Urgent Advice Needed

[Mick P]

Chaps

I need urgent advice.

I am involved in a deal where a few people are buying and selling watches and if one of us pulls out, it all goes belly up unless I can pull off a one to one deal with the owner of a 1968 Pepsi GMT 1675 that has a Jubilee Bracelet fitted.

Here is the advice I need.

I was originally going to buy a good 16710 and fit a Pepsi bezel on it.

However this 1675 which is totally original and under used has come up and I am sorely tempted.

I know that on the 1675 the 24 hand is directly linked to the hour hand e.g at showing 4.pm on the hour hand, the 24 hour hand is fixed at 16. Therefore you have just two time zones.

I also know that you have to whizz the watch around to adjust the date.

I know that the winder knob is smaller than newer models.

I also know that the plastic glass makes the model less waterproof.

On the positive side, it looks dead sexy.

So my questions are

1. Is the watch serviceable and are parts still available.

2. Am I right in assuming that the watch can be washed under a tap for cleaning or at least with a wet toothbrush.

3. How does the accuracy compare to a newer model.

4. Is the plastic easily scratched.

and finally, will it hold its price compared to say a 16710.

Many thanks

Mick

[bp1000]

Have you seen the older watch?

They are very different and in good condition they are a great collectors watch.

If you wear it often consider the newer one. I have a z serial 2006 gmt 2 and compared to a late 70s pepsi (which looked stunning with a faded bezel), the newer one felt a little more solid, especially if you want to wear it often.

[Mick P]

Yikes

That has put me off a bit

Mick

[joe100]

1 yes
2 after a pressure test you could swim with it no problem
3 same
4 somewhat but easily polished back to new, crystals are cheap
5 depends, no crystal ball but some 1675 variants are worth 3 16710s

[locutus49]

Decide what your heart is telling you and write that down on a piece of paper. Then burn it.

Sometimes you need to go with your head over your heart. I sense this may be one of those times. Analyze the various factors, pros and cons, and decide. Best of luck.

[Old Expat Beast]

Put photos up here first, before committing.

[Vishy26]

Though 1675 is the better looking one of the two, I suggest you go for 16710, certainly more robust and cheap.

[bp1000]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Yikes

That has put me off a bit

Mick

I just suggest to inspect in person. First time I picked one up I could feel the difference. Then you see it. To a collector the hand finished dials, the colour of the lumes, the faded bezel and the larger markers are really desirable. A collector appreciates the human element to the lume markers.

As an everyday watch, despite the fact it probably still keeps excellent time the slight fragility, poorer clarity plexi glass and less than clinical dial probably wouldn't do it for me as a daily / regular watch.

I would however love to have a mint one in my collection for occasional admiration.

I do however love to wear my z serial and love it's multiple personalities and comfort on my wrist. Even that feels slightly "tinny" compared to my ceramic subs (thanks to the thicker case, bracelet and clasp upgrades). Ceramics are really another level in robustness.

[Roger1079]

Originally Posted by bp1000

I just suggest to inspect in person. First time I picked one up I could feel the difference. Then you see it. To a collector the hand finished dials, the colour of the lumes, the faded bezel and the larger markers are really desirable. A collector appreciates the human element to the lume markers.

As an everyday watch, despite the fact it probably still keeps excellent time the slight fragility, poorer clarity plexi glass and less than clinical dial probably wouldn't do it for me as a daily / regular watch.

I would however love to have a mint one in my collection for occasional admiration.

I do however love to wear my z serial and love it's multiple personalities and comfort on my wrist. Even that feels slightly "tinny" compared to my ceramic subs (thanks to the thicker case, bracelet and clasp upgrades). Ceramics are really another level in robustness.

This is my experience as well. I got to handle a Sea Dweller 16600 over the weekend and couldn't believe how flimsy it felt compared to the 116610. I know it is a solid and durable watch, just was surprised at how it felt compared to the newer models.

[Mick P]

Chaps

Thanks for the replies and advice, it is much appreciated.

On reflection I am going to aim for a good recent 16710.

Regards

Mick

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Thanks for the replies and advice, it is much appreciated.

On reflection I am going to aim for a good recent 16710.

Regards

Mick

Probably a good idea

A 40 year old watch isn't for everybody and it is quite easy to get caught up in the moment with these older models.. However, your fears are overblown. An older GMT is as waterproof as they were when new provided the gaskets and surfaces are sound and they keep quite good time too. Parts for older movements are getting harder to come by but the aftermarket will provide for these time pieces for decades to come.

[14060m]

Go with your heart