5 digit GMTs and WR

[Aceholio]

Hello all! After falling in love with the size/feel of my 16570 I think I actually prefer the size of the case to modern equivalents. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a 5 digit Pepsi. I spend a lot of time in the islands and am hoping that a RSC service for a 5 digit would restores the factory water resistance. I've heard for truly vintage Rolex this isn't the case? What about a watch produced between 1990 and 2005?

I have other watches for the diving I do, but I'd want to make sure this could be made bulletproof for swimming down to 10m or so. I'm just trying to be as good as Magnum PI on his worst day. If I have to baby the piece, I don't really want it. I appreciate the insight from you guys.

[jamesbondOO7]

The point of a Rolex is that one can wear it any circumstances. If it is good enough for James Bond, it is good enough for me.

[dpt.calvin]

1990 isn't vintage (yet). Get it serviced and pressured tested, then you'll have peace of mind.

[paxjedi]

Originally Posted by Aceholio

Hello all! After falling in love with the size/feel of my 16570 I think I actually prefer the size of the case to modern equivalents. I'm looking to pull the trigger on a 5 digit Pepsi. I spend a lot of time in the islands and am hoping that a RSC service for a 5 digit would restores the factory water resistance. I've heard for truly vintage Rolex this isn't the case? What about a get produced between 1990 and 2005?

I have other watches for the diving I do, but I'd want to make sure this could be made bulletproof for swimming down to 10m or so. I'm just trying to be as good as Magnum PI on his worst day. If I have to baby the piece, I don't really want it. I appreciate the insight from you guys.

Get a sub instead. I have both and I only use the sub for diving.
The GMT is used primarily when I travel.



.

[m j b]

It's not really a dive watch, is it? Although it's probably fine at 10m, unless you get it routinely pressure tested, I think I might buy a Doxa instead, so people will think I'm an ex-Seal or something. LOL

As you can see from my avatar, I look nothing like a Seal, ex or not.

[JC316]

As long as you have quality gaskets, you'll be fine. They will make that determination when you get it serviced.

Fun fact: screw down crown + old/worn gaskets = potential for disaster

[karleone]

No worries using a sapphire GMT 5 series under water. Make sure you do a water pressure test before to make sure it’s waterproof. Change seals if needed.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by karleone

No worries using a sapphire GMT 5 series under water. Make sure you do a water pressure test before to make sure it’s waterproof. Change seals if needed.

Way to go - maybe try GMT 16700 or 16710. Good luck!

[Tzachi]

I'm wearing 1675 on a regular basis, doing everything with it, biking, swimming, no issues. just keep good gaskets and pressure test every 2 years.

[Aceholio]

To clarify, I'm not looking to scuba dive with it. Ive got an sd43 and others that click that box. That being said, I threw out the 10m number as we sometimes have to do a bit of free diving depending on what we're doing on the boat. Sounds like y'all are giving the the answer I wanted to hear! Something about the aluminum bezel really does it for me. Thanks for the info.

[Cory_Logic]

Beautiful watch, will do perfectly fine in the water. Keep up with the service intervals and as everyone else said pressure test and change gaskets as needed.


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[George58]

good gaskets no pitting on the case where the case back is screwed onto you will have 100m wr just like a new one.

[Aceholio]

Thanks guys, pulled the trigger on a 16710 unpolished with a super faded bezel (something I've always loved). I'll post some pics from the beach. I appreciate the help!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Aceholio

, , , I've heard for truly vintage Rolex this isn't the case? What about a watch produced between 1990 and 2005?

. . .

Nonsense.

The only thing that will affect the water resistance of vintage, or simply an older watch such as you are desiring, is damage, either of the seals due to age, etc., or the mating surfaces.

If there is no corrosion at the case back or on other sealing surfaces, new gaskets and sound surfaces will have the same water rating as when new. Perhaps even better because of advances in technology for seals and gaskets.

The difference on rare vintage, barring the damage mentioned, is the risk associated with something going wrong. No seal is absolutely bulletproof all of the time.

[khalifam]

You'll be fine IMG-20220304-WA0004.jpg

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[Aceholio]

Thanks for the help guys! Love it. 16710 definitely gets 4 stars for me.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Aceholio

Thanks for the help guys! Love it. 16710 definitely gets 4 stars for me.

Congratulations

[Jackie Daytona]

Congratulations! Great looking watch.

To the original question. 1990s to early 2000s will be fine. I still swim with my 1982 GMT Master without too much concerns. Not truly diving with mine, but still 10m of water resistance you cite should be pretty easy to obtain.

[1665fan]

I wore my 1991 16710 swimming all the time…..never had an issue with it

[underpar]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

1990 isn't vintage (yet). Get it serviced and pressured tested, then you'll have peace of mind.

Isn't it considered vintage at 30 years??

[Maharishi]

Watch looks great! Enjoy.

I wear my 16710 when I surf. No problems.