GMT Master II 16710 - Service Parts Vs originality

[NineBolts]

A few weeks ago I picked up a very nice GMT Master II, 16710 U serial. Pepsi Bezel, Tritium dial, drilled lugs etc etc. The big plus was that this came on a Jubilee and had box and papers.

Another plus point for this watch is that it was originally a Jubilee Coke. I have the box outer with a hand written label with "Black/Red J" on it and I have the hang tag which includes the bracelet strap code 62510H.

The German dealer from who I got the watch works to a formula and he has quite a lot of Late Pepsi GMTs and they are all very good condition watches, most look like NOS. On mine the lugs are sharp with little or no polish done to the case, many of their watches are sold with a recent Rolex service etc. The drawback is that anything slightly worn is often replaced with new items, clasps and bezels etc.

Going into the deal I knew that the bracelet was new, I suspected a service part for a DJ (absence of a 50 on the first links). The bezel is obviously new and has been swapped for a Pepsi.

I'm enjoying the watch a lot but now that Pepsi Jubilee GMTs are about to become hot I think I'd like to move away from that look and make it more as it was when new and try and return it to it's original coke jubilee form. To me the watch looks almost like new and putting aged parts on it would not be right.

The bezel is a simple one, get a new Rolex service bezel and swap as and when I want. They're not expensive and I'm not interested in trying to find a used 20 year old bezel with patina.

But the bracelet has a few compromises that I'm trying to come to terms with. It fits well, it has 555B end links, with 1.8mm spring bars. Those aspects and the lack 50 marks is why I think it's a service Jubilee for a Datejust. For the same reason that the a Service Bezel is okay I'm also okay with the bracelet. What I'm unsure about and what I want opinions with is the clasp that's currently fitted.

The clasp is a service part proudly showing its "S". However it's not a service 62510H clasp. it's an Oyster clasp 78360.

Perhaps I should not worry about it and enjoy the watch? But I think I'd be happier with with bracelet that matched the original bracelet code on the hang tag even if it's a Service part. Does that sound odd?

Some other questions it raises are about the service clasps and bracelets. If you get a jubilee service bracelet would you expect it match the original clasp part number?

is a 78360 clasp very different from a 62510H clasp?

Should I try and hunt down a period correct GMT Master II Jubilee bracelet and end links, it wouldn't be any better than the current bracelet and would that be making it a frankenwatch?

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by NineBolts

Should I try and hunt down a period correct GMT Master II Jubilee bracelet and end links, it wouldn't be any better than the current bracelet and would that be making it a frankenwatch?

I don’t think it would be any more Franken than it already is with its service parts.

If you enjoy hunting for these things (as I do) then go for it. I think it’s admirable that you’re willing to return the watch to original specification.



Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra