Expert advice needed: 16710 GMT FROM 1991

[kramerica]

I bought my first Rolex a few months ago from an AD (Mint Datejust 41, fluted bezel, Oyster bracelet), and have since become interested in vintage.

I found this 1991 GMT II for sale on Instagram by vintage worn. It's been polished, but I like the look. Would love thoughts on it from more seasoned vintage enthusiasts before I decide to purchase. Thanks in advance for the advice!

https://vintageworn.com/products/gho...-gmt-from-1991

[springer]

The dial is from a fat lady 16760 not a 16710, the hands appear to have been replaced and not original as claimed and 1991 is early for a serif bezel insert.

I would move on and find a watch that is correct.

[TuRo]

Yes agree with JP - the dial is the early date version (similar to no date) eg c 86 16760 (the GMT 'II', is like two roman pillars v close together, little gap, with their serif top and bottom to their respective left and right).

[Dom9]

For me, that's a very handsome watch (or would be if the hand-lume matched the dial) but the price does not reflect the originality. Great (if incorrect) insert. Some really cool looking watches on that site but they don't seem to give many details on parts that have been changed, considering the pricing seems generally strong across the board.

[TimeToGo]

.
Usually subtle differences are not picked up easily but in this case the elongated crown on the tritium dial was unique to the early Fat Lady's as mentioned by JP and Turo.

The seller's dial is the same as this 1984 on HQ Milton. There are different elongated dials but this one is unique, see comparison below.

https://hqmilton.com/products/1984-r...lady-gmt-16761
.

[kramerica]

Thanks for all of the insight guys. Where do you suggest I find similar-looking pieces in the US with original parts?

[996marty]

Originally Posted by kramerica

Thanks for all of the insight guys. Where do you suggest I find similar-looking pieces in the US with original parts?

Maybe try Tropical watch or windvintage

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by kramerica

Thanks for all of the insight guys. Where do you suggest I find similar-looking pieces in the US with original parts?

Look long and hard. And then again. There’s a lot to learn and many pitfalls for the unwary and the wary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kramerica]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Look long and hard. And then again. There’s a lot to learn and many pitfalls for the unwary and the wary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm learning this very quickly, but not yet expensively.

[kramerica]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Look long and hard. And then again. There’s a lot to learn and many pitfalls for the unwary and the wary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm learning that very quickly, but not expensively thanks to all of you!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by kramerica

Thanks for all of the insight guys. Where do you suggest I find similar-looking pieces in the US with original parts?

I guessing that what mostly appeals to you is the faded black insert, along with the patina on the dial.

I'd suggest tracking down the best condition 16710 with (matching) patina you can find and then source a faded black bezel insert separately. Otherwise you'll be looking a long, long time to find that exact look.

[kramerica]

Originally Posted by swish77

I guessing that what mostly appeals to you is the faded black insert, along with the patina on the dial.

I'd suggest tracking down the best condition 16710 with (matching) patina you can find and then source a faded black bezel insert separately. Otherwise you'll be looking a long, long time to find that exact look.

You are right. Thanks for the advice. There are quite a few on tropicalwatch. Any thoughts on the quality of those watched and that dealer?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by kramerica

You are right. Thanks for the advice. There are quite a few on tropicalwatch. Any thoughts on the quality of those watched and that dealer?

Jacek is very solid and often gets great examples, but he's not infallible. Make sure you do all of your own homework/research first. His descriptions are usually spot on, but he's a fairly high-volume dealer, so occasionally stuff gets missed.

He does have a no-questions-asked return policy, which is great.

I like the 1991 16710 currently listed. Very nice matching custard patina, and the hang tag to boot.

[TuRo]

16710 is very common and plentiful ref. Not difficult to find good one and well-priced imho....also circa 40-50% have box and papers, that I've seen.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Hands patina differently than hour markers. Could very well be original. Could also have been replaced.

[springer]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Hands patina differently than hour markers. Could very well be original. Could also have been replaced.

My experience has been somewhat different than your observation. On most vintage watches, the patina comparisons between hands and dials will indicate they usuall match quite well. Sometimes though, it might be a off just a little.

[Dan S]

Original or not, the much-lighter hands aren't terribly appealing to me.