choose from: from the early tritium dials and lug holes for that neo-vintage appeal to a recent luminova model with SELs for maximum modern functionality and guaranteed low mileage.

I went with the former, which ticked all the boxes for me:

Stunning picture of a great reference!

[Tools]

If all you are going for is the look with minimal wrist time it doesn't really matter much.

Get the best example you can find for the price you want to pay.

[joe100]

Any of them are fine, pick the best one and enjoy

[springer]

They are all great watches so you must decide what your priorities are when looking for a GMT or GMT II.

The GMT 1675 was made for roughly two decades - 1960 to 1980. The early ones had glossy dials with gilt printing which you'll find from around 1960 until 1966 when the dial was changed to the matte black dials with white lettering. The 1675 model has an acrylic crystal and non quick-set date feature. Beginning around 1972, the 1675 received the hacking seconds hand feature which allows you to stop the sweep seconds hand when the winding crown is pulled all the way out. This is called hacking. The 24-hour hand can not be set independently on this model.

The GMT 16750 replaced the GMT 1675 and started to appear around 1980 and it too has an acrylic crystal like the 1675 model. The 16750 has a different movement than the 1675 and an additional feature not found on the 1675 which is the quick-set date. The early 16750s had a matte dial and appear similar to a 1675. The 24-hour hand can not be set independently on this model like the 1675 model. Around 1984, the 16750 dial was changed to add a glossy dial with gold surround markers which are found on the remainder of the GMT models up to today. Many collectors prefer the 16750 with the matte dial (circa 1980 to 1984) over the glossy dials with the gold surround markers. Additionally, the quick-set date feature found of the 16750s is another plus to many collectors when compared to the 1675 model.

The GMT II, model 16760 was introduced during 1983 and discontinued around 1989 and has a different movement than the previous GMT 1675 and 16750. It features a sapphire crystal and a semi quick-set date feature where the hour hand can be adjusted independently of the 24-hour hand. The case on the 16760 model, also referred to as the "Fat Lady," is larger than the previous models and larger than the GMT 16700 and GMT II 16710 models.

The GMT II 16710 replaced the 16760 around 1989. The 16710 has a case that is a little smaller than than 16760. Production runs from around 1989 through around 2006. Many collectors consider the 16760 vintage due to its age and short production run when compared to the 16710. The internals of the 16760 and 16710 are the same except for the last couple years of the 16710 production which had some minor movement modifications.

The GMT 16700 replaced the GMT 16750 around 1989 and ceased production around 1999. It shares the same movement as the GMT 16750 and also has the quick-set date feature. It was made during the same time period as the 16710 but in lesser quantities than the 16710.

Bezel inserts varied through the years with the GMT 1675 originally available with the red/blue "Pepsi" insert and later during the 1970s, a black insert became an option on this model. The GMT 16750 was available with the "Pepsi" or black insert. The GMT II 16760 was only available with the red/black "Coke" insert. The GMT II 16710 was available with black, "Pepsi" or "Coke" inserts. The GMT 16700 was available with the black insert or the "Pepsi" insert.

In choosing a specific model, you must decide what it is that you want in your GMT. If you want something vintage that has collector value, the 1675 would be a good choice or the 16750 with the quick-set date feature.

If you want a sapphire crystal, the GMT II 16760 is hard to beat with its short production run. The GMT 16700 is also another model to consider with a short production run.

Personally, I own several GMT 1675 and 16750 models which are my favorites in the GMT line of fine watches.

[jdmi32]

Based on what you've written I think a 16710 would suit you best.

[MitchSteel]

Eeniemeeniemoneemo

Look, if you want an everyday type of thing, fine, go with the saphire GMT

If you want something with collectability and coolness factor......1675 hands down.......BUT WHICH ONE? Gilt? Radial? PCG? .....see what I'm saying?

You're entering dark, mysterious waters of vintage Rolex.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

You're entering dark, mysterious waters of vintage Rolex.

That is a fact!

Great write up, JP!

[VinnieVegas]

I own a 16710 and I love it. It's my go-to watch. More so now as I bought a Pepsi and Black bezel insert to go with my Coke.

You can't go wrong with a 16710. I'm wearing mine right now!

Good luck!

[Mick P]

Chaps

Many thanks for your replies and advice, believe me, it is much appreciated and valued.

Following your various comments, I suspect I shall be looking into either a 16710 or a 17670.

Once again, many thanks.

Mick

[landroverking]

My choice is a 1675 Pepsi on a jubilee.

[Loevhagen]

Originally Posted by 2JHead

If you like em all the same I would go 16710. Unbeatable practicality, accuracy, waterproofness and although prices have risen they can still be had somewhat reasonable.

1675 - nice but old
16750 - corroded hands issue on the early versions
16760 - sure
16700 - sure but why not 16710
16710 - where it's at

Fixed it.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=378377

[MitchSteel]

Just re-read Springers write up.

Thanks,John

[strafer_kid]

GMT is definitely a great watch and you cannot really go wrong with any of the models - really comes down to personal taste. They all wear pretty well on the wrist and you have good choices of bezel insert on the earlier ones. For most guys, they are really versatile with sufficient waterproofing etc. go for it!

[bigsmall]

I'd look for a sapphire model- no matter which. I'd take the watch in the best condition without b+p, maybe from a dealer, with warranty.

[DC109]

Mick, one thing to consider seriously before you commit: have you ever worn a date watch without a quickset date? I travel a lot and never really need to track more than two time zones, so an independent hour hand is not that helpful, and for a watch you will only wear half the time, cycling through the dates using the hour hand is a pain. I have a 1675 and 16710--I'll keep the 1675 for it's vintage cool, but am planning on swapping the 16710 for a 16700 or 16750 eventually!

[Matt748]

Consider the 16700
All the vintage que's that make it a great looking watch with all the modern requirements of today. Great movement, sapphire glass and very solid construction.
I have been wearing mine daily, swimming and sunbathing and it loves it.

[Matt748]

Consider the 16700
All the vintage que's that make it a great looking watch with all the modern requirements of today. Great movement, sapphire glass and very solid construction.
I have been wearing mine daily, swimming and sunbathing and it loves it.

[Boopie]

This is helpful, as I have convinced my husband to get one (Pepsi). He has a TT black Sub that his father gave him, but due to its sentimental value (and gold content) he doesn't feel comfortable wearing it every day.

We found an A series 16710 last week but it was tritium, and the lume dots at 1 and 4 looked corroded, and didn't look right. Plus, the dealer took off a Coke bezel and put a really faded bezel on it. Now that he's seen one and has worn one he really wants one badly.

It looks great, and we can't wait to get the one that sings to him!