Is the "Fat lady" GMT master 2 worth more?

[bayerische]

Hello guys,

Is the "Fat lady" version of the GMT master 2 more expensive than the "regular" GMT master 2? It's supposed to have a thicker case?

I've been looking at one locally for about 5700 USD. I find this expensive. -89 model.

[newmedia]

for collectors , yes!

For me, no.

[bayerische]

OK, so then the answer for me is: No.

Thanks!

[mike]

I think that's a bit strong. Pristine with B&P ok, but loose.....

[Tools]

The 16760 "Fat Lady" was the original GMT Master II. The first one to feature the jump hour hand, and it was, in fact, fatter.

It was only made the first few years and for that, it is favored among GMT II collectors where a bit more is paid for good examples.

If you just want a good GMT II, then the extra cost does not make it attractive..

As Mike said...the price cited is a bit high, but you can always negotiate..

[jdrolltide3838]

I sold a one owner, box, papers, manuals, hang tags etc near mint version for $4200 about 4 months ago if that could give you some idea

[Ken Cox]

I have a 1986 Fat Lady and I can't see the difference on my wrist.

[adrian28]

Yup...agree,it really hard to tell when you wear it on wrist....

no difference...

[Speed]

Does the Fat lady have the small triangle pointer on the Red Hand???

[mike]

Originally Posted by masugu

Does the Fat lady have the small triangle pointer on the Red Hand???

No. The small 24 hr. hand was last used circa 1967 on the 1675.

[Speed]

Thanks Mike!

[bayerische]

I'm still at the crossroad about buying a watch when I come to the US, or locally here. The Fat lady is indeed very interesting with a good history and great condition.

Is it likely that a Fat lady GMT master 2 will increase in value over the years?

[mike]

Originally Posted by bayerische

I'm still at the crossroad about buying a watch when I come to the US, or locally here. The Fat lady is indeed very interesting with a good history and great condition.

Is it likely that a Fat lady GMT master 2 will increase in value over the years?

Predicting what the future holds for any reference is always a roll of the dice. As a reference with a short history (circa 1983-88) it certainly falls into the catagory of a short lived watch.

Some feel the cal. 3085 was not the best effort from Rolex, but it was the first to feature the "jump hour" feature that introduced the II series.

I've found the "fat lady" to be a great, reliable, accurate watch.

If maximum potential for valuation is a consideration I would look for an example feature an "OYSTER PERPETUAL" only dial.

Early examples of the reference were issued with OYSTER PERPETUAL rather than the latter OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE seen on second generation pieces. When the change occured of course is a best guess, but most feel the eariler dial was a one year run (with typical Rolex crossover).

As a reference to use daily, the 16760 is a great choice. Again, due to the timeframe when the reference was issued the "crazed dial" affect is something to be aware of when shopping. As with other references during the period some "fat-ladies" experienced a flaw in the paint matrix leading to the spidering effect.

Good luck

Thanks to our own Orchi here's some photos of the earlier dial,

http://www.network54.com/Forum/54035...osted+by+Orchi

[springer]

Originally Posted by jdrolltide3838

I sold a one owner, box, papers, manuals, hang tags etc near mint version for $4200 about 4 months ago if that could give you some idea

PM me next time you find one of those.

[springer]

Great post Mike. The GMT 16760 is a great watch, and very hard to find complete with its original accessories and warranty paper. I've seen asking/selling prices range from $4000 to $7000 for a complete package. If you can find a 16760, total package, at a price you are comfortable with, then I'd go for it.

These watches were not made in great quantities during their five or six year production run. This was due to the GMT 16750, which was still being manufactured and marketed in conjunction with the 16760. Buyers had a choice between the GMT and GMT II (16760) for several years until the GMT II 16710 rolled out around 1989, replacing the 16760. In conjunction with the release of the 16710, the GMT 16750 was also replaced around 1988/89 by the new 16700 GMT which replaced the acrylic crystal 16750. The GMT 16700 ended production around 2000 and the GMT II 16710 ended production a couple years ago.

If you can find a nice, complete 16760 for $4500 to $5000, I'd say that is a very good price. $5700 is not a bad price either, if the watch is in great condition with the accessories. Everything is negotiable, even new Rolexes can be had at a discount now! Good luck with your decision.

John

[JohnBoy]

Good Grief! And ouch, too! I turned one down, without B&P, and with a coke dial for $3,400 last month. So, they are still readily available and negotiable without the pedigree. I found a 95% 16710 genuine gem for less a week later. It was also a possible mutt, but it came with a written 12 mo warranty and no-fault return, from a heavyweight f'bay seller. There remains that risk vs. reward for cyber-buying a used one, and it all depends on how much risk is affordable. I can see that doing business within the TRF is much less risky, and I will absolutely do that in the future! Otherwise, there are a lot of short-time owners out there, wanting to move up, or just needing to get get cash for hard times. And a lot of desperate counterfitters as well. Be assured that the Fat Lady, or Spohia Loren, is still available, but at her age, she probably will not have all the extras, like B&P, links, hang tags, and certainly no factory backup. If you want one...that is, if you accept this assignment, best wishes for you finding this beauty!
Have Great Weekend All,
John

Have a Great Weekend, All
John

[dannyp]

I'd say only buy it if it sings to you, then you know your search is over.


Sorry, couldn't resist.

[springer]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

Good Grief! And ouch, too! I turned one down, without B&P, and with a coke dial for $3,400 last month. So, they are still readily available and negotiable without the pedigree. I found a 95% 16710 genuine gem for less a week later. It was also a possible mutt, but it came with a written 12 mo warranty and no-fault return, from a heavyweight f'bay seller. There remains that risk vs. reward for cyber-buying a used one, and it all depends on how much risk is affordable. I can see that doing business within the TRF is much less risky, and I will absolutely do that in the future! Otherwise, there are a lot of short-time owners out there, wanting to move up, or just needing to get get cash for hard times. And a lot of desperate counterfitters as well. Be assured that the Fat Lady, or Spohia Loren, is still available, but at her age, she probably will not have all the extras, like B&P, links, hang tags, and certainly no factory backup. If you want one...that is, if you accept this assignment, best wishes for you finding this beauty!
Have Great Weekend All,
John

Have a Great Weekend, All
John

16760's only came with the red/black bezel insert, of course many have been changed with time. The watches, without extras can be found in the mid-$3000 price range. Complete packages are very hard to find.

[springer]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I'd say only buy it if it sings to you, then you know your search is over.


Sorry, couldn't resist.

Only if sings In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. More drums please.

[bayerische]

Thanks for your replies very helpful.

This watch comes from it's original owner, has been serviced twice. New bezel and new dial among a bunch of mechanical pieces changed. With papers, receipts & box.

[bayerische]

Thanks for your replies very helpful.

This watch comes from it's original owner, has been serviced twice. New bezel and new dial among a bunch of mechanical pieces changed. With papers, receipts & box.