On the hunt for an unpolished GMT 16710!

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Loevhagen

Wow - The prices have really jumped: http://www.sdwatches.com/product-cat...gmt-master-ii/

Forum dealer prices >>> regular guy prices.

[ryan1011]

Originally Posted by japenney

I've decided I need one of these in my life before they are too difficult to find. Unpolished with box and papers. I like with and without lug holes. Do you guys think these are too expensive already? How much would you dish out for a nice example? Lets assume we are not talking about 3186 movements. I have not seen many available for sale recently. Any advice on finding one? I have tried the for sale forums, emailed davidsw and takuya, and i look reguarly at watchrecon.

They save the hunt is half the fun. I hope that's true

Just out of interest, why do you want unpolished? I bought one last week and first thing I did was take it to RSC to have it serviced and polished and can't wait to see it looking almost new :)

[japenney]

Originally Posted by ryan1011

Just out of interest, why do you want unpolished? I bought one last week and first thing I did was take it to RSC to have it serviced and polished and can't wait to see it looking almost new :)

I prefer an unpolished watch in general. It allows me to enjoy it as it was originally. It also gives me assurances that no one has polished it who does not know what they are doing. I am sure RSC will polish your watch correctly. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a nice watch just polished by RSC. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Sent by my pet Gekko

[sensui]

Originally Posted by swish77

I've seen several of these types of posts recently about old GMTs, but when I sold my full set 16710 in July (yes, untouched, unpolished), it sat on TRF for about two weeks before it sold. Now, mine was an early one, all tritium, but it was pristine, definitely collectable. Sold for $6800 net.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=485028

I wish I saw this deal.....but then again maybe it's for the best since I already got my stash. To be honest a more modern set with luminova full papered/box BLRO sells for far more. The collectors are more keen on the original pepsi inserts (denoted by the 16710B) on the paperwork versus the black/red (16710N/A).

For the people that haven't been following as closely or have questions, I highly suggest you talk to Tony Geha (justrolexes) about these. There's a reason why he hangs onto so many because he knows what they're worth and where the market is going with them. Not to mention he's one of the most honorable/honest trusted sellers I've dealt with on TRF. Just a guy with all class.

[ryan1011]

Originally Posted by japenney

I prefer an unpolished watch in general. It allows me to enjoy it as it was originally. It also gives me assurances that no one has polished it who does not know what they are doing. I am sure RSC will polish your watch correctly. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a nice watch just polished by RSC. I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Sent by my pet Gekko

Ah yes I understand. RSC did say it appeared to have been 'refinished by not by Rolex' but I am sure it will look new once theyve finished with it - cost me £500 including a new bezel which i thought might as well while i'm there but it will part of my collection of three so not worn too much just drooled over

[swish77]

Originally Posted by sensui

I wish I saw this deal.....but then again maybe it's for the best since I already got my stash. To be honest a more modern set with luminova full papered/box BLRO sells for far more. The collectors are more keen on the original pepsi inserts (denoted by the 16710B) on the paperwork versus the black/red (16710N/A).

Perhaps, but I don't think that bezel insert distinction was on Rolex paperwork in all markets. My old 16710 was originally sold in Hong Kong and the Rolex guarantee paper didn't specify the bezel insert color. Mine happened to have the original Coke insert, but I could have switched it to the Pepsi insert and the change would have been impossible to detect, based just on the paperwork.

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by ryan1011

Ah yes I understand. RSC did say it appeared to have been 'refinished by not by Rolex' but I am sure it will look new once theyve finished with it - cost me £500 including a new bezel which i thought might as well while i'm there but it will part of my collection of three so not worn too much just drooled over

Assume you mean bezel insert at that price. I did the same thing after I bought my previously untouched D serial 16710B. I dropped it off at Rik Dietel's house and got it back looking, literally, like a NOS piece. Of course, I kept the original faded Pepsi insert, too, so that I have the true complete, all-original set, including invoice from AD in 2006. Based on what I'm reading here.....with an all-original, just serviced (by Rik Dietel), D serial 16710 BLRO full set.....I imagine I could get close to $8-9k or so for it. Enough to get a BLNR, if my heart so desired. I already have my grail, though. No way I'm letting my 16710 go anywhere!

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by swish77

Perhaps, but I don't think that bezel insert distinction was on Rolex paperwork in all markets. My old 16710 was originally sold in Hong Kong and the Rolex guarantee paper didn't specify the bezel insert color. Mine happened to have the original Coke insert, but I could have switched it to the Pepsi insert and the change would have been impossible to detect, based just on the paperwork.

You'd be able to tell from my box sleeve.

[shoppy]

[QUOTE=mtgjr;7034254]You'd be able to tell from my box sleeve.


I just had a look at mine from 2000 and all I have on the hangtag, original paperwork and receipt is the reference number no indication of insert colour. I have the all black and pepsi inserts and will be at a point in the near future buying the coke insert.

[Onikage]

[QUOTE=shoppy;7034286]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

You'd be able to tell from my box sleeve.


I just had a look at mine from 2000 and all I have on the hangtag, original paperwork and receipt is the reference number no indication of insert colour. I have the all black and pepsi inserts and will be at a point in the near future buying the coke insert.

They don't have the insert colour on the packaging or the papers over here like in the US. I take that as carte blanche to have whatever colour I please without voiding anything as Rolex obviously doesn't mind.

[ronricks]

A few thoughts:

The prices on these seem to be skewed or inflated by the internet sellers as local sellers near me don't have these prices I see on here. The high prices originally started with the Z serials and crept back to the earlier serials.

If looking for one of these watches I would look locally or from a private sellers collection not form one of the trusted sellers on here you will save a lot of money. Same goes for the 16610lv. Those I can understand the higher price since they only had a 7 year or so run but even then still inflated by the sellers on here and better deals can be had. There are likely hundreds of thousands of 16710's out there so these prices today make no sense.

It is odd how the 16610 which likely has the same numbers of production as the 16710 is probably at its lowest price point right now even for older unpolished ones.

[RXAPPP]

Prices do seem to be inflated and I wonder if they may have reached the atop. For a good z serial you are looking around $7500 and that's to close to the BLNR. We all like to pretend 16710 is vintage, and IMO it is this belief that is pushing the prices up. Buyer clamour dictates the market. I really like the watch and have deliberated between that and the BLNR for what seems like an age, I can't get passed the facts however. PCLs can be polished out and once you take that away you have a better ceramic bezel versus a better colour one that's interchangeable and a maxi case versus more often than not an over polished one.... IMO it makes the 16710 a tough albeit not impossible choice.
Like you I'm still looking but the price turns me away every time.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by mtgjr

You'd be able to tell from my box sleeve.

That's only on more recent versions. The earlier 16710s didn't have that. Keep in mind that Rolex started selling the 16710 back in '89, long before that modern box set and those stickers.

[Volatile Agent]

Originally Posted by sensui

It's nice some people are getting these deals....but realistically the market dictates a nice unpolished 16710 is for sure $8-$10k pending on year and completeness of the package/type (original blro, coke, or black bezel insert for 3185 movements. The only trusted seller that I know of for sure that has a healthy inventory of these and knows everything about them is justrolexes. I would browse his site (sdwatches.com)/contact him and get what you want now as I'm sure these will just keep going up. I've already had my fill of them and am enjoying them to no end.

I bought one from Tony (justrolexes) last year. I told him what I was looking for and he gave me several examples which fit my requirements. The prices are going crazy. Looks like they are about $1000 more now then when I bought. it is easily my favorite Rolex now and I can say with certainty that I will never part with it.

Good luck with the hunt.

[faz]

I was originally looking for the pepsi (after my first post on this forum), and was told by a few people (local shops etc.) to buy one sooner than later before prices continue to rise.

I liked the look of the pepsi, but with high prices and old age of those examples, I decided I didn't like it that much. I am not sure if there is something special about them (mechanics inside, etc.) that makes them preferred, or is it just that people like them and want to collect them (again, why?)

I looked at the new BLNR and fell in love with it. For the price difference, I ended up buying a new BLNR instead and don't really care if the price of it goes up or down in future. I have a new GMT that will be as old as most pepsi examples are today when I pass it on to my son in 10 years or so. I am not a collector, don't have a wide variety of watches, so I can't justify spending high amount of money on an older model when the newer one (and to me, just as beautiful), is within a reasonable price difference.

I have a theory on why these are going up in prices: perhaps people who, like me, liked these when they were kids, are now getting to the age and financial stability in their life, enough to want to buy one, and that is perhaps why it is pushing the demand and prices up?

Frankly, owning a BLNR now, I don't see the hype that surrounds that model (edit: BLNR) either. It is a good looking watch and I am sure Rolex will make more of it and sell them easily for a while, but I don't expect that hype to last either.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by faz

I was originally looking for the pepsi (after my first post on this forum), and was told by a few people (local shops etc.) to buy one sooner than later before prices continue to rise.

I liked the look of the pepsi, but with high prices and old age of those examples, I decided I didn't like it that much. I am not sure if there is something special about them (mechanics inside, etc.) that makes them preferred, or is it just that people like them and want to collect them (again, why?)

I looked at the new BLNR and fell in love with it. For the price difference, I ended up buying a new BLNR instead and don't really care if the price of it goes up or down in future. I have a new GMT that will be as old as most pepsi examples are today when I pass it on to my son in 10 years or so. I am not a collector, don't have a wide variety of watches, so I can't justify spending high amount of money on an older model when the newer one (and to me, just as beautiful), is within a reasonable price difference.

I have a theory on why these are going up in prices: perhaps people who, like me, liked these when they were kids, are now getting to the age and financial stability enough to want to get one, and that is perhaps why it is pushing the demand and prices up?

Frankly, owning a BLNR now, I don't see the hype that surrounds that model either. It is a good looking watch and I am sure Rolex will make more of it and sell them easily for a while, but I don't expect that hype to last either.

There are hundreds of thousands of them out there. They aren't rare. Which makes the pricing more confusing. To me it isn't worth it. At current prices I would rather have the ceramic version with the upgraded bracelet and clasp.

[dbhak22]

I am certainly not a "trusted seller" (but it doesn't mean I'm not trustworthy...I swear!) nor am I a dealer but I happen to come across (and acquire) a couple 16710s in the past month (both A-serials) which I sold to fellow enthusiasts here. Neither had box/papers but both were in quite good condition and sold for less than what most are quoting here...but that's likely due to me not being a "trusted seller":

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=494561

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=489828

I also own a 16710 myself (my first Rolex) and it's so versatile. Certainly the one that gets the most wrist time.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by japenney

I've decided I need one of these in my life before they are too difficult to find. Unpolished with box and papers. I like with and without lug holes. Do you guys think these are too expensive already? How much would you dish out for a nice example? Lets assume we are not talking about 3186 movements. I have not seen many available for sale recently. Any advice on finding one? I have tried the for sale forums, emailed davidsw and takuya, and i look reguarly at watchrecon.

They save the hunt is half the fun. I hope that's true

My advice is to be patient. It took me many months before I found mine (back in 2014, from DavidSW). Well worth the time and effort though. There was one recently for sale here (I think by FredNYC - if I recall correctly). A simply beautiful Pepsi model with all paperwork, etc. too - asking price around $9K. Makes me glad I bought mine when I did because, personally, I think current selling prices are very inflated.

[THC]

Love mine... Stick dial means nothing, I know, but what a beauty

[zack777es]

Originally Posted by swish77

Perhaps, but I don't think that bezel insert distinction was on Rolex paperwork in all markets. My old 16710 was originally sold in Hong Kong and the Rolex guarantee paper didn't specify the bezel insert color. Mine happened to have the original Coke insert, but I could have switched it to the Pepsi insert and the change would have been impossible to detect, based just on the paperwork.

Yup, I can attest to this. My D serial is from a Hong Kong AD as well, no indication of N, A or B on the cert or box.

[Mezz72]

a year, 2 years, 3 years ago etc, people
also said "current prices are very inflated"....
so, if u like it and within budget just go for it.
no need to think so much.

[red1108nyc]

GMTs are great.

[Vishy26]

Most people have this habit of getting watch polished. Anyway, try to get F or Y or K or P serial , Lug holes + SEL

[red29ant]

Originally Posted by Vishy26

Most people have this habit of getting watch polished. Anyway, try to get F or Y or K or P serial , Lug holes + SEL

Why those serials?

[JP Chestnut]

Uh, "lug holes plus SEL"...

Y is a transitional series. Some had holes and others didn't. My F serial (and every other F iirc) doesn't.

[Vishy26]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Uh, "lug holes plus SEL"...

Y is a transitional series. Some had holes and others didn't. My F serial (and every other F iirc) doesn't.

Thanks for correcting me.

[japenney]

Originally Posted by red29ant

Why those serials?

he answered your question. He likes the fact that they have lug holes and solid end links. Earlier versions do not have solid end links (less sturdy bracelet) and later version does not have lug holes. Some people prefer lug holes because you can change a strap very easily with just a quick poke. Others prefer without lug holes because they feel it detracts from the appearance of the case. Hope this helps answer your question.

[Vishy26]

Originally Posted by red29ant

Why those serials?

SEL+ Lug holes. Some F serial don't have lug holes.

[breitlings]

I have to disagree with the claim the 16710 is overvalued. First unless rolex starts making more of them, its the last stop for aluminium bezels, 5 digit case size etc. Secondly it is an iconic Rolex with the jumping GMT complication which many believe Rolex does the best.

Finally if we are assessing if something is over valued, we have to look at the value itself. There are very few Rolexes right now you could buy and next year sell for more. The 16710 is one and that's why it is undervalued and appreciating.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Broxi

Prices do seem to be inflated and I wonder if they may have reached the atop. For a good z serial you are looking around $7500 and that's to close to the BLNR. We all like to pretend 16710 is vintage, and IMO it is this belief that is pushing the prices up. Buyer clamour dictates the market. I really like the watch and have deliberated between that and the BLNR for what seems like an age, I can't get passed the facts however. PCLs can be polished out and once you take that away you have a better ceramic bezel versus a better colour one that's interchangeable and a maxi case versus more often than not an over polished one.... IMO it makes the 16710 a tough albeit not impossible choice.
Like you I'm still looking but the price turns me away every time.

I am sure you have worn them both but they are very different watches . The 16710 is a five digit case, with swappable bezels, two different bracelet configurations that can be had in non 904L bracelets. The 116710 is a maxi case that is only 904L, only ceramic bezel.

Give me a 16710 over a new one, in fact that is what I did, I could have bought the new one. The 16710 seemed like the more comfortable and iconic watch to me. I would make the choice again, I have had people offer to trade 116710 straight up, I considered it but declined.

I would take the plunge, the water is fine!