Original parts on 16753 Root Beer?

[pmalsante]

Hey guys, moving this question over from a different thread.

Was looking to trade my Pepsi 16710 for a Root Beer 16753. Came across this 1981 Root Beer that I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on, but was curious if the hands, insert, etc looked like original parts or service parts. I’m always blown away at the ability of the members on here of telling the difference so thought I’d ask.

Thanks in advance for taking a look and sharing your opinion.

Peter

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by pmalsante

Hey guys, moving this question over from a different thread.

Was looking to trade my Pepsi 16710 for a Root Beer 16753. Came across this 1981 Root Beer that I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on, but was curious if the hands, insert, etc looked like original parts or service parts. I’m always blown away at the ability of the members on here of telling the difference so thought I’d ask.

Thanks in advance for taking a look and sharing your opinion.

Peter

That is a lovely watch. I posted mine as it is original and I thought it might make for an interesting comparison being 10 years earlier than the one you are considering. My Dad purchased it new and nothing has been replaced except perhaps the crown. No papers, no box, whatever… Keeping it! Anyway, this is a 1675 from 1971 or thereabout. I believe yours has different material for the lume but will leave that to the experts to consider. The lume is completely dead on mine and shows signs of darkening right in the middle of the nipples. Aside from that, the coloration is very consistent with the hands. Looks like the Rolex logo is printed on yours and applied on mine. Aside from that, they look remarkably similar, although, i do believe your posting is in better condition. The lume on the watch you are considering also seems to have very consistent coloration with the lume on the hands, so, given my limited expertise I would think they are original or at least aged on the same watch. The crown guards do look quite rounded from potentially over polishing. That said, the lugs look nice and thick with a nice radial brush on the top. I am not an expert like some of the other people on this site so definitely wait for a more knowledgeable opinion. I does look quite nice.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by pmalsante

Hey guys, moving this question over from a different thread.

Was looking to trade my Pepsi 16710 for a Root Beer 16753. Came across this 1981 Root Beer that I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on, but was curious if the hands, insert, etc looked like original parts or service parts. I’m always blown away at the ability of the members on here of telling the difference so thought I’d ask.

Thanks in advance for taking a look and sharing your opinion.

Peter

I do have one more question. Does the "2" on the insert look larger (actually bolder) than the other "2s" on the insert? Aside from that it looks original but you will need to see the back of the insert as I believe it should be red but given the watch is 10 years newer…?

[JustinK]

Looks original to me, I think the insert has been replaced. Look at the end links and clasp code to see if the band is original.

[BigBlue1]

Don’t quote me but I don’t believe the back of Rootbeer inserts are red. I don’t know if you were talking about your Pepsi insert. I ha ent seen a red back Rootbeer insert.

Also the Dial, Hands look original and also there is a chance the insert is original. By looking up the serial number and comparing with similar you may be able to tell.

Join the Rootbeer Club.

[TimeLord2]

I'm sure you're right on the insert. The thread seemed like it was dying on the vine. Nothing like some amateur comments (from me) to get the ball rolling for this potential vintage root beer owner!

[pmalsante]

Thanks so much for the replies guys. I made the trade and received the watch today and am super happy with it. Upon closer examination, everything matches up on it - lume is dead across the board.

Proud to be a new memeber of the Root Beer Club

[pmalsante]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

That is a lovely watch. I posted mine as it is original and I thought it might make for an interesting comparison being 10 years earlier than the one you are considering. My Dad purchased it new and nothing has been replaced except perhaps the crown. No papers, no box, whatever… Keeping it! Anyway, this is a 1675 from 1971 or thereabout. I believe yours has different material for the lume but will leave that to the experts to consider. The lume is completely dead on mine and shows signs of darkening right in the middle of the nipples. Aside from that, the coloration is very consistent with the hands. Looks like the Rolex logo is printed on yours and applied on mine. Aside from that, they look remarkably similar, although, i do believe your posting is in better condition. The lume on the watch you are considering also seems to have very consistent coloration with the lume on the hands, so, given my limited expertise I would think they are original or at least aged on the same watch. The crown guards do look quite rounded from potentially over polishing. That said, the lugs look nice and thick with a nice radial brush on the top. I am not an expert like some of the other people on this site so definitely wait for a more knowledgeable opinion. I does look quite nice.

Beautiful watch TimeLord. And thanks for getting the ball rolling on the thread

[BigBlue1]

Welcome to the RootBeer Club.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by pmalsante

Beautiful watch TimeLord. And thanks for getting the ball rolling on the thread

My Pleasure! I recently joined the forum and am quite amazed by the level of expertise. Congratulations on the purchase, that’s a beauty!