16753

[SkyKing31]

Hi everyone .. As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the Rolex Datejust and know an awful lot about them since I own so many of them in different configurations. That being said, I know very little about the Rolex GMT Master, and I am hoping a GMT expert can help me out.

I have the chance to buy a 16753 GMT Master which is all original right down to the factory nipple dial. Being that I don't know much about this watch, and being that I am able to find very little information about this reference, I was wondering if someone with knowledge could weigh in on whether or not buying a 16753 would be a better choice over buying a 16713. I want to add a vintage two tone GMT to my Rolex collection, but knowing very little about the GMT scares me a bit because I don't want to make a mistake and buy something that could be problematic in the future as far as service goes. I'm also curious if this is a watch that could increase in value over time.

I will be greatful to anyone with and understanding of this watch who is willing to help me out.

[donq]

GMT Master is a great daily watch. The case is thinner than the Submariner, and the lighter weight bracelets without the flip lock clasp make them super comfortable.

The GMT is a bit more desirable than the DateJust, so it should hold it's value better and be easier to sell later on, if you so desire.

It suppose it all depends on the price and condition, just like with all of them.

I bought a 16753 a few years ago because it was a steal, and I have now modified it
(settle down back there, I kept the original parts!) with a set of service hands, service dial, white date wheel and SS bezel with pepsi insert. I like it this way better than the two tone look.

It's my everyday beater watch, and it's been very accurate and a joy to wear.

I had it worked on by a local watch guy who's really good. I've had no problems with getting it serviced (They made a lot of them).

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by donq

GMT Master is a great daily watch. The case is thinner than the Submariner, and the lighter weight bracelets without the flip lock clasp make them super comfortable.

The GMT is a bit more desirable than the DateJust, so it should hold it's value better and be easier to sell later on, if you so desire.

It suppose it all depends on the price and condition, just like with all of them.

I bought a 16753 a few years ago because it was a steal, and I have now modified it
(settle down back there, I kept the original parts!) with a set of service hands, service dial, white date wheel and SS bezel with pepsi insert. I like it this way better than the two tone look.

It's my everyday beater watch, and it's been very accurate and a joy to wear.

I personally have nothing against making modifications to a watch, because my belief is that I buy my watches, so I can do as I please. I have a couple of DJ's with aftermarket diamond dials as well as factory dials.

My thing with the 16753, the person selling it claims that this model GMT is rare and will increase in value. I of course no nothing of the GMT other than it is a Rolex, and I like it because it has the acrylic crystal and nipple dial which gives it a really cool vintage look. I think the price is great for this watch, and it also has the steel and yellow gold jubilee bracelet instead of the oyster which I kind of like.

Thanks for taking the time to weigh in. The more I look at the watch, the more I like it.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by SkyKing31

Hi everyone .. As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the Rolex Datejust and know an awful lot about them since I own so many of them in different configurations. That being said, I know very little about the Rolex GMT Master, and I am hoping a GMT expert can help me out.

I have the chance to buy a 16753 GMT Master which is all original right down to the factory nipple dial. Being that I don't know much about this watch, and being that I am able to find very little information about this reference, I was wondering if someone with knowledge could weigh in on whether or not buying a 16753 would be a better choice over buying a 16713. I want to add a vintage two tone GMT to my Rolex collection, but knowing very little about the GMT scares me a bit because I don't want to make a mistake and buy something that could be problematic in the future as far as service goes. I'm also curious if this is a watch that could increase in value over time.

I will be greatful to anyone with and understanding of this watch who is willing to help me out.

As with all vintage examples, an all-original, acrylic/nipple dial 16753 will be a watch that you'll want to find someone to do servicing that puts prime importance on keeping it as such. The originality, particularly of it's hands and dial, will be what largely determines it's future value.

For example, although Rolex would certainly service the movement and replace needed parts, they don't stock handsets from the 70's and 80's, so replacement hands from Rolex will be modern Lume-type, not tritium. Correct replacement handsets can be obtained though, and replaced by independent service providers who specialize in preserving Rolex watches in their original form.

The answer to your question if the 16753 GMT Master could increase in value is yes, with the qualifier as long as it's maintained as a vintage piece, and not be fitted with new hands, etc.

The 16713 is a more modern GMT Master II. There are inherently fewer hassles servicing a more modern watch by Rolex if preservation is a concern.

If it is in good condition now, I wouldn't call servicing an older 16753 "problematic". An all-original, nipple dial example is a great watch, and worth taking care to have it serviced by the proper people who have an eye towards preservation.

If you're looking at a specific, vintage watch, then it should be checked inside and out for corrosion, apparent water damage, etc etc. Only then can you really be sure as to whether it's likely to increase in value.

Personally, I find the vintage, acrylic/nipple dial GMT Master refs very desirable.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by CRM114

As with all vintage examples, an all-original, acrylic/nipple dial 16753 will be a watch that you'll want to find someone to do servicing that puts prime importance on keeping it as such. The originality, particularly of it's hands and dial, will be what largely determines it's future value.

For example, although Rolex would certainly service the movement and replace needed parts, they don't stock handsets from the 70's and 80's, so replacement hands from Rolex will be modern Lume-type, not tritium. Correct replacement handsets can be obtained though, and replaced by independent service providers who specialize in preserving Rolex watches in their original form.

The answer to your question if the 16753 GMT Master could increase in value is yes, with the qualifier as long as it's maintained as a vintage piece, and not be fitted with new hands, etc.

The 16713 is a more modern GMT Master II. There are inherently fewer hassles servicing a more modern watch by Rolex if preservation is a concern.

If it is in good condition now, I wouldn't call servicing an older 16753 "problematic". An all-original, nipple dial example is a great watch, and worth taking care to have it serviced by the proper people who have an eye towards preservation.

If you're looking at a specific, vintage watch, then it should be checked inside and out for corrosion, apparent water damage, etc etc. Only then can you really be sure as to whether it's likely to increase in value.

Personally, I find the vintage, acrylic/nipple dial GMT Master refs very desirable.

Thank you very much for taking the time to give me this advice!!

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by SkyKing31

Thank you very much for taking the time to give me this advice!!

Sure thing. You may want to obtain some good pictures of the particular watch you're considering and post them on the vintage thread. There's quite a few people who can offer opinions on it's condition (polished/unpolished, state of hands/dial etc).

There are also quite a few threads that discuss and name some of the more well-known providers in the U.S. that specialize in servicing/preserving vintage Rolex watches. There are many happy customers out there who've used them.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Sure thing. You may want to obtain some good pictures of the particular watch you're considering and post them on the vintage thread. There's quite a few people who can offer opinions on it's condition (polished/unpolished, state of hands/dial etc).

There are also quite a few threads that discuss and name some of the more well-known providers in the U.S. that specialize in servicing/preserving vintage Rolex watches. There are many happy customers out there who've used them.

I will certainly do that. As I mentioned before, and many people here know, I have a real love for the Datejust. I own several, as well as a couple day-dates and a tridor masterpiece. All are wonderful pieces, but lately I've been bitten by the vintage bug, and I want to add a nice vintage piece to my collection. Only problem is, My knowledge is with the dj's and dd's .. lol