Hi from West London, UK

[Tommythenodd]

Hi Guys,

So I bought my very first Rolex (took the plunge), a 2012 GMT Master II. It was something I always aspired to and decided to stop scanning ebay, looking in shop windows and checking out various websites and go for it.

I set my sights on a 16710 'Pepsi', looking for something post 2003. While there was a lot out there at dealers and shops, I didn't want to pay the premium. As its not an insignificant investment, I promised (convinced) my girlfriend that if for what ever reason we got stuck, I could sell it for roughly what I paid for it, hence the need for a private sale.

Then the 116710LN popped up, I called the guy and he said he would take £4100 for it (original receipt full papers and box). While my heart was pulling toward the 16710 Pepsi, I decided to go for the 116710 LN (I'm now glad I did).

I spent a couple of evening researching the watch, watched a few youtube videos and checked out a few forums. Making a check list of all the features and common features of fakes off I went with my eyepiece.

I think the key to the authenticity is the context the item is situated in plus all the supporting Paper Work. Taking my time I worked through each item, the only visual flaw was a small dent on the back of the case on the opposite edge to the crown. As I was happy with the price and the watch was in good condition, I decided to go for it ... I now own a GMT Master II.

As I am no Horologist I decided to immediately send the watch to Rolex Service Department. I figured this would give me complete piece of mind plus a two year warranty.

So after 5 weeks the watch came back, showroom condition, dent dressed out beautifully and i'm delighted! Everything legitimate and in order (£430).

I've made the decision to wear the watch every day. Its kind of pointless keeping it in the safe, but I note the bottom of the clasp is taking the brunt of the wear. So I have ordered a Pro Hunter Nato Strap. Allot of people say you should just buy a Phoenix strap for £20 as its the same thing, but my Seiko Tuna is an Automatic not to dissimilar in function to my Rolex. But I figured added value deserves added value and I paid the premium for the link to Rolex of the Pro Hunter (£75).

I've also bought a Rubber B M103 so I can mix up the look a little, I love the look of the pictures black dial, stainless case and black strap, quite cool i thought. Now this brings me back to the clasp and the point made earlier about ware and tear. I rang Rolex Service to get a quote for a replacement clasp and it was a whooping £850. The idea being for day to day and work I might alternate between the Rubber B and NATO and save the original bracelet with it only being released on more formal occasions.

There was no way I could justify that expenditure and decided to check ebay, here I procured an old Daytona clasp and having told you my story I will now use that as the basis of my question later.

I have written this short summary as I am one of those who tend to use forums but rarely contribute. I am hoping in my experience there maybe some information that people find useful in particular the prices.

So my question, the Daytona Clasp I procured looks like its laser marked, but its a bit faded, is this a legitimate clasp mechanism? The marking read ' Rolex (Emblem) Geneve, Swiss Made, RolexSA(Symbol), 18k 750, 2 Symbols on the bottom ', not sure of its age but the marking is a little on the 'dot matix look side' but definitely laser etched originally.

Any help would be most appreciated! I'd also be interested to hear from UK members,

Best Wishes,

Tommy

[sea-dweller]

Welcome!

[brandrea]

Welcome to TRF

[Urosfan]

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[sickened1]

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[hamza]

Welcome

[RRGHOST1]

A welcome from Wirral Cheshire. I loved my Pepsi 16710 but to be honest, I thought was a little too small. The new GMT is definitely heftier on the wrist. Congrats.

[slorollin]

Hi Tommy. I'm new too. Reading your post I realized that I went through the same process. However, like any reasonable person, I came up with the complete opposite conclusion and went with the classic 16710. ;)

[Psmith]

Welcome Tommy

[Rolex Essex]

Welcome Tommy

[Tommythenodd]

Guys thanks for the warm welcome!

[Tommythenodd]

Cheers Luke, good to hear from you! Any particular views on good independent Rolex Service or horologists? What about parts? Interested to hear your views?

[Tommythenodd]

Slo, I'm going to keep an open mind, I love the 'Pepsi', maybe in a year or two I might trade in and give it a go, I hope my insight was of some value, cheers

[Tarandy]

Nice post, enjoy your watch

[Hairdude1]

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[SearChart]

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[Audemars Piguet]

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[RRGHOST1]

PM sent.

[HL65]

Welcome to TRF!