Choices, choices, choices GMT 16700 or 16710

[Katze]

Hello,

over the last few weeks I keep looking at GMT Master, fall in love but then never go ahead buying one, worried ending up getting some Frankenwatch, but also because I like the search and don't want it to be over, certainly not for a wrong choice.

There are two watches I feel pretty confident buying, they both cost similar money. The Pepsi is from a dealer, the 'noir' from private, and I have more 'feelings' for the Pepsi, but I know a bezel is easy to change!

Please may I ask for some advice if they are both worthy examples?

Rolex GMT 16710 L serial 1991:










Rolex GMT Master 16700. U serial 1998

[omitohud]

Not sure what u r asking, but yes they are both worthy. As far as look, they r the same and u already know the insert can b swapped. The main difference is 16700 has quickset n 16710 do not. The 2nd hour hand can b set independently on 16710 but not on 16700. So it depends on which function is more important to u.

I personally own a 16710, but I would not overlook a nice example of 16700. Of the 2 watches, there are subtle differences. The 16710 is tritium but the 16700 is luminova. I think the tritium will develop really nice patina over time more so than lumi. That said it seems the 16710 has been more polished than the 16700. It's a tough one, I would probably choose the 16700. Hope this helps



I blame it on the autoconnect.

[Katze]

Thank you Omitohud for taking time to answer!
I must say I also like the 16700 - I like it's 'swiss' luminova dial, which is correct for the year.

My reason for posting these two watches was really to find out if their parts appear legit for the model and year (e.g. dial and bezel, date wheel) and any thoughts the forum may have regarding the case and bracelet. How do I recognize over-polishing, btw?

I have spent probably a dozen of hours searching the forum regarding dials and bezels, but the GMT's seem to have gone through so many changes, that I have lost track!

[Ghould]

Pepsi for sure as it's tritium; the dial will age along with the bezel insert. Neither of the cases look detrimentally polished to me. Bracelets look period correct, the 16710 shouldn't have a flip lock.

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by Katze

Thank you Omitohud for taking time to answer!
I must say I also like the 16700 - I like it's 'swiss' luminova dial, which is correct for the year.

My reason for posting these two watches was really to find out if their parts appear legit for the model and year (e.g. dial and bezel, date wheel) and any thoughts the forum may have regarding the case and bracelet. How do I recognize over-polishing, btw?

I have spent probably a dozen of hours searching the forum regarding dials and bezels, but the GMT's seem to have gone through so many changes, that I have lost track!

Based on the pictures u provided, they both look original to my eyes. The reason I feel the 16710 has been refinished, just look at the crown guards, they are not thick n squarish. Compare it to the 16700. Also is u look at the lug holes, they have shown the bowling affect. The dials on both r period correct. Personally I would go for the one with better condition. Good luck


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by Ghould

Pepsi for sure as it's tritium; the dial will age along with the bezel insert. Neither of the cases look detrimentally polished to me. Bracelets look period correct, the 16710 shouldn't have a flip lock.

Actually later 16710 has flip lock. 78390 I believe.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[Old Expat Beast]

It's called an Oysterlock on a 78390. Fliplock is the longer clasp with the diver extension, on the 93150, etc.


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