The GMT-Master 16700.....A Forgotten Reference

[roviw]

Originally Posted by ancientmariner

... pleased to add my 16700 to this brilliant thread.

Bought in March 2017 from a small town high street jeweller in UK. Decided I wanted the 16700 over the 16710 as it has quick set date. Only went to look as was top money (prices were rising fast), but when on my wrist this 29 year old watch felt brand new! This was due to a recent RSC service including bracelet overhaul. I had looked at a faded bezel pepsi as these look great in photos. However, when on the wrist I realised I prefer the deep colours of a new bezel.

It is one of the first made. A 1988 R serial. Has the 93150/501B diver bracelet (see post 1) and ‘open 6s’ date wheel, which I love.

My favourite watch:

lovely watch, mine is one of the later ones, my daughter's datejust has the open 6, looks great

[mineral]

My 16700 Swiss only luminova dial with jubilee and 16710 Pepsi with oyster bracelet. Both are keeper in my opinion.




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[Oldfashioned]

Could anyone confirm that 16700 never came with coke dial? I'm asking because I have a 16700A on my paper and Im told that A means black, B means Pepsi, and N means black?

Also, just out of curiosity, is Pepsi more rare or a all black bezel more rare on a 16700?

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by Oldfashioned

Could anyone confirm that 16700 never came with coke dial? I'm asking because I have a 16700A on my paper and Im told that A means black, B means Pepsi, and N means black?

Also, just out of curiosity, is Pepsi more rare or a all black bezel more rare on a 16700?

Pretty sure it just came with black or Pepsi:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=568151

Not sure about which is more rare though.

David

[Halitosis]

I wish I had read this thread to appreciate my 16700 more... Bought it new in late 1999 (one of the last ones) and wore it every day for 17 years. I was originally on the AD's wait list for a Sub but this became available and I was too impatient to hold out for a Sub. So glad I did as it led to my preference of the GMT...
So much so that I traded it in against a 116710 - also with the black bezel of course!

[bncapass1]

Originally Posted by Oldfashioned

Could anyone confirm that 16700 never came with coke dial? I'm asking because I have a 16700A on my paper and Im told that A means black, B means Pepsi, and N means black?

Also, just out of curiosity, is Pepsi more rare or a all black bezel more rare on a 16700?

With much research over the years and a mid 90's Rolex\Tudor AD card, I believe black or blue\red "pepsi" is correct however few were changed to coke at the customer's request by the AD or later which is easily done since the 16710, 16700 and the 16760 "fat lady" all share the same bezel insert size.

[aalyu]

Originally Posted by Oldfashioned

Could anyone confirm that 16700 never came with coke dial? I'm asking because I have a 16700A on my paper and Im told that A means black, B means Pepsi, and N means black?

Also, just out of curiosity, is Pepsi more rare or a all black bezel more rare on a 16700?

From what I've read, 16700 only came with Pepsi and Black. And by production black bezel was less produced than the more popular pepsi

[ash1smith]

Nice write up. Helping a friend find one of these.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by aalyu

From what I've read, 16700 only came with Pepsi and Black. And by production black bezel was less produced than the more popular pepsi

Mine is serial number N22XXX and it came with a black insert. I subsequently got the Pepsi and the Coke.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by aalyu

From what I've read, 16700 only came with Pepsi and Black. And by production black bezel was less produced than the more popular pepsi

This is correct.

During the initial time that the GMT II 16760 came out, 1983-1988, the 16700 was the only Pepsi GMT you could get. The GMT II did not see a Pepsi insert until the 16710 was fitted with it

You could say that red/black is original and proper for a GMT II, where the GMT Master is original and proper in red/blue

[Boman]

thanks for sharing

[AdamG]

Very interesting!

Great read


Thanks

[Mariner]

My favorite watch.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Mariner

My favorite watch.

Very nice indeed!

[Mariner]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Very nice indeed!

Thanks, mate!

[mineral]

Originally Posted by Mariner

My favorite watch.

Classic GMT. Nice


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[mineral]

Swiss dial Pepsi GMT




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[hammywatch]

Couple of questions for fellow 16700 lovers:

Anyone knows when was the last batch of tritium dial on the U series? As I know the late U series have are Swiss only dial and early U series that are tritium dial. Puzzled when was the cut off timing.

Also, what are the factors needed to develop the patina? Does it form naturally as it age.

I have recently seen a 1996 16700 at a shop, patina had developed and there are some dust specks which looks like paint particles on the dial. Should anyone be too bothered by it to get it removed or should one just leave it alone?

Lastly, will U series watches which are around 20 years old have patina already developed or, longer time is required before one can see it occurring?

Thank you all for your time!


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[dysondiver]

great read

[Dhiren]

Love my 16700

[CPRWATCH]

No real reason to post a picture ,other than the 16700 is the last of the GMT Master series which is reason enough . My 16700 from August 99 on jubilee

[kzm40]

When worn in rotation, the quick set date is much easier/quicker to set than the GMT 2.
It also came with a jubilee option, that was actually very slightly more expensive at the time.

[yessir69]

Yes, it's a terrible watch. Oh, wait!

[Kooteepee]

Luminova Vs Tritium

Which side are you on?

#16700

[Bagman]

Originally Posted by glocati

Great write up and pics, Larry. I love my 16700 !

Thanks for taking the time. Love mine. What year was the oyster band come out?


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[yuditracp]

Thanks for sharing :-bd

[panosr1200s]

Here is mine.. Swiss only never polished mint full set period correct period perfect just received it from RSC



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[lee fowler]

Picked up a new to me 16700 unpolished full set with tritium dial from 1991 and sold in 1994.

[Father and Son]

This thread in large part convinced us (my son and me) to add a 16700 to our small little collection a few years back... So thank you, Larry.. And also thank you Springer for sharing all your knowledge as well. I might still be a rookie/newbie but I know my stuff thanks to you!!!! Anywho---

We bought a 1993 full set 16700 in mint condition from Michael M. and this beauty gets worn in rotation about every other month out to a nice dinner...

Pics are a long time coming but here you go---

[Fabrice M]

GMT's are my favorite watches, a jack of all trades, a tool watch with 3 time-zones, date and more than good enough for recreational diving.