Looking to learn more about the Pepsi GMTs

[L_S_SHOE]

I’ve decided I need to learn more about the 5-digit GMT. Some background first. My first Rolex was the 116710 LN. It’s my favorite of the GMTs, but I haven’t owned the others, and I’ve been wanting a Pepsi. At first, I thought the BLRO was going to be it, but after seeing it in person I’m not sold. I like the colors, finish and tendency to fade of the aluminum bezels more. I think the glossy ceramic just looks better in black. Wondering if someone could point me in the direction of a good resource on these older Pepsi references. I’m also interested in what people’s favorite Pepsi references are, and why.

Doesn’t have to be “vintage” but that is a plus.

Thanks!


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[Andad]

You will find this information right here in the Rolex Reference Library.

eg.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=568151

[Tools]

The GMT was "Pepsi" from it's inception in 1954. A black insert was available after 1972, and the black/red insert was not available until the introduction of the GMT II in 1983; but the pepsi was still always available.

Pepsi was available until the introduction of the ceramic model in 2007

[L_S_SHOE]

Originally Posted by directioneng

You will find this information right here in the Rolex Reference Library.

eg.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=568151

Perfect!


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[Rado63]

Trying to follow your sequence. You have 6 digit 116710 LN Green hand GMT, but you looked at 6 digit 126710 BLRO. Now you want 5 digit 16710 with the pepsi dial. Start a thread asking for all 5 digit pepsi members to respond. Definitely more than a few members on the forum. My suggestion is to just stay on this GMT Genre and get the BLRO modern watch and collect more GMT's . It's a cool genre, and I wish I had a green hand GMT. I had the BLRO modern Pepsi and it is a very nice watch in my opinion.

[Nikrnic]

I agree on going for a 5 digit over a 6 on that one. Half the fun is the chase and you've got plenty of ammo to hunt for the right one. I picked my 16710 up 2 mos. ago and couldn't be happier.

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[L_S_SHOE]

Originally Posted by Rado63

Trying to follow your sequence. You have 6 digit 116710 LN Green hand GMT, but you looked at 6 digit 126710 BLRO. Now you want 5 digit 16710 with the pepsi dial. Start a thread asking for all 5 digit pepsi members to respond. Definitely more than a few members on the forum. My suggestion is to just stay on this GMT Genre and get the BLRO modern watch and collect more GMT's . It's a cool genre, and I wish I had a green hand GMT. I had the BLRO modern Pepsi and it is a very nice watch in my opinion.

I’d get em all if I could. Maybe one day. But yes, aiming now for a 5 digit GMT with a Pepsi bezel. That would be best way to put it.


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[1SG MTB]

I’m no GMT expert, but I own 3 of them (5 digit Coke, TT CHNR, and SS BLRO); I love all 3 watches for different reasons, all of which are subjective.

1. 5 digit Coke - wears slight smaller on the wrist, flys a bit under the radar due to brushed bracelet and slight patina on bezel, and feels lighter than my BLRO perhaps due to non ceramic bezel and hollow links. I love the nostalgic feel even though it’s not truly vintage. It’s the best conversation starter with other watch people. Wrist presence (ie. likelihood of being noticed) is least of my three models.

2. TT CHNR - wears a bit bigger but still not a large watch in my view. I absolutely love the warm color combo of dial, bezel, and everose. From a feel perspective, it’s obviously heavier due to the gold. The wow factor with this watch is not to be outdone, non-watch people comment on it all the time. For wrist presence, this one takes the cake (among my models).

3. SS BLRO - wears similarly in size to the CHNR, however, something about the jubilee bracelet makes it look and maybe feel just a tad bit smaller. I love the color of the bezel, it’s really special in all different lights and I think is a great interpretation of the original. I love the jubilee bracelet, cannot state this enough. All other things equal, I prefer the oyster bracelet for my typically casual style, but I was astonished how much I liked it once I put it on. Wrist presence is greater than my 5 digit mainly due to size of the bezel and “bling” of the bracelet, but not enough to overcome the CHNR in this respect.

My $0.02, best if luck in your search!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Tools

The GMT was "Pepsi" from it's inception in 1954. A black insert was available after 1972, and the black/red insert was not available until the introduction of the GMT II in 1983; but the pepsi was still always available.

Pepsi was available until the introduction of the ceramic model in 2007

this is great!

[Andrew NYC]

Hard to go wrong as each has its pros and cons, many which have been outlined on this thread and on others. Personally I like a little variety.


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[Swaye]

You can never go wrong with a GMT. I suggest buying a bunch to have more options to choose from.

edit: I should mention of my GMTs the 16710A gets the most wrist time, followed by the RG CHNR, followed by the BLRO. There is something special about the 16710. I am looking to get another one, or possibly a 16700 in the next year if I can find the right one. Can't go wrong!

[THC]

One thing to know, they are very hard to find at a reasonable price.

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by THC

One thing to know, they are very hard to find at a reasonable price.

This. It has prevented me from adding another one lately. Some of the pricing is just absurd.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tools

The GMT was "Pepsi" from it's inception in 1954. A black insert was available after 1972, and the black/red insert was not available until the introduction of the GMT II in 1983; but the pepsi was still always available.

Pepsi was available until the introduction of the ceramic model in 2007

Nice synopsis

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by Tools

The GMT was "Pepsi" from it's inception in 1954. A black insert was available after 1972, and the black/red insert was not available until the introduction of the GMT II in 1983; but the pepsi was still always available.

Pepsi was available until the introduction of the ceramic model in 2007

Responses like this are what make this forum great.

[mmaggi]

Originally Posted by L_S_SHOE

I’d get em all if I could. Maybe one day. But yes, aiming now for a 5 digit GMT with a Pepsi bezel. That would be best way to put it.


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Look at the 1675 and the early 16750 references (2nd & 3rd generation). I love their matte dials (no white gold around the hour markers). It makes the GMT Master look so much more of a tool watch than a luxury watch. I wish Rolex would have kept the matte dials for their SS versions.

[skirkz]

Originally Posted by 1SG MTB

I’m no GMT expert, but I own 3 of them (5 digit Coke, TT CHNR, and SS BLRO); I love all 3 watches for different reasons, all of which are subjective.

1. 5 digit Coke - wears slight smaller on the wrist, flys a bit under the radar due to brushed bracelet and slight patina on bezel, and feels lighter than my BLRO perhaps due to non ceramic bezel and hollow links. I love the nostalgic feel even though it’s not truly vintage. It’s the best conversation starter with other watch people. Wrist presence (ie. likelihood of being noticed) is least of my three models.

2. TT CHNR - wears a bit bigger but still not a large watch in my view. I absolutely love the warm color combo of dial, bezel, and everose. From a feel perspective, it’s obviously heavier due to the gold. The wow factor with this watch is not to be outdone, non-watch people comment on it all the time. For wrist presence, this one takes the cake (among my models).

3. SS BLRO - wears similarly in size to the CHNR, however, something about the jubilee bracelet makes it look and maybe feel just a tad bit smaller. I love the color of the bezel, it’s really special in all different lights and I think is a great interpretation of the original. I love the jubilee bracelet, cannot state this enough. All other things equal, I prefer the oyster bracelet for my typically casual style, but I was astonished how much I liked it once I put it on. Wrist presence is greater than my 5 digit mainly due to size of the bezel and “bling” of the bracelet, but not enough to overcome the CHNR in this respect.

My $0.02, best if luck in your search!

Great info. - I’m not actively looking for any of these currently but thought this was a good read.


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[sillo]

This website isn't perfect but is a good overview

http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/

Here's a great thread on the 16700 (my slightly biased choice over the 16710)

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...t=45269&page=7

[Captain Lee]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

Responses like this are what make this forum great.

Totally agreed