First Vintage Rolex - Questions and Observations

[Alexandria_Rolex]

Hi All,

I’ve been collecting Rolex watches for about 10 years and finally pulled the trigger on my first Vintage reference, a 1991 Pepsi GMT 16700.

I’ve got a few questions and observations I’d like to share:

1. Its a joy to wear a reference I’ve wanted my whole adult life.
2. I chose to use the Rolex CPO program at my local AD.
3. The bezel is a bit tough to rotate. I assume this is just a joy of having a vintage watch but is it something that could be adjusted?
4. Likewise, the bracelet has a tendency to pop open, is this something to live with, or should I seek a repair?
5. I’ve owned a modern GMT (2016 Batman) so its interesting to use this movement with its slightly different manner of adjusting the time/date/hour.
6. I’m assuming that 1991 qualifies as vintage but am wondering if anyone feels this isn’t old enough to qualify…

Thanks, all, happy to join this part of the Rolex Forums!

Cheers

[paul cbc]

Congratulations on your new watch!

I'd take the watch back to your AD and let them know the issues you are experiencing with your recent CPO purchase. Items 3 & 4 should be sorted by the AD/Rolex. You paid for a watch that was, according to Rolex:

"This exclusive title attests to its authenticity on the date of purchase and proper functioning, and is accompanied by an international two-year guarantee."

Let us know how things go.

[Dan S]

You can tighten the clasp by slightly bending the blade.

[996marty]

Congratulations on the latest addition they are truly brilliant watches. I myself have one from the same year so I can understand why you love yours.
As for is it vintage or not most would say it doesn’t fall into that category just yet maybe in another 10 years it might do then.
I’m surprised it’s got a few things that by the sounds of it need looking at considering it’s a CPO purchase I’d expect it to be perfect. If it was me I’d want it looked at especially the bracelet.
Enjoy wearing it and congratulations to you

[Snowballs]

Let's call it Neo - vintage for now. Great reference.

Bezel and bracelet can / should be adjusted by AD on warranty.

[Davidt]

The clasp can be manipulated to make it tighter or looser, see below.

Usually when bezels are hard to turn, it’s either because the bezel click (small wire spring) is knackered or non-genuine, or more commonly, there’s a build up of dirt and grime under the bezel.

Both the bracelet adjustment and cleaning under the bezel are quick fixes but if you paid CPO prices I’d make the AD do it.

[Alexandria_Rolex]

Great info - very grateful - thanks!

Cheers!

Originally Posted by Davidt

The clasp can be manipulated to make it tighter or looser, see below.

Usually when bezels are hard to turn, it’s either because the bezel click (small wire spring) is knackered or non-genuine, or more commonly, there’s a build up of dirt and grime under the bezel.

Both the bracelet adjustment and cleaning under the bezel are quick fixes but if you paid CPO prices I’d make the AD do it.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by Davidt

The clasp can be manipulated to make it tighter or looser, see below.

Usually when bezels are hard to turn, it’s either because the bezel click (small wire spring) is knackered or non-genuine, or more commonly, there’s a build up of dirt and grime under the bezel.

Both the bracelet adjustment and cleaning under the bezel are quick fixes but if you paid CPO prices I’d make the AD do it.

Love this! Been doing it for years, but had no idea that this was sanctioned by Rolex with literature to back it up! Very cool!

[logo]

Very nice, the 16700 is a great choice. In my book, it is over 30 years old, has tritium, hollow end links, lug holes…. it’s vintage.

[nat]

I've purchased about 4 16700 and 16710's in my life time. the best in functionality and versatility. You can have the bracelet clasp tightened. the bezel spring can be repositioned to allow the clicks to run smoothly. no big deal. enjoiy!!!