GMT Master II (116710) question

[flybyveal]

I have a GMT Master II with the black ceramic bezel and green GMT hand and writing, bought in 2010. The model number is 116710.

From reading these forums I have found out I can't use the coke or pepsi inserts from the previous model as they won't fit. So my question is, are there any inserts I could buy to change up the look of my watch? Is it an insert or do you change the whole bezel? I really like the look of the new "Batman" bezel but I'm sure it's nearly impossible to find/buy that insert. I'm really just looking for anything to change up the look.

Last question, if I did find an insert that would fit, where would I get it fitted? I'm not going to try and do it myself because I don't want to risk breaking it. My AD said they don't do that kind of work, and they won't sell any inserts even if they had them because Rolex doesn't want parts interchanged amongst models. Seems stupid to me, it's my watch I should be able to do with it what I want, but thats a topic for a different conversation. So could I take it to a good watchmaker and have the insert fitted, if an AD won't do it for me. On that note, anyone have a recommendation for someone who can do the work in the Chicago area?

Thanks,
Brad

[silverbullet818]

The short answer is no. The easiest way and likely the most cost effective way to achieve your goal is to sell your watch and get the one you want.

As for the ceramic bezels, I think only Rolex sells those. Not sure if they will swap it out for you.

[brandrea]

Even if you could swap bezels, the GMT hand would also need to be changed if you wanted it to look correct.

[rollee1]

You are better off buying another watch.
In theory it can be done, but no RSC will do it for you. There is a high risk of breakage, even if you find a replacement BLNR bezel which itself can cost as high as a third of the GMT, then imagine reversing the procedure.


" Seems stupid to me, it's my watch I should be able to do with it what I want, but thats a topic for a different conversation ... "

Rolex runs a tight ship, not only are you not allowed to change the look of your watch or bracelet, they will not even let you keep the old part while charging for a new one. Everything is swapped as replacement.
AFAIK Always has been always will be.

[THC]

I am sure glad I have a DD, Datejust prior to that.... All these inserts and ceramics talk confuse me...

[WS9D]

If you want to change the look, I'd sell it and buy a 16710 along with the optional inserts. You can change the inserts urself in 2 minutes. I love mine for that, and since I got the 16710, my 116710ln has seen very little wrist time.

[flybyveal]

Thanks for all the responses, great info on this forum.

So I either sell my GMT and buy the batman, or buy the older 16710.

Going to the Batman I figured would cost me 2-3k depending on how much I got for my old GMT. Hard to stomach for the same watch essentially, only in a different color.

I'll take a look to see what used 16710 GMTs are going for with both the coke and pepsi bezels.

Or I just upgrade to the yacht master with the blue face....

[Annan]

Yep....if change is what you are after then try to source a 16710. It would be interesting to know if Rolex would sell a BLNR bezel and blue GMT hand. And, you would also have to swap the dial to get the blue lettering. In the end I'm sure it would just be cheaper to sell your watch and buy a BLNR.

[Jim Smyth]

This has been discussed a bunch in the past. If you do some searching you will find out what others have told you already in this thread. The newer Ceramic models are not easily swapped out like the older ones. Many guys have been able to remove the bezel only to find they cant get it back on the watch. Rolex uses a special press that from what I read is only at the service centers. Then you cant source any new inserts from Rolex so selling the watch or adding to the collection is the only logical solution. Its too bad Rolex didnt make a bezel design where it was easy to swap inserts. They would sell a ton of inserts for guys that like change.

[superdog]

messing with perfection...

[Speed]

Even the 16710 Gmts were never intended by Rolex to be like Garanimals, the mix and match kids clothing line from the past.

Popping a bezel on and off repeatedly will eventually make it fit loosely on the case, putting your bezel at risk of falling off.

The fact that a DIY solution exists for the prior generations of GMTs exists, but I think folks should be mindful of pulling off their bezels with frequency.

[Ckci]

This is all interesting. I was looking for a Pepsi but it seems like a lot of them were the older generation GMT's that had started w black inserts that had been swapped for PEPSI inserts. The sellers I talked with were honest with me about it when I saked but I'm new to a lot of this and was wondering if this is kosher and if these are truly considered to be Pepsi's? If it's easy and kosher and didn't compromise the watch I'd love to be able to change up the look. Do real Pepsi's have red date markers?

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by superdog

messing with perfection...

Could not agree more.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Could not agree more.

you know what they say about great minds Larry.