Need help identifying this GMT Master

[Rolex_Rookie]

Hi Gang, this GMT master is going up for auction tomorrow and I could use some help identifying the reference number, authenticity, and ball park price in current condition. Unfortunately, I only have access to the below low-quality pics. My untrained eyes picked up the missing crown and stretch in bracelet, but that's about it.

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[Sky21]

Early 16750 WG gloss no date dial. Should be around 8.4 mil serial if the dial is original. Lugs and case look pretty good from what I can tell. Without seeing the clasp it should be a 62510H bracelet. Missing lume in GMT hand as well as the things you pointed out already. Should bring around $4-$5k assuming movement is good and correct. Just my opinion.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by Sky21

Early 16750 WG gloss no date dial. Should be around 8.4 mil serial if the dial is original. Lugs and case look pretty good from what I can tell. Without seeing the clasp it should be a 62510H bracelet. Missing lume in GMT hand as well as the things you pointed out already. Should bring around $4-$5k assuming movement is good and correct. Just my opinion.

Thank you for the informative response! I will have an opportunity to preview the watch tomorrow before the auction starts around 3pm EST. Hopefully I can post some better pics before it starts.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should look for upon further inspection? Is there any way to test the condition of the movement without a crown? Thanks again!

[KarlFr]

I really would advise to have a look with the caseback removed. Without a crown there could be some water damage to the movement

[Sky21]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Rookie

Thank you for the informative response! I will have an opportunity to preview the watch tomorrow before the auction starts around 3pm EST. Hopefully I can post some better pics before it starts.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should look for upon further inspection? Is there any way to test the condition of the movement without a crown? Thanks again!

Echo the above post to definitely look for corrosion on the case, between the lugs, and in the movement. No way to test the movement of the hands really without the crown. If possible, you can try to shake it to wind the rotor manually and maybe get it moving a bit. Good luck and post some pics if you win it.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by KarlFr

I really would advise to have a look with the caseback removed. Without a crown there could be some water damage to the movement

Originally Posted by Sky21

Echo the above post to definitely look for corrosion on the case, between the lugs, and in the movement. No way to test the movement of the hands really without the crown. If possible, you can try to shake it to wind the rotor manually and maybe get it moving a bit. Good luck and post some pics if you win it.

Thanks for the great info. I'm going to try and post some better pics about an hour before (3PM EST) the auction starts and I will definitely be on the lookout for any corrosion. And great tip on shaking the watch to try and get some movement out of it. Unfortunately, I won't have an opportunity to remove the case back.

Is it common for the lume to be completely washed off the GMT hand? I've noticed others that were cracking or spotting, but I've only seen one other picture with just the GMT lume plot completely gone. Does it simply evaporate over time or has it likely compromised the internals of the watch by floating around inside?

Am I correct in assuming the missing lume plot negatively affects the price of the watch? If the watch checks out, do you recommend repairing the lume or keeping it as-is? Thanks again for any insight!

[Sky21]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Rookie

Thanks for the great info. I'm going to try and post some better pics about an hour before (3PM EST) the auction starts and I will definitely be on the lookout for any corrosion. And great tip on shaking the watch to try and get some movement out of it. Unfortunately, I won't have an opportunity to remove the case back.

Is it common for the lume to be completely washed off the GMT hand? I've noticed others that were cracking or spotting, but I've only seen one other picture with just the GMT lume plot completely gone. Does it simply evaporate over time or has it likely compromised the internals of the watch by floating around inside?

Am I correct in assuming the missing lume plot negatively affects the price of the watch? If the watch checks out, do you recommend repairing the lume or keeping it as-is? Thanks again for any insight!

Is it common, probably not, is it a deal killer, not at all. The movement is sealed pretty well inside the case once its sealed so the lume should not negatively affect it, assuming its been serviced properly. Another reason to inspect the movement, and since you can't do that I would take that into account when bidding.
As far as repairing it, that's what I would do as it would bother me over time. A hard core collector would say to leave it as is, but I am just an enthusiast so I would fix it. If you don't plan to sell then it's really your call what to do with it. Just disclose that it's been repaired if you ever sell.

[harry in montreal]

I lost the lume in my gmt hand in my 16750. Funny. I remember it actually caught and hung up the second hand and stopped the watch. I had it freed and never relumed it. I really like this watch you posted. I would bid on that even the crown is a cheap and plentiful part. It's the same crown as a midsize datejust. The insert is great. I love barn finds.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I lost the lume in my gmt hand in my 16750. Funny. I remember it actually caught and hung up the second hand and stopped the watch. I had it freed and never relumed it. I really like this watch you posted. I would bid on that even the crown is a cheap and plentiful part. It's the same crown as a midsize datejust. The insert is great. I love barn finds.

Thanks for the feedback Harry. I know the pics are low quality, but would you expect to see the missing lume floating around? Or can I presume it was likely opened and freed as in your case?

I'm going to post better pics in about an hour when I get my hands on it during the preview and would love to get your thoughts.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Haven't gotten my hands on it yet, but the GMT second hand is moving.

[dhmrs]

Odds are if the crown is missing the movement has dust and other dirt particles in there. It is probably in dire need of servicing, or even needs some parts replaced. I would not bid too much on this one since a large portion of the value stems from something that is unknown

[Rolex_Rookie]

The gold ladies Rolex is clearly fake and the auction house confirmed. I was told the watches came from two different estates.

The GMT serial number is 35219xx. Does this sound right?

The GMT is definitely beat up, but it has character. I noticed a crown in a plastic bag in the box, so not sure why it's not on the watch. The movement is working nonetheless just from handling.

The auctioneer informed me that Bob's Watches in California offered him $2K for the watch. He acknowledged it's in dire need of a good cleaning and full service.

This is a local auction house with typically low to medium end merchandise. The fact that there's a fake in the same auction may work to deter other interested parties.

Please see below for some updated pics. Very much looking forward to any feedback, thanks!

[Sky21]

Bracelet is correct 62510H with 50 stamped last links and 550 end links. Clasp code looks to be I5 which would be May 1984, which is also period correct. Case and lugs look nice.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Auctioneer confirmed he only took one phone order and I suspect it's Bob's Watches at $2k. Should be up soon.

[Sky21]

Nice, looking good for you.

[Sky21]

Crown is an easy and inexpensive fix, even better if there's already one in the box. Looks to be a good buy, great if under $4k.

[southtexas]

Well, how did it end up? Did you get it for 2k?

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Well, how did it end up? Did you get it for 2k?

I ended up winning the auction! My only competition was a phone bidder. It ended up going for north of $2k, but still within my comfort zone. I couldn't get the bracelet off fast enough to confirm the serial number. Fortunately, it was an 8 series and not 3 which checks out within the time period.

From what I can tell, everything seems original (16750 stamped between lugs, bracelet markings, red back insert, etc.). Next up is a full service. Looking forward to posting updated pics upon its return.

Big thanks to the TRF community for continuously pointing me in the right direction!

[joli160]

Congrats, looks very nice. Let one of the independents work on it

[1675-David]

Score!! Congratulations!

[jban5]

That looks like the base for a stellar GMT, congratulations.

Do heed the advise to choose one of the independents who are known to this community. You will not regret doing so.

[pah5153]

Congrats, I wouldn't think twice in that price range.

[Rolex_Rookie]

Originally Posted by joli160

Congrats, looks very nice. Let one of the independents work on it

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Score!! Congratulations!

Originally Posted by jban5

That looks like the base for a stellar GMT, congratulations.

Do heed the advise to choose one of the independents who are known to this community. You will not regret doing so.

Originally Posted by pah5153

Congrats, I wouldn't think twice in that price range.

Thanks everyone, I'm really excited with the purchase! I decided to send the watch to Rik Dietel at timecareinc.com for the service based on TRF's recommendations. I'm also contemplating sending the bracelet to Michael Young to restore the stretch, but not yet 100% comfortable with shipping it overseas. Thanks again for everyone's guidance on this purchase!

[Micha]

great find good luck, show us pics when she's back from service...

[Floorguy]

Rikki will give that beauty new life for sure, and no worries sending the bracelet to M.Y. Just send it registered mail!!

[Rolex_Rookie]

What is the consensus on a light polish during the service?

[tomilg]

That should make a fun story and a great watch!....Congrats on the new purchase, I'm looking forward to seeing the end result!

Definitely keep us updated?

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Rookie

What is the consensus on a light polish during the service?

Rik will do a good job with a light polish...he understands our concerns and will be very sympathetic.


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[twnturbo]

Congrats ,Bob won't be pleased haha

[1675-David]

If it was my watch I would skip the polish, even a light polish, that case looks great as it is and when you've had her serviced (I would fill the hour hand by the way) with a new crystal the wear on the case with it's slight matt sheen is going to ooze vintage charm..

just my 2cents!