Bit by the GMT Master bug! However…

[RangerAl]

After lurking here quite a while I finally decided to join the forums.

My father was a watchmaker, so I have an appreciation for fine timepieces. As a private pilot, I have a particular affinity for watches which are in some way associated with aviation.

The four nice watches I currently own are not squirreled away in a safe, nor are they short-term loves. They are watches I enjoy, which I intend to keep, and which I wear on a regular basis.

But I’ve finally decided (gulp!) it is time to acquire a watch I’ve lusted after for as long as I can remember – the GMT Master. More specifically, research and my personal taste have led me to look for a GMT Master II 16710 with a Coke bezel.

But this is where I start spinning my wheels!

There are many, many posts which seem to focus on papers and boxes and hologram stickers. But I’m not looking at this as an investment. I’m just trying to find a sharp looking, trouble-free watch with good lume for regular wear.

Despite all I’ve read, I still can’t figure out if I should be shooting for a 2000 or newer example, or if a 1990s vintage (which seem to have slightly lower asking prices) would fit my needs just as well.

Prices and reported conditions – even from “trusted’ sellers on this forum – seem to me to be all over the map.

Furthermore, I’ve seen numerous posts which suggest I should be able to pick up a fine example of a 16710 for about $1,000 less than the typical asking prices I’ve seen in this or other forums, let alone from internet dealers.

Any advice on which years/serials you more experience owners & forum members believe I should be focusing on given my stated intentions would be greatly appreciated.

I would also welcome any insight you might be able to share regarding the current, realistic price range I should expect to pay for a nice 16710.

Thanks!

[sea-dweller]

Welcome to the forum.

I think it's important to buy from a reputable party/dealer and also take into consideration the service history and accessories (boxes and papers).

I would say low-mid 5K to mid-high 6K USD range right now for a 16710.

[joe100]

Pick a budget first and find the best example in that price. It's the best way to go about it, otherwise you lose your mind with the options and the waiting

[jamesbondOO7]

Excellent choice. The 16710 is the only watch one needs. I bought mine fresh out of RSC service with a 2 year-warranty. It was full set with the 3 inserts. Cannot say anything about prices as Europe is so much more expensive than the US. The price was at the very high end of the range, but I would not have considered anything else, in terms of condition. I wanted as new.

[HRV]

Welcome to TRF Al

[T. Ferguson]

One thing to consider is if you get one with tritium lume (maybe pre-1998 or thereabouts) the lume will probably have deteriorated some and might not have too many years left.

[travisb]

Great choice in deciding on a GMT.
The price range will vary. Just be sure you're getting everything you pay for.

[springer]

I echo many of the comments here. You should be able to find a nice 18710, complete with all the original accessories and warranty paper for $5,000. The prices for the GMT from the last year or so seem to be higher but $5,000 is in the "ballpark" for a nice, clean, serviced watch.

[skyman51]

Originally Posted by RangerAl

After lurking here quite a while I finally decided to join the forums.

My father was a watchmaker, so I have an appreciation for fine timepieces. As a private pilot, I have a particular affinity for watches which are in some way associated with aviation.

The four nice watches I currently own are not squirreled away in a safe, nor are they short-term loves. They are watches I enjoy, which I intend to keep, and which I wear on a regular basis.

But I’ve finally decided (gulp!) it is time to acquire a watch I’ve lusted after for as long as I can remember – the GMT Master. More specifically, research and my personal taste have led me to look for a GMT Master II 16710 with a Coke bezel.

But this is where I start spinning my wheels!

There are many, many posts which seem to focus on papers and boxes and hologram stickers. But I’m not looking at this as an investment. I’m just trying to find a sharp looking, trouble-free watch with good lume for regular wear.

Despite all I’ve read, I still can’t figure out if I should be shooting for a 2000 or newer example, or if a 1990s vintage (which seem to have slightly lower asking prices) would fit my needs just as well.

Prices and reported conditions – even from “trusted’ sellers on this forum – seem to me to be all over the map.

Furthermore, I’ve seen numerous posts which suggest I should be able to pick up a fine example of a 16710 for about $1,000 less than the typical asking prices I’ve seen in this or other forums, let alone from internet dealers.

Any advice on which years/serials you more experience owners & forum members believe I should be focusing on given my stated intentions would be greatly appreciated.

I would also welcome any insight you might be able to share regarding the current, realistic price range I should expect to pay for a nice 16710.

Thanks!

I wore a GMT 1675 with a Pepsi bezel for 32 years. I am a retired commercial pilot and I bought it new in 1977. A classic!

[SeaDweller50]

This 16710 is a fine example. Z serial. You have chosen well. I used to jump out of planes as opposed to flying them. Much more fun. Lol