First Post

[tobyco]

Hey everyone. Would love to post some pictures of my GMT but it says that I need to have a minimum of 10 posts so here is my first.

I inherited a GMT Master (fuschia) from my father. It's from around 1967ish I think. He's passed away so can't really ask him.

It currently isn't working so I'm getting it fixed by a local guy who seems to come well regarded. I'm hoping it's a simple fix. It won't tick but oddly when I pull the crown out to set the date and time if I twist the crown just a little clockwise the second hand starts ticking. Once I let go of the crown it stops. Weird.

Also I was wondering about the flat spring under the bezel. The ones I've seen online are all flat but mine is different. It is mostly flat but has four kinks in it at the cardinal points. Hopefully I'll be able to upload photos soon.

Anyways, that's all just wanted to say hello.

[TimeLord2]

Welcome to the forum Toby! Sorry to hear about your loss…
You can post pics at only 1 post, just not a URL. For URLs you need 10 posts. Use the "Go Advanced" button below to post a reply, the use the paper clip icon to attach images to your post. Follow the sizing requirements (physical size and kilobytes) on the popup window for the file format you will be using. Looking forward to seeing your father's watch.

[tobyco]

Here are some photos. I'll post better ones when I'm allowed.

[springer]

Your GMT seems to be in nice condition for its age. That it is a very early GMT 1675 with the Mark 0 dial and the small 24-hour red hand. Those early dials had zinc sulfide tritium which is evidenced by a greenish glow when placed under the UV light.

As far as the bezel spring goes, someone bent your bezel spring at the four positions. They probably thought it would help tighten-up the bezel. Factory bezels are flat but it is not unusual to find one that has bent in two positions, or in four positions like your insert.

[tobyco]

Odd as it's only ever been serviced by Rolex afaik.

Also the crystal is all scratched up. What's the best way to get rid of them?

[steversaurus]

You could use a product called polywatch. Alternatively, you could even try toothpaste in a pinch.

[996marty]

Looks very nice

[studioal]

Your father had great taste. Did you ever talk to him about the watch at any point?

[Dan S]

Great watch and heirloom. Welcome to the forum.

[TimeLord2]

That does look nice! I have also used McGuires plastic polish for plastic headlamps. works pretty much the same as Polywatch which you will have to order. McGuires at Autozone Hahaha! Case looks unpolished or very minimally too given the crown guards still retain that flat portion on top. Is the bracelet the expanding variety?

[springer]

The crystal appears to have been polished too many times all ready. The magnification is very minimal on the cyclops - not near the original 2 1/2 magnification.

I would just have it changed out to a new one.

[JustinK]

Nice GMT!

[gingerbee]

Very nice, I love the patina on the bezel your father chose wisely

[TuRo]

Nice piece indeed. Love it's overall look. Lovely reminder too.

Personally I'd try and keep the original plexiglass as it looks like a soft edged old/original one.

Service 'top hat' 1675, 1655 and 1680 plexi's are fine, but they look and feel different to older plexis. I'm less bothered by a 5513, 1665, 1016, 6263~5 service plexi's, as to me the difference is less stark.

Old/orig. plexi is very slightly curvature top, soft curving profile with no distinct edge

The service have a longer vertical edge up from insert, and a sharp chamfered 60° double edge to top, and a practically flat top. I try not fit them if I can avoid it, to keep a max vintage feel.

[Cornerwriter]

Originally Posted by tobyco

Odd as it's only ever been serviced by Rolex afaik.

Also the crystal is all scratched up. What's the best way to get rid of them?

It could be that Rolex decided to bend your insert. However, I doubt it. They would probably replace it. Maybe your dad did it on his own. That would make it even cooler. You can pick up some on Amazon. As far as polishing the plexiglass as someone mentioned before Poliwatch is the best that I have found. You can pick up some on Amazon.


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[Cornerwriter]

Originally Posted by springer

The crystal appears to have been polished too many times all ready. The magnification is very minimal on the cyclops - not near the original 2 1/2 magnification.

I would just have it changed out to a new one.

I agree with you; however, if it were my watch that was passed on to me by my father, I would want to look through the same crystal that he did. I would leave it alone. That’s just me.


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[Andad]

Your late father’s watch is a very special piece to have Toby.

Enjoy wearing it.

Welcome to the forum.

[tobyco]

Originally Posted by springer

The crystal appears to have been polished too many times all ready. The magnification is very minimal on the cyclops - not near the original 2 1/2 magnification.

I would just have it changed out to a new one.

The reason the magnification looks messed up is because it's been scratched flat. It got flattened off somehow.

[tobyco]

Here is a shot of the bracelet. Not sure what kind it is. Sorry for the bad picture.

[TuRo]

Looks like a European 7206 solid rivet with 80 end links.

Usually marked 7206 from 1961 onwards.

Difficult to verify from that photo. Close photo of rivets and the clasp with any stamping of date eg 3/63 would be helpful.

Good guide to bracelets here

https://rolexhaven.com/bracelets.html

[Jackie Daytona]

Great watch! Once it’s back up and running appropriately I hope you are able to wear and enjoy for many years to come. I also have my late fathers GMT and treasure it.

[tobyco]

So I got the watch back from repair. Apparently it was a broken mainspring that was the issue. I had it repaired by Shane Ede here in Toronto. He also polished the crystal so now I don't need to do it. Here are some pics.

I've also included some photos of the bracelet. I got all the markings that were on it. I couldn't see any model codes or anything like that.

Found what I think is a date code. It's barely visible.

[Dan S]

Most Swiss 7206 bracelets were marked on the back of the second to last link. However, they were not marked in the early 60s, I'm not sure exactly when the transition occurred, maybe 1963-ish. In that time frame, there would be a date code on one of the blades.

[TuRo]

Brilliant 2nd Qtr of 1966 stamped on clasp. Glad you kept the old plexi, so much more in keeping with the overall watch. Package Looks great.