In the market...

[jb335]

So I got bit by the Rolex bug just a few moths ago and my first purchase was a SubC. Now I want the opposite. A vintage Rolex with a nice patina and a story to tell.

I am targeting a GMT Pepsi ref 1675, 16750 or 16700.

Being so new to the vintage world and knowing it can be a world full of pratfalls, I wanted to see if you guys thought I am on the right path in what to value and look for.

I know the condition of the case is paramount and I apparently suck at being able to tell if it was over polished or not. I need to get better at that. In addition, I am looking for one with the original tritium dial, open date wheel (pre 92), and original bezel.

Anything else I should look for?

It's kind of confusing when I see examples that look to be in great condition listed for around $6K but then I see ones considerably more beat up listed at around $10K. Am I right in assuming that is because the "better condition" ones probably have service replacement parts and/or were over polished?

[roh123]

First thing would be creating a thread with a decent topic. Then I think more would check and actually help. :)

I'd look for quality in this order:

Dial - Case - Hands - ... - Box/Papers? - Insert - ... - Bracelet - ... - Date wheel

Three first most important and what should make or break your watch. B&P if you care about that. Personally I don't but some do. Nice original insert is nice to have but usually easy to source eventhough pricey nowdays. Same goes for the bracelet and lastly the date wheel which is really nothing to care about when you search for the perfect example. If it is correct that's nice but really nothing to focus on.

Good luck

[jb335]

Ok, dial, case and hands are top priority. That is helpful. Thanks

Insert is bezel? Same thing?

[roh123]

Originally Posted by jb335

Ok, dial, case and hands are top priority. That is helpful. Thanks

Insert is bezel? Same thing?

Insert is the insert. If the case is good normally the bezel is in similar shape. Bezels are easily sourced as well but it wouldn't make much sense if the rest is good and the bezel is crap. Hands can in worst case be sourced but is often difficult to find with matching color and glow.

[sensui]

Yes, I'd focus on the dial, case, hands in terms of condition/originality first...and of course how you like it to look, level of patina etc Everything else can be supplemented/made right rather easily afterwards (bracelet, insert etc).

The bezel inserts are the rings with the GMT hour numbers that can be changed out easily on these pieces....the actual bezel assembly is the ring/washer/etc that goes around this insert.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by sensui

The bezel inserts are the rings with the GMT hour numbers that can be changed out easily on these pieces....the actual bezel assembly is the ring/washer/etc that goes around this insert.

Got it! I was never clear on the difference, seemed like people used the terms interchangeably.

[SLS]

Originally Posted by jb335

Got it! I was never clear on the difference, seemed like people used the terms interchangeably.

The term "bezel" is used pretty loosely! Just remember the bezel insert goes inside the bezel.

As far as pricing goes, typically, the 1675 is going to command the most, followed by the 16750 and the 16700. The 1675 has a lot of subtleties so learn the period correct dials, cases, small or large 24 hour hand and which type of insert is period correct for the watch! Fortunately this forum is filled with great members who have shared a of their knowledge, so the search function is your friend.

The 16750 also has some subtleties, but nowhere near the 1675. To me it is a cross between vintage and modern with the old school acrylic crystal and matte dial with a high beat movement of the modern Rolex watches.

The 16700 is considered by most to be a modern vintage since it has the sapphire crystal and glossy dial with WG surrounds. On the flip side, you see less of this model because production coincided with the more popular 16710 GMT Master II which offered 3 time zones vs 2.

Good luck and welcome to the crazy world of vintage Rolex.
Scott

[jb335]

Thanks Scott. Very helpful.

For some of the reasons you mention, I prefer the 16750. I am still open to the 1675 and 16710 though.

I love the matte dial with a patina on the markers on a lot of 16750s, which you don't get as much on the 16710 and doesn't have the price bump that comes with the 1675.

[Nikita70]

There's also the 16760. 1983-1988.

[springer]

Originally Posted by roh123

First thing would be creating a thread with a decent topic. Then I think more would check and actually help. :)

I'd look for quality in this order:

Dial - Case - Hands - ... - Box/Papers? - Insert - ... - Bracelet - ... - Date wheel

Three first most important and what should make or break your watch. B&P if you care about that. Personally I don't but some do. Nice original insert is nice to have but usually easy to source eventhough pricey nowdays. Same goes for the bracelet and lastly the date wheel which is really nothing to care about when you search for the perfect example. If it is correct that's nice but really nothing to focus on.

Good luck

Some good info here.

Box and papers are a huge plus for those that care to have a complete set - like anything collectable, but, the more complete it is, the higher the cost. There are a limited number of complete sets out there so if it is within a budget, there are no shortages of collectors for complete sets. Personally, I love complete sets, but they aren't for everyone.

As far as date wheels go, I wouldn't even consider it a factor in the purchase of any vintage watch. I would be more concerned that the watch had a movement that is correct, in proper operating condition and function as well as any details regarding its service history.

The models discussed are all great models with the GMT 1675 and 16750 being the most collectable and vintage of the three models mentioned.

Good luck.

[jb335]

Dang Springer, the Pepsi in your avatar is sweet. I want mine on a jubilee too.