GMT Master II Ref. 16710 Coke Used Buying Tips

[PanicDawg]

Torn between getting a new Datejust from an AD (have been on two “lists” for a few months now) or buying a used Coke for my first Rolex in the coming months. Personally like the Coke a little more but am unfamiliar with how to navigate the used market and specifically the market for a late 90's Coke.

Other than trusted seller's list from this forum and on Reddit, would appreciate any input on what to look for specially when trying to source this watch in terms of condition and current pricing. TIA.

[RRGHOST1]

I'd prefer the new Datejust.

[Gearjockey]

That’s a tough one and I’ll be following this post because I am very much in the same boat-thinking 90’s all the way up to no holes case: until they discontinued it.
Gets to be much more $ with full set. The real problem IMO, is finding one that hasn’t been over polished or features aftermarket or incorrect bezel.

[GoldMatch92]

I’m also on the hunt for a 16710 right now so I’m very curious to see the responses from the experts here…

[watchnwine]

Looks like there's several of us buyers here.

I get the desirability of the tritium dials in the late '90s and the eventual patina but I've settled on finding one in the 2000-2003 window. I like look of the SEL and since my (new to me) 14060M doesn't have them, I want that. I also love the look of the holes case - I think that's very much in keeping with the tool watch vibe. Thus a very short window.

I'm also going to hold out for papers.

They are all great - I've just complicated the matter by looking in a tight window. I've been looking diligently since March and I still haven't found one.

[watchnwine]

One more thing to add... look at 100s of them. Really. Once you do, you will be able to spot the high quality ones immediately. Many of them have been polished to the point that I'm just indifferent.

[996marty]

For me the GMT is a far superior watch and the trusted sellers on here should be able to help you out with that. The flexibility of the GMT makes it a winner

[Dan Pierce]

Somehow I was lucky and stuck the landing w/ my K series 2001/2 16710, featuring lug holes, SELs, sapphire crystal, & super luminova. The perfect combo of vintage & new. I proceeded to add 2 additional bezel color options as well as a jubilee to take full advantage of the most versatile reference Rolex has, or will ever produce.
dP

[geoach]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Somehow I was lucky and stuck the landing w/ my K series 2001/2 16710, featuring lug holes, SELs, sapphire crystal, & super luminova. The perfect combo of vintage & new. I proceeded to add 2 additional bezel color options as well as a jubilee to take full advantage of the most versatile reference Rolex has, or will ever produce.
dP

[PepsiBezel]

The 16710 is the perfect Rolex. Great vintage-y aesthetics with modern reliability. it’s versatile. It’s thin and svelte… it’s just perfect.

They key is to look at a lot of examples, and to know the variations across the eras (Tritium/Luminova, SELs, Laser Etched Crown, lug holes, serif/San serif inserts, etc).

Look for trusted sellers who specialize in this era (the best, in my opinion (though I am sure there are others) is Jacek at tropicalwatch.com or Max at mvvwatches.com — both have great detailed photos, particular Tropicalwatch if you just want to study different years, etc).

Go for it and good luck!

[1William]

When the vintage GMT's are right they are a great watch. So many issues navigating the pre-owned market and finding one that is authentic and correct is the challenge. Unless you are willing to pay a premium for an excellent example you can have some significant issues. Decide if that is the way you want to go, explorer options and prices and buy the seller. I have been down the rabbit hole before with vintage watches and cars and found it was not for me. Too many issues. I would get the new Date Just, with a warranty, and pickup a Tudor GMT to scratch that itch. You will probably still come in less than the GMT you are considering. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

The 16710 is the perfect Rolex. Great vintage-y aesthetics with modern reliability. it’s versatile. It’s thin and svelte… it’s just perfect.

They key is to look at a lot of examples, and to know the variations across the eras (Tritium/Luminova, SELs, Laser Etched Crown, lug holes, serif/San serif inserts, etc).

Look for trusted sellers who specialize in this era (the best, in my opinion (though I am sure there are others) is Jacek at tropicalwatch.com or Max at mvvwatches.com — both have great detailed photos, particular Tropicalwatch if you just want to study different years, etc).

Go for it and good luck!

Good, informative source.
Thanks for mentioning.

[watchboynyc]

You can always get a certified pre owned one from Rolex but expect to pay a hefty premium.

[Avionics86]

Have a Coke and a smile.

[pk552502]

Go with the GMT. Then also get a nice 5 digit datejust 36mm at some point. I love the classic/neo vintage era.

[Billyrolls]

Make sure you know exactly what you want in the 5-digit GMT because there are variances as you move through the 1990s to early 2000s (solid end links, lug holes, dial, case etc). When I was on the hunt for one, my focus was on a Z serial, because it checked all the boxes for me, which I eventually found with box/papers/RSC service card.

Take a look at Chrono24 or Ebay "sold" listings to get a general sense of the used market.

If you find a GMT with a black bezel for the right price, you can swap it out for a Coke bezel. This may be a cheaper option.

And as everyone else says, buy the seller, it's worth the extra premium. Good luck.