16700 GMT Master Coke - Worried about authenticity - Please help!

[VacherObsessive]

Thanks Koryong. Makes a lot of sense. Coming from the vintage guitar world myself, every single detail is described with great accuracy so everyone is clear what they are getting. As this world is extremely fussy as one single part changed has a massive impact on price. With that mindset, going into watches I carried that same level of expectation. Especially as this is a gift for my wife and her first Rolex, I don’t want to f**k it up basically. Now we know anyway. Thanks again

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by Noah860

Just for correction....yes, 16700’s did come born as cokes. Mine is a 2000 A serial, born and remains a coke. Also Swiss only dial.

This is a revelation. And goes against what everyone else has said. Can you elaborate as this is very interesting. Thank you

[Andad]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

Thanks Koryong. Makes a lot of sense. Coming from the vintage guitar world myself, every single detail is described with great accuracy so everyone is clear what they are getting. As this world is extremely fussy as one single part changed has a massive impact on price. With that mindset, going into watches I carried that same level of expectation. Especially as this is a gift for my wife and her first Rolex, I don’t want to f**k it up basically. Now we know anyway. Thanks again

This was an interesting thread until you tried to take me down to your level.

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by directioneng

This was an interesting thread until you tried to take me down to your level.

?????

[mineral]

There are plenty of fan of Pepsi and Coke insert out there. I’m one of them. In fact I prefer coke color gmt and I have more coke gmt in my collection despite the Pepsi gmt is the more popular choice.

The fun of five digits gmt is that you can always buy the extra Pepsi and all black insert and change it when you like. Or perhaps your wife could buy the jubilee bracelet or rubber strap to go with the coke gmt.

Below is my faded Coke gmt. and one day your wife Coke insert many be faded like mine too :).




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[joe100]

Originally Posted by Noah860

Just for correction....yes, 16700’s did come born as cokes. Mine is a 2000 A serial, born and remains a coke. Also Swiss only dial.

Then it was changed by the dealer. The 16700 only ever came out of the factory with the BLRO and LN inserts.

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by joe100

Then it was changed by the dealer. The 16700 only ever came out of the factory with the BLRO and LN inserts.

As I mentioned earlier this was common practice as the 16710 was more expensive at the time.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

Thanks Koryong. Makes a lot of sense. Coming from the vintage guitar world myself, every single detail is described with great accuracy so everyone is clear what they are getting. As this world is extremely fussy as one single part changed has a massive impact on price. With that mindset, going into watches I carried that same level of expectation. Especially as this is a gift for my wife and her first Rolex, I don’t want to f**k it up basically. Now we know anyway. Thanks again

I've read enough stories about non matching or original parts in regards to vintage guitars. Shady stuff everywhere.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Noah860

Just for correction....yes, 16700’s did come born as cokes. Mine is a 2000 A serial, born and remains a coke. Also Swiss only dial.

Correction for the novice readers and collectors here on TRF!!!!

No the GMT-MASTER 16700 did not originally come with black/red "coke" bezel inserts. Black or blue/red inserts were available from Rolex. If it has a black/red bezel insert, it was changed by the Rolex dealer or someone else.

Having a "coke" insert or an insert that has been changed from the original insert is a non issue for many collectors and can easily be changed back to the original color color if known.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

We agreed she can buy an aftermarket but original Pepsi bezel down the line if she ever changes her mind and can put it back to its original state - but right now the Pepsi is not her cup of tea and its so hot and expensive, why bother to change it.

I wouldn't recommend buying an aftermarket insert, and having an authentic Rolex insert installed is actually not that expensive. If you took your (wife's) GMT to a Rolex RSC, and asked them to change the insert to a red/blue one, it would cost less than $100.

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by swish77

I wouldn't recommend buying an aftermarket insert, and having an authentic Rolex insert installed is actually not that expensive. If you took your (wife's) GMT to a Rolex RSC, and asked them to change the insert to a red/blue one, it would cost less than $100.

Apologies When I said aftermarket I meant original bezel but sold from a watch store or Ebay with. Definitely not a fake. My terminology was wrong

So how come people are selling Pepsi bezels on eBay for £500-£1000 if they can be changed by Rolex officially for £100 ?

I can’t figure it out in my head you’ll have to help me ! Cheers

[springer]

A classic Rolex store display featuring Colonel Chuck Yeager and his "Pepsi" GMT-MASTER 16700 along with my 16700 proudly displayed in front of the display.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

Apologies When I said aftermarket I meant original bezel but sold from a watch store or Ebay with. Definitely not a fake. My terminology was wrong

So how come people are selling Pepsi bezels on eBay for £500-£1000 if they can be changed by Rolex officially for £100 ?

I can’t figure it out in my head you’ll have to help me ! Cheers

Not 100 pounds, but $100, so even cheaper, in the U.S. anyway.

Yes, people can ask all kinds of crazy money just because it's a Rolex insert. That doesn't mean it's right or will sell at that price. The bottom line is that Rolex sapphire-crystal aluminum inserts are just not that expensive when bought new from Rolex. (Plexi-crystal inserts are a completely different matter.)

Now, some of the older non-vintage inserts that have faded naturally can command a premium. What I'm talking about are the new ones bought from an RSC. I did it last summer with my 16700. Walked into an RSC and had them sell me a Pepsi insert. (I have the original faded insert, but I also wanted an insert that popped with color, to mix up the look).

[swish77]

Originally Posted by springer

A classic Rolex store display featuring Colonel Chuck Yeager and his "Pepsi" GMT-MASTER 16700 along with my 16700 proudly displayed in front of the display.

Fabulous!

[CPRWATCH]

The 16700 may only have originally left the factory with Pepsi Insert .But one of the joys of GMTs is that Bezel inserts are interchangeable ,& having the full set to choose from .

[springer]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

The 16700 may only have originally left the factory with Pepsi Insert .But one of the joys of GMTs is that Bezel inserts are interchangeable ,& having the full set to choose from .

Another misconception posted here in this thread. Writing that the 16700 "may have only left the factory with a Pepsi insert" is totally incorrect.

The 16700 came with the black or "Pepsi" insert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone that has a GMT-MASTER owner's manual can clearly clearly see a GMT 16700 displayed on one of the pages with a black insert.

[waspy1]

You can pop out your insert, go visit the Rolex Service Centre and ask them if they can sell you a new insert. They are not expensive direct from Rolex. If you leave your coke insert in, they’ll keep it.


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[Tools]

The Black/Red insert is a GMT II original item only.. In fact, the original GMT II, the 16760, only came with that insert, nothing else from 1983 until 1988.

So, the GMT II was black/red only, and did not have the Pepsi or Black option until the introduction of the 16710 in 1988.

All of the sapphire GMT models can interchange inserts, but you could also stick a Sub Date insert in one too - that doesn't make it right.

[Fabrice M]

A Rolex insert was $48 in 2014 bought at RSC B.H. However they will not sell you one, they will only swap it if your watch serial number matches the bezel color you want to buy. That exact scenario happened when I bough a 16710 coke with a black bezel. The seller has it swapped and didn't have the original. When I bought the watch, I went to RSC, they doubled check the serial # which came out to be a coke as I expected it to be and then swapped the bezel (they kept the black one, which was fine with me.)

[Paulie 50]

I think this thread has run it's course, good information from Springer and Lee seems to be unheeded, perhaps you should have a look at different Brands. Regards.

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by springer

Another misconception posted here in this thread. Writing that the 16700 "may have only left the factory with a Pepsi insert" is totally incorrect.

The 16700 came with the black or "Pepsi" insert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone that has a GMT-MASTER owner's manual can clearly clearly see a GMT 16700 displayed on one of the pages with a black insert.

Springer I happily stand corrected on this of course ,Maybe I should have read my GMT master owners manual firstly before replying. So ,with added correction . The 16700 left the factory in either the Pepsi or black configuration .

[brockburst]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

Thanks Koryong. Makes a lot of sense. Coming from the vintage guitar world myself, every single detail is described with great accuracy so everyone is clear what they are getting. As this world is extremely fussy as one single part changed has a massive impact on price. With that mindset, going into watches I carried that same level of expectation. Especially as this is a gift for my wife and her first Rolex, I don’t want to f**k it up basically. Now we know anyway. Thanks again

Vintage Guitars somewhat Different than vintage watches given certain parts wear out / etc and are replaced at service. A different eye is required when transitioning from the guitar world.

[Filipão]

1675 insert replaced, kept the 1973 original.

One month ago, only €147,22.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by Noah860

Just for correction....yes, 16700’s did come born as cokes. Mine is a 2000 A serial, born and remains a coke. Also Swiss only dial.

As stated by a few people already, it must've been done at the AD and did not originally come that way.

The only available factory inserts were Black and Pepsi.

Originally Posted by springer

Anyone that has a GMT-MASTER owner's manual can clearly clearly see a GMT 16700 displayed on one of the pages with a black insert.

[KevWatch]

The coke is a nice choice! This thread popped up conveniently (or inconveniently) at a time where I'm looking to buy the same one. The ability to swap inserts is also incredibly appealing. Congrats on your purchase

[mrs_LA]

Originally Posted by swish77

Not 100 pounds, but $100, so even cheaper, in the U.S. anyway.

Yes, people can ask all kinds of crazy money just because it's a Rolex insert. That doesn't mean it's right or will sell at that price. The bottom line is that Rolex sapphire-crystal aluminum inserts are just not that expensive when bought new from Rolex. (Plexi-crystal inserts are a completely different matter.)

Now, some of the older non-vintage inserts that have faded naturally can command a premium. What I'm talking about are the new ones bought from an RSC. I did it last summer with my 16700. Walked into an RSC and had them sell me a Pepsi insert. (I have the original faded insert, but I also wanted an insert that popped with color, to mix up the look).

They didn't ask for your old insert? To my knowledge, RSC is 1-for-1 on parts replacements.

Originally Posted by springer

Another misconception posted here in this thread. Writing that the 16700 "may have only left the factory with a Pepsi insert" is totally incorrect.

The 16700 came with the black or "Pepsi" insert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone that has a GMT-MASTER owner's manual can clearly clearly see a GMT 16700 displayed on one of the pages with a black insert.

Appreciate the misconception busting

[Haywood_Milton]

This is where it can pay to keep old booklets, price lists and master catalogues when the opportunity arises...



Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[lee fowler]

Have to agree Haywood!




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[Haywood_Milton]

I share your interest in the old literature, Lee; you've found some great pieces lately.

in case our OP is not aware of the historical precedent for the bezel colours, here is my Bakelite 6542 from 1958....



....and a certain Bond girl sporting the same model in a publicity shot for Goldfinger :



Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[Pete17]

Beautiful GMT mate.
Just superb


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