The GMT-Master 16700.....A Forgotten Reference

[strafer_kid]

Looks like a very nice one!

[chows99]

Originally Posted by Kieranrd

Just acquired this beaut: '97 T-series, full set. Stoked. Waiting very, very impatiently for it to arrive next week!!!!! :)
Next target is a full set 16760. :)

Nice watch which will be even more pretty when the patina starts to come out.

Fat Lady is real nice too! Pepsi and Coke combi!

[Kieranrd]

I must say, I'm liking my 16700 more and more every day!!! I always thought 40mm may wear too small but its actually pretty damn perfect!!! :) :) :)

[chows99]

Yup 40mm is very wearable for most wrists. It's on my wrist far more times than my sub. The beauty of GMT is the ability to swap inserts for a totally different look!

[breitlings]

I didn't realize these had crystal...

[chows99]

Finally I got my lovely pink pepsi bezel from Lee Fowler! Glorious!

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by chows99

Finally I got my lovely pink pepsi bezel from Lee Fowler! Glorious!

Congratulations, and the insert really compliments the watch.

[chows99]

Thanks for your kind words. I really do love this pink Pepsi look. This is my go to watch for sometime for sure

[Quentin]

Hello from my A serial

[chows99]

Hi 5 to fellow pink Pepsi! Looks great on you buddy

[HKS724]

Originally Posted by chows99

Finally I got my lovely pink pepsi bezel from Lee Fowler! Glorious!

WOW, just gorgeous. Congratulations.

[strafer_kid]

16700 is rapidly becoming the favourite of all my Rolexes....would not have thought this a few years back!

[springer]

I enjoy them too, as well as the guy in the attached photo!

[chows99]

Thanks Springer for sharing such a nostalgic advertisement! Love the glorious days past! Here's my 16700 again!

[strafer_kid]

If only Rolex would start running these out again........unfortunately will never happen though!

[iliketime]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

If only Rolex would start running these out again........unfortunately will never happen though!

that would make the price drop hopefully!

[HKS724]

I've been on the hunt for one for months..still to no avail :(

[bncapass1]

The 16700 no longer appears to be a forgotten reference. I picked one up about three years ago for $4k and prices are now through the roof as well as the 1675.

[CPRWATCH]

I think the 16700 was the forgotten reference for quite a number of years .But now given most " Vintage " sports model Rolex references are too highly priced, people are now looking for Sports reference models that have had a shorter run or were overshadowed by a similar reference & it has definitely been the case with the 16700 . The 16710 has overshadowed the 16700 for a number of years now, & prices have risen accordingly especially for 16710s with 3186 movements but I think the time is here where the 16700 will start becoming more & more collectible given the smaller numbers produced ( I know there were probably a few hundred thousand produced but in Rolex terms of production its a drop in the ocean).

Of course Pictures are always good to see on any post , so here is my 16700 "A" serial from August 99 with different bezel options & I also have Oyster bracelet & full B&P & original receipt .

[bncapass1]

16700 1250.jpg
Here's mine. A 16700 W serial (1995) with a "Coke" insert. Would rather have had the "Pepsi" but have since warmed up to the Coke color a bit. Besides, inserts are an easy change .
The crown guards are a bit on the thin side and likely due to over polishing however when I researched the 16700 next to the 16710, I did consistently notice the crown guards to be just a bit thinner even though it's been said to have the same case as the 16710. Of course much has been written about crown guards not always cut perfect from the factory. The watch came on the original oyster but I am a true sucker for a jubilee on a GMT.

[bncapass1]

16700 250.jpg
Here is a side view of the crown guards which don't look as thin. I also find it very interesting that being a 1995 production and given the 12 year half life of tritium, the dial is surprisingly legible at night after your eyes adjust to the dark which I find very very cool and truly the end of the radioactive lume era for Rolex. Due to ever changing regulations, they won't ever make them like this again.

[adao]

My W serial 1996



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[amygdala]

Would like to share my 16700 Swiss only dial


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[bncapass1]

Love those unpolished crown guards. That's the way it should look.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

I think the 16700 was the forgotten reference for quite a number of years .But now given most " Vintage " sports model Rolex references are too highly priced, people are now looking for Sports reference models that have had a shorter run or were overshadowed by a similar reference & it has definitely been the case with the 16700 . The 16710 has overshadowed the 16700 for a number of years now, & prices have risen accordingly especially for 16710s with 3186 movements but I think the time is here where the 16700 will start becoming more & more collectible given the smaller numbers produced ( I know there were probably a few hundred thousand produced but in Rolex terms of production its a drop in the ocean).

Of course Pictures are always good to see on any post , so here is my 16700 "A" serial from August 99 with different bezel options & I also have Oyster bracelet & full B&P & original receipt .

Would agree that sometimes it looks like the 16700 is in the shadow of the 16710, but it could well emerge to be as as popular over time, if it's not already there yet.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by amygdala

Would like to share my 16700 Swiss only dial


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Beautiful watch and look great on your wrist. Indeed the Swiss only dial is rarer done it is transitional dial during the year 1999-2000


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[john wick]

after reading this thread i remember such a piece must be shut in the basement. fetch it out the safe - a 1996 orignial T serial full set, bracelet V11 code. is the price for this beautiful watch realy gone high?

[ancientmariner]

... pleased to add my 16700 to this brilliant thread.

Bought in March 2017 from a small town high street jeweller in UK. Decided I wanted the 16700 over the 16710 as it has quick set date. Only went to look as was top money (prices were rising fast), but when on my wrist this 29 year old watch felt brand new! This was due to a recent RSC service including bracelet overhaul. I had looked at a faded bezel pepsi as these look great in photos. However, when on the wrist I realised I prefer the deep colours of a new bezel.

It is one of the first made. A 1988 R serial. Has the 93150/501B diver bracelet (see post 1) and ‘open 6s’ date wheel, which I love.

My favourite watch:

[mineral]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

... pleased to add my 16700 to this brilliant thread.



Bought in March 2017 from a small town high street jeweller in UK. Decided I wanted the 16700 over the 16710 as it has quick set date. Only went to look as was top money (prices were rising fast), but when on my wrist this 29 year old watch felt brand new! This was due to a recent RSC service including bracelet overhaul. I had looked at a faded bezel pepsi as these look great in photos. However, when on the wrist I realised I prefer the deep colours of a new bezel.



It is one of the first made. A 1988 R serial. Has the 93150/501B diver bracelet (see post 1) and ‘open 6s’ date wheel, which I love.



My favourite watch:

This is nice especially with open 6.


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[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

... pleased to add my 16700 to this brilliant thread.

Bought in March 2017 from a small town high street jeweller in UK. Decided I wanted the 16700 over the 16710 as it has quick set date. Only went to look as was top money (prices were rising fast), but when on my wrist this 29 year old watch felt brand new! This was due to a recent RSC service including bracelet overhaul. I had looked at a faded bezel pepsi as these look great in photos. However, when on the wrist I realised I prefer the deep colours of a new bezel.

It is one of the first made. A 1988 R serial. Has the 93150/501B diver bracelet (see post 1) and ‘open 6s’ date wheel, which I love.

My favourite watch:

Very nice , & love the open 6s