GMT 16710 Question

[slocke0624]

Hello. I'm brand new to the forum and wanted to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge on this site. I've had my heart set on a 16710 with the Pepsi bezel for quite some time now and came across one today at a very reputable local store that was taken in on trade. It is near mint except for the bracelet which was damaged in a cycling accident and poorly refinished by the previous owner. Half of the bracelet is mint and the other half looks like someone took a belt sander to it. It has the original box and papers and was sold new in 2006. The store is selling the piece as is or will order a brand new 78360 bracelet from Rolex for $1000. If it is possible to pick up the piece as is for around $5k, is that the way to go and go with a NATO strap for now and try to pick up a nice used bracelet, or pay the $1000 and go with a brand new bracelet from Rolex? If the case wasn't mint, I wouldn't think twice about picking up a used original bracelet, but I can have a near mint GMT with the original box and papers for around $6k. It's not a steal either way, but the price is competitive and I can have it on my wrist tomorrow. If this one doesn't work out, I'll be posting soon in the WTB forum.

[Andad]

Welcome to the Forum.
I am not up to date with the Pepsi prices in the US but I would expect to buy a complete original 16710 for that price.

[Jason71]

Personally, I think it sounds like a decent deal. I would probably just splurge and get the new bracelet now from the selling entity. How bad is the damage to the previous bracelet? Is it just cosmetic damage that could be refnished by someone that knows what they are doing? If this is actually the case, I might just take the bracelet to someone like ABC and let them have a go at getting the bracelet right. They are local to you. Prices of a late-model 16710 have been on the rise and that's a pretty competitive price IMHO

[padi56]

Originally Posted by slocke0624

Hello. I'm brand new to the forum and wanted to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge on this site. I've had my heart set on a 16710 with the Pepsi bezel for quite some time now and came across one today at a very reputable local store that was taken in on trade. It is near mint except for the bracelet which was damaged in a cycling accident and poorly refinished by the previous owner. Half of the bracelet is mint and the other half looks like someone took a belt sander to it. It has the original box and papers and was sold new in 2006. The store is selling the piece as is or will order a brand new 78360 bracelet from Rolex for $1000. If it is possible to pick up the piece as is for around $5k, is that the way to go and go with a NATO strap for now and try to pick up a nice used bracelet, or pay the $1000 and go with a brand new bracelet from Rolex? If the case wasn't mint, I wouldn't think twice about picking up a used original bracelet, but I can have a near mint GMT with the original box and papers for around $6k. It's not a steal either way, but the price is competitive and I can have it on my wrist tomorrow. If this one doesn't work out, I'll be posting soon in the WTB forum.

First the bezel inserts are interchangeable and quite easy to do yourself, insert costs around $75 so its possible to get all 3 inserts,then 3 different watches for little money.Regarding the bracelet if it not to badly damaged easily refurbished by someone who is skilled.And its possible to buy half a bracelet to replaced whatever side is damaged if its beyond repair which I doubt.

[rolio]

Like Padi said, it's possible you could find someone to refinish the bracelet if the finish is not gouged. I would really be concerned with the case. If it's intact, then the rest is easy. I've seen the 16710 Pepsi selling between $5,500 to $7,000. There are a few out there that may not need the added work, for the price of this piece. I have the late model 16710 Z with the 3186 movement, and I would never part with it unless I needed the cash quickly, and only in an extreme emergency--but that's me. (Besides, my wife gifted it to me...so if I did, she would kill me.) Good luck

[sea-dweller]

I think it's a decent deal at 6K with a new bracelet. GMT's have increased in value a lot recently.

[Speed]

I'm with Padi. The RSC removed a permanent link from my 16710 bracelet to give a perfect fit. I was told If I really wanted to replace it to avoid any sales resistance down the road...I could just replace half of the bracelet.

However, since this is a common operation, it may not be necessary. Really don't plan to sell.

[bbressler]

If it's been recently serviced than $6k is a pretty good deal, especially at a brick and mortar store for a 16710 complete set. I'd get the new authentic bracelet myself.

[watchwatcher]

Not a bad deal. Take it as is for 5k and as others have said, see if you can get someone decent to fix it up...if not get the half bracelet. Good luck.

[slocke0624]

Thanks for all of the input. I think I have a game plan for trying to pick up the GMT soon. I'll have to make my decision soon as I am leaving town on Wednesday morning. If it doesn't work out, I'm seeing some pretty solid deals in the classifieds thread. Either way, I hope to have my first Rolex very soon.