ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

cpsomas · 9 January 2009, 12:41 AM

Hi Everyone,
I purchased a 1996 Rolex GMT from a certified Rolex watchmaker a couple months ago. He has been in business in the same location for the last 25 years and I was referred by other jeweler's to see him for used Rolex's. My question is about the bezel. It has obviously been replaced as a 12 year old bezel insert would not look this nice, but it doesn't look right to me. In my opinion, the numbers on the insert seem to be a little close to the outside of the bezel. Do you guys think this too? I am confident that the watch is real as the serial numbers on the case and bracelet match the manufacturing year and he opened the back of the case to display the movement. Does this seem like a genuine Rolex bezel insert? If not, is this something that I should even worry about? Thanks guys!

Rolexitis · 9 January 2009, 01:35 AM

That bezel looks like it could be 12 years old to ME. In any event, it looks fine.

Chris B · 9 January 2009, 02:02 AM

Here's my 2005, the numbers do look slightly different but that doesn't mean that your insert isn't the real thing from 1996

They're cheap enough anyway, if you're so minded you could buy an all black & a pepsi to let you have (in essence) three different watches

PS

Here's an after-thought, is it a 16700?

If so my Son has one & Rolex Bexley wouldn't sell him a coke insert as they said that model
was pepsi only??? Might explain things!!?? Hope this helps

mck22 · 9 January 2009, 02:04 AM

Looks good to me

cpsomas · 9 January 2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris B

Here's my 2005, the numbers do look slightly different but that doesn't mean that your insert isn't the real thing from 1996

They're cheap enough anyway, if you're so minded you could buy an all black & a pepsi to let you have (in essence) three different watches

PS

Here's an after-thought, is it a 16700?

If so my Son has one & Rolex Bexley wouldn't sell him a coke insert as they said that model
was pepsi only??? Might explain things!!?? Hope this helps

No, the case is a 16710 and 3185 movement.

SLS · 9 January 2009, 02:23 AM

Really tough to tell, there are slight variations in the fonts that Rolex has used over the years. It looks fine to me though.
Scott

alphamale2012 · 9 January 2009, 02:38 AM

Looks very good

cpsomas · 9 January 2009, 10:08 AM

Thanks for your all your input. I think I may visit my AD for a new black bezel in addition to my coke bezel. It's amazing the difference a bezel insert makes. It will be like an entirely new watch!

9 January 2009, 12:41 AM	#1
cpsomas "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lower 48 Watch: SMP 2254.50 Posts: 337	Does this look right? Hi Everyone, I purchased a 1996 Rolex GMT from a certified Rolex watchmaker a couple months ago. He has been in business in the same location for the last 25 years and I was referred by other jeweler's to see him for used Rolex's. My question is about the bezel. It has obviously been replaced as a 12 year old bezel insert would not look this nice, but it doesn't look right to me. In my opinion, the numbers on the insert seem to be a little close to the outside of the bezel. Do you guys think this too? I am confident that the watch is real as the serial numbers on the case and bracelet match the manufacturing year and he opened the back of the case to display the movement. Does this seem like a genuine Rolex bezel insert? If not, is this something that I should even worry about? Thanks guys!

9 January 2009, 01:35 AM	#2
Rolexitis "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Matt Location: Earth Watch: 114060 Posts: 3,203	That bezel looks like it could be 12 years old to ME. In any event, it looks fine. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

9 January 2009, 02:04 AM	#4
mck22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brent Location: St Louis Watch: Rolex Sub Date Posts: 1,516	Looks good to me __________________ 16610 Submariner GMT Master II 16710 1675

9 January 2009, 02:23 AM	#6
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Really tough to tell, there are slight variations in the fonts that Rolex has used over the years. It looks fine to me though. Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

9 January 2009, 02:02 AM	#3
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,631	Here's my 2005, the numbers do look slightly different but that doesn't mean that your insert isn't the real thing from 1996 They're cheap enough anyway, if you're so minded you could buy an all black & a pepsi to let you have (in essence) three different watches PS Here's an after-thought, is it a 16700? If so my Son has one & Rolex Bexley wouldn't sell him a coke insert as they said that model was pepsi only??? Might explain things!!?? Hope this helps

9 January 2009, 02:38 AM	#7
alphamale2012 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Sam Location: UK Posts: 1,305	Looks very good

9 January 2009, 10:08 AM	#8
cpsomas "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lower 48 Watch: SMP 2254.50 Posts: 337	Thanks for your all your input. I think I may visit my AD for a new black bezel in addition to my coke bezel. It's amazing the difference a bezel insert makes. It will be like an entirely new watch!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)