GMT Master all-black bezel - introduced when?

[AndersB]

Hi folks

Trying to find out approx. when the all-black bezel for the stainless steel GMT Master was introduced as an alternative to the Pepsi. The GMT Master History website (link below) reports it was introduced in the early 1970s for the 1675 model.

Haven't found any vintage catalogue or booklet (on the internet) featuring the all-black version however, only Pepsis.

Anyone able to confirm the year?

http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/gmt-..._ref_1675.html
Great website!!

[Newportkrieger]

That is a good question probably better answered in the vintage forum. Maybe our esteemed TRF GMT expert Orchi can chime in or maybe you should PM him the question. Please post the answer here in this thread when you find out.

[Onikage]

I was under the impression the all black was one of the original options, alongside old pepsi.
I do know that the black and red was introduced in the 80s on the model nicknamed the "FATLADY" before it became one of the three colour options for the (now discontinued) stainless GMT/II classic.

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I was under the impression the all black was one of the original options, alongside old pepsi.
I do know that the black and red was introduced in the 80s on the model nicknamed the "FATLADY" before it became one of the three colour options for the (now discontinued) stainless GMT/II classic.

I too think this is true. My 1980 GMT came with a black bezel & I was able to add a pepsi bezel including the spring for like $50. FYI the black bezel never sees anytime on the watch.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by landroverking

I too think this is true. My 1980 GMT came with a black bezel & I was able to add a pepsi bezel including the spring for like $50. FYI the black bezel never sees anytime on the watch.

Oh, I've gone back to my black bezel, it Somehow makes the whole face of the watch appear "slimmer", flatter on the wrist. Completely changes the look of the watch. Pepsi is addictive stuff though. If I didn't have to fart around potentially damaging my watch I'd change colour very frequently.

[AndersB]

Great input guys! Any other contributions?

[jmsrolls]

Like Onikage, I too have just put the black bezel back on my 16710:



Seems to go better with the black shirt/white collar.

Fr. John†

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Oh, I've gone back to my black bezel, it Somehow makes the whole face of the watch appear "slimmer", flatter on the wrist. Completely changes the look of the watch. Pepsi is addictive stuff though. If I didn't have to fart around potentially damaging my watch I'd change colour very frequently.

Well I would too but I have a SD & the GMT is only worn about two days a month.

[RodS]

I changed my pepsi to black in about the mid 70’s. Wasn’t available as an option new as far as I remember, but I can’t be exact about this as it was so long ago!!

[kyle L]

I believe it was the 70s, that was also when the jubilee was introduced as well on the 1675s.

[springer]

Originally Posted by AndersB

Hi folks

Trying to find out approx. when the all-black bezel for the stainless steel GMT Master was introduced as an alternative to the Pepsi. The GMT Master History website (link below) reports it was introduced in the early 1970s for the 1675 model.

Haven't found any vintage catalogue or booklet (on the internet) featuring the all-black version however, only Pepsis.

Anyone able to confirm the year?

http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/gmt-..._ref_1675.html
Great website!!

You are correct, the early 1970's is usually the accepted time frame for introduction of the black bezel insert. 1972 seems to be a good year for me.

[RodS]

kyle L, I changed my Oyster to the Jubilee fairly soon, about a year, after purchase in 66, as the springs kept breaking. Rolex gave me a full trade-in, ie I only paid the difference between the 2, that I can remember.

[AndersB]

Great input everyone! Cheers