Looking for a Pepsi....16750, 16700, or 16710?

[BlueAZ]

Hello, I'm looking for advice as regards the GMT Master 16750 vs. 16700 vs. 16710 models.

I've been daily wearing a 16600 Sea Dweller for about 8 years now and I'm looking to buy my second Rolex. I want a Pepsi. I really like the more vintage look of the aluminum Pepsi bezels. I'm leaning toward a 16710 as this model is a bit more modern and I would really prefer solid end links and no lug holes on the case (so 2003 or later). But the links and lugs are not a deal killer.

Looking for pre-owned and I'm not afraid of a few scratches or wear marks but I do want a bright & bold bezel. I'll be daily wearing it along with my Sea Dweller so it will probably be worn about half the time. Looking to spend around $10-12k, would prefer $10k, boxes and papers don't matter to me.

I'd appreciate any input from the experts!

Thank you,
Bill

[Andad]

H Bill,

You could start here.

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=34661421

[996marty]

Hi Bill
You make a great choice in the watch you are looking for. And I would have thought you have the budget to get a good one from one of the recommended resellers.
I recommend the 16710 as it’s one of my favourites but all I’d say is don’t be put off by the holes on the case for me it makes it even easier to switch out any bracelets.
Good luck with the search

[Poodlopogus]

I'll also add that if things like bezel vibrance are more important than "originality" you can always send to RSC for service and have the insert replaced. I also wouldn't limit myself to a Pepsi, as the inserts are easily interchangeable, and shouldn't be that difficult to source (if, for example, you find a Coke or LN in better condition, for a better price).

[Dan Pierce]

Good luck, Bill. It's worth the effort.
dP

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Good luck, Bill. It's worth the effort.
dP

That’s the one right there

[Recaro18]

Beautiful 16750




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[rmagoo57]

The 16710 is a great choice! You should be able to find a clean, unpolished one in that price range. Happy hunting!

[jb335]

16750 all day long

Vintage vibes but has the quick set the 1675 doesn’t have


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[ltmgeller]

IMO the 16710 would be the perfect watch. You can have the SEL and you can swap bezels for all black, coke, or Pepsi. Oyster and jubilee options. Such a great piece.

[casadecamporolex]

In my rotation as it’s an all-time favorite.
When I sent to RSC, asked for a new bezel.
And they returned old bezel when I showed them my collection of 5 series Professional references, as they were concerned I’d flip it.


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[BlueAZ]

Originally Posted by Andad

H Bill,

You could start here.

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=34661421

Gee, why didn't I think of that? Unfortunately the search function with model reference numbers brings up about ten thousand threads asking what kind of car your drive while wearing your Rolex, or is it safe to wear your Rolex while golfing, or what do you do for a living?

[BlueAZ]

Thank you all for your replies!

[swish77]

I’d recommend the 16700 instead of the 16710. The 16700 is the last of the true Rolex GMTs (not a GMT II) and it has the classic quick date-set feature, not the somewhat annoying 16710 date-set feature where you need to spin the hour hand around twice to advance each date. Also, the 16700 is slightly thinner (11.5mm vs. 12mm) and has a simpler text layout on the bottom of the dial because it doesn’t have the “II.”

I wouldn’t worry about the bezel insert when looking to buy. As mentioned above, you can always get a brand new Pepsi insert and either install it yourself, if buying independently, or have Rolex install one for you. Not long before the pandemic, I took my A-serial 16700 (sans original faded insert) to the RSC in Manhattan and asked them to install a new red/blue insert for me, which they did with no issues. Cost about $100.

[BlueAZ]

All these photos have me excited for a Pepsi. Good point made by many that the Pepsi bezel insert can be renewed. I'm just looking for a watch to wear, I'm not at all concerned about provenance. In fact, I'm looking for a watch-only, no box or papers Pepsi to save a bit. I have all the accoutrements associated with my Sea Dweller and I have plenty of boxes from my wife's and parents' many Rolexes.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

All fantastic references. The only thing I don't care for on the 16710 is the lack of quickset... even cal. 3186 will take forever to date-jump if you wear your watches in rotation. Not a deal-breaker, but something I've grown to appreciate is the quickset date on the 16700, 16750 etc.

[Gearjockey]

If you travel frequently, you will 100% appreciate the 16710 more.

Personally, I don’t use bezel and I don’t reference GMT on the watch. It’s VERY handy to be able to set local time on main hr hand while leaving GMT hand on home team.

[rockmastermike]

16750 Matte Dial
Quick set date
However the GMT is slaved to the hour hand so second time zone is created by the bezel

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by rockmastermike

16750 Matte Dial
Quick set date
However the GMT is slaved to the hour hand so second time zone is created by the bezel

16750 matte dial is the best of all worlds.

[racerx]

I chose a 16710 for the SEL’s, 3185 movement, the ability to display 3 time zones and an overall more modern watch.

[nyc2la]

All great options. The 16710 is so versatile. This 5-digit neo-vintage juggernaut offers 5-digit charm, with its perfect lugs and proportions, along with nice modern updates over its 4-digit predecessors.

[BraveBold]

I much prefer these vintage pieces over the current BLRO. No bad choice here.

[TopNotchChach]

Originally Posted by rockmastermike

16750 Matte Dial
Quick set date
However the GMT is slaved to the hour hand so second time zone is created by the bezel

I want.

[Recaro18]

16750 : Acrylic Crystal and Tritium gives the watch so much character!




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[Actor07]

Originally Posted by racerx

I chose a 16710 for the SEL’s, 3185 movement, the ability to display 3 time zones and an overall more modern watch.

+1, I agree.

[THE_FOOT]

Any excuse to post a picture of mine.

[Stan Cooper]

Another 16710 recommendation here. To me, the jump hour hand makes it much more versatile than a 16700 or 16750 for traveling and quickly changing time zones without hacking the movement. Changing the date is not as complicated on the 16710 as some folks make it out to be; three or four full turns of the crown in the jump hour crown position changes the date... Simple.

[watchnwine]

My 16710 is my favorite Rolex in the collection. I actually love the holes case as it's different from modern, closer to vintage and has a real tool watch vibe. Getting a good version in the 2000-2003 window with SEL and holes can also get you a nice serif bezel insert which I also love. I think my 2001 is perfection - but you really can't go wrong with any of the 5-digit references.

[BlueAZ]

I've noticed lots of older models (e.g., 16700) with what appear to be solid end links on Oyster bracelets. These must not be the original bracelets (or end links), correct? I thought Rolex didn't move to solid end links until about the year 2000.

[Victor Cohen]

Originally Posted by BlueAZ

I've noticed lots of older models (e.g., 16700) with what appear to be solid end links on Oyster bracelets. These must not be the original bracelets (or end links), correct? I thought Rolex didn't move to solid end links until about the year 2000.

SEL appeared in 2000 and luges holes disappeared in 2003.

From 2000 onwards, the 16710 is the only SS GMT Master model commercialized by rolex (production of the 16700 ended in 1999).
For many years, both the 16700 and the 16710 were available in boutiques.

Consequently, the first GMT Master with SEL was the 16710, and all earlier models with SEL have technically incorrect bracelets for the period.