Thoughts on possible 16700 purchase?

[Kongelunden]

Dear all.

Long time lurker, first time poster - but hope that I may ask a newbie question on a watch that I'm looking at.
Have only recently been full blow smitten by the Rolex bug, but have been into watches for many years. Therefore considering adding my first Rolex to my collection which likely is due time :)
Have been looking at the GMT 16700, which seems to tick a lot of boxes for me - but I'm not fully familiar with the challenges for these wathces.

Have found this 16700 model from 1998, with swiss-only dial and what looks to be i very good condition. However, cannot judge if the watch has been polished, or whether the insert/bezel is timely for the period - the colorshift from blue to red seems to reach a bit into the 8-digit of the number 18.

Would anybody have an idea from these pictures whether the watch looks ok?

https://www.dreamwatch.dk/produkter/...-gmt-master-79

Alternatively, the same seller has a 16700 from 1989 which seems naturally a bit more "worn" :)

https://www.dreamwatch.dk/produkter/...-gmt-master-85

Both watches come without box or papers, would this be a major problem considering Im plaaning to purchase these for daily usage for hopefully many future years.

Apologies that the information only is available in Danish in these links

[TuRo]

Condition subjective so I'll pass commenting on that.

One of course is Luminova (swiss) and other is Tritium.

Only the tritium will/may darken of course .

As a rule of thumb, if everything is broadly on a par, I'd always go with the older version.

I predict Tritium pieces will be significantly more valuable in 20 yrs from now - just like radium dials have become over tritium versions on GMT's Sub's and Explorer's during last 25-30 yrs.

If you decide to go the swiss one - make sure it's an A or U serial btw.

[Snowballs]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Condition subjective so I'll pass commenting on that.
If you decide to go the swiss one - make sure it's an A or U serial.

Concur on this - A or U serial.

The box and papers question returns. IMHO - box, papers, hang tags, provenance recommended when acquiring timepieces.

[Swiftneck]

The swiss only one is polished. And the insert is service.

I think you would be able to find a better 16700 at that price range on chrono24.

The one from 89 looks The better deal of the two. A nice insert as it should look on a 16700. It might not be period correct as 89 is a bit early for the serif insert.

Held og lykke med jagten

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[Kongelunden]

Thank you so much for the valuable feedback. As a novice into vintage Rolex watches the help provided is truly amazing.

Indeed, the 1989 gmt may be the most interesting as mentioned above.

I assume the 3175 caliber is a truly Rolex workhorse without any major issues?

@Swiftneck: Tak for hjælp og feedback. Det er en kæmpe jungle at kaste sig ud i vintag Rolex verdenen

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Swiftneck

The swiss only one is polished. And the insert is service.

I think you would be able to find a better 16700 at that price range on chrono24.



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I'd avoid Chrono24. With taxes and fees, prices are a little nutty there. You'd have more luck on TRF looking for a 16700. Here's a nice example:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...0#post12749880

[Swiftneck]

Originally Posted by swish77

I'd avoid Chrono24. With taxes and fees, prices are a little nutty there. You'd have more luck on TRF looking for a 16700. Here's a nice example:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...0#post12749880

Yes, I know prices are sometimes a little nut on chrono24, but compared to the 12.500 price in the link, I think he could find a better deal on chrono24 or surely a better piece.

Most TRF listings are US based, so he has to pay additional tax on approx 30% to get it in the EU. Which makes most TRF prices even higher.

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[TuRo]

I've used a couple of Danish dealers in past ..... and they have been super-upstanding. Avoids the faff for indigenous - I'll try and did out their names.

[Kongelunden]

Wrong posting, sorry…