Swapping GMT Bezels

[ajn1978]

Does anyone know if swapping the bezels affects the price of a GMT II?

I have seen GMT Black bezels for way less than a Pepsi, and even buying an overpriced pepsi bezel (and then swapping them), the black plus new bezel is still cheaper than buying a pepsi on its own

Am I missing something here?

[DantonIzzo]

If you want a watch for your own satisfaction, I don't think you are missing anything, as this is a viable option. The issue is for people who care about the "value" of the watch or those who want the "original" watch from Rolex.

If you like it, I'd say mod away! But keep the original in case you want to swap back down the line.

[ajn1978]

Suspected as much. Thanks! :)

[kzm40]

It's worth having both inserts, then you can easily change.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by ajn1978

Does anyone know if swapping the bezels affects the price of a GMT II?

I have seen GMT Black bezels for way less than a Pepsi, and even buying an overpriced pepsi bezel (and then swapping them), the black plus new bezel is still cheaper than buying a pepsi on its own

Am I missing something here?

To collectors that are more demanding/specific (I can relate), a watch that comes with paperwork/tag identifying it's originally a specific variant is worth more. AKA warranty papers/tag stating BLRO/A/LN. Otherwise yes it's the same watch.

[ajn1978]

Originally Posted by sensui

To collectors that are more demanding/specific (I can relate), a watch that comes with paperwork/tag identifying it's originally a specific variant is worth more. AKA warranty papers/tag stating BLRO/A/LN. Otherwise yes it's the same watch.

Exactly the answer I was looking for! Thanks!

[bbressler]

Originally Posted by sensui

To collectors that are more demanding/specific (I can relate), a watch that comes with paperwork/tag identifying it's originally a specific variant is worth more. AKA warranty papers/tag stating BLRO/A/LN. Otherwise yes it's the same watch.

This was only done in the US towards the end of the 16710 run, correct? Most 16710 papers won’t specify the original bezel color I thought.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by bbressler

This was only done in the US towards the end of the 16710 run, correct? Most 16710 papers won’t specify the original bezel color I thought.

Correct - they are all exactly the same watch so there is no way to actually know unless you have one of those that came with the build code.

[springer]

Originally Posted by bbressler

This was only done in the US towards the end of the 16710 run, correct? Most 16710 papers won’t specify the original bezel color I thought.

You and Larry are correct!

In the USA, the warranty paper style number for the 16710s didn't begin designating bezel colors until around 1998/99. (The bezel color coding will also be found later on the green hang tags for non-USA watches.)

Prior to the designation of bezel colors on the style number found at the top of the warranty paper, all 16710s style numbers began with 16710A30. Later (around 1998/99) the bezel colors were coded into the style number. The beginning of the style number changed from the standard 16710A30 style prefix to 16710B30 for the red/blue insert, 16710N30 for the black insert and 16710A30 remained for the red/black insert.

Many uninformed "collectors" have mistaken this in the past believing a 16710 from ...say 1992, with the 16710A30 meant it had a red/black insert which is incorrect. Additionally, all the 16750 warranty paper style numbers were coded as 16750A30 as well as the 16700 GMT, until around 1998/99.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by springer

You and Larry are correct!

In the USA, the warranty paper style number for the 16710s didn't begin designating bezel colors until around 1998/99. (The bezel color coding will also be found later on the green hang tags for non-USA watches.)

Prior to the designation of bezel colors on the style number found at the top of the warranty paper, all 16710s style numbers began with 16710A30. Later (around 1998/99) the bezel colors were coded into the style number. The beginning of the style number changed from the standard 16710A30 style prefix to 16710B30 for the red/blue insert, 16710N30 for the black insert and 16710A30 remained for the red/black insert.

Many uninformed "collectors" have mistaken this in the past believing a 16710 from ...say 1992, with the 16710A30 meant it had a red/black insert which is incorrect. Additionally, all the 16750 warranty paper style numbers were coded as 16750A30 as well as the 16700 GMT, until around 1998/99.

Edumacation. Great stuff JP, thanks for this. Especially the information that the tags correspond only later as well. But the premium is still there for people buying sets with insert designations on papers/tags. I don't see that changing.

[ajn1978]

Wow thanks! You guys really know your stuff!
So another question. Which would you go for
Black GMT II with original box & papers (in good condition)
Pepsi GMT II with RSC (with 2 years warranty left) & box. (In excellent condition)
The Pepsi is €400 more!

[kzm40]

Don't forget the 16700 Gmt Master, dosn't have the independent hour hand, but has the date quickset, buy the cleanest example you can find.

[springer]

Originally Posted by ajn1978

Wow thanks! You guys really know your stuff!
So another question. Which would you go for
Black GMT II with original box & papers (in good condition)
Pepsi GMT II with RSC (with 2 years warranty left) & box. (In excellent condition)
The Pepsi is €400 more!

RSC service papers add very little or anything to the value based on my experience. Complete sets bring a premium therefore it offers the best "bang for the buck." Of course when buying a set, the condition of the watch is important when determining the value. A watch in poor condition doesn't necessarily make a set more desirable or valuable.

[CPRWATCH]

Can only agree with previous posts , & buy the best condition watch you can. B&P full sets are an added bonus, but you will pay a premium for a full set so to speak. Regarding bezel inserts , you can swop & change to suit your preference & also with the GMT you can easily swap from oyster to Jubilee bracelet . And don't discount the 16700 as an option , they seem to still be slightly under 16710 values ,but not for much longer I think.
Picture of my 16700 A serial, bought new in July 99 with bezel options

[Speed]

Originally Posted by sensui

Edumacation. Great stuff JP, thanks for this. Especially the information that the tags correspond only later as well. But the premium is still there for people buying sets with insert designations on papers/tags. I don't see that changing.

Yes...

So my D Serial was actually "born" a Coke. So 16710A30. However, I wear a Pepsi insert on it. Still have the Coke insert. I need to get a black insert - to complete the "set" and make it a very appealing theoretical sales candidate. I also have an Oyster ( one permanent link removed ) and a Jubilee.

However, really not interested in selling, as I KNOW that some collector would a) Try to bargain me down saying I don't own an actual Pepsi! AND b) also want to chisel some $ away due to the permanent link.

The foregoing is part of why I never sell / buy to own.