Undecided over this GMT...advice pls

[JonaG]

Here are a couple of pics of a GMT - Master 16700 that I have seen in person recently. It's in lovely condition and from a reputable seller with a long history. This watch is a late 80s version. Most likely the bezel has been replaced theyu said as it's in too pristine a condition for a near 30 year piece.

BUT, take a look at the secondhand, there is what appears to be a hole or pit in the tritium lume. It was frankly, hard to tell even with a loupe. Looking at the pics back home I can also see a white fleck at 9 o'clock near the center of the dial...the missing lume? It could be something on the sapphire. I can get a discount on this bringing the watch below 8k.

I like the watch a lot but wonder if this spells trouble to come...what would you do?





Next to my explorer

[037]

Tritium will crack and fall out eventually. Your two options are to have it serviced and get Super Luminova hands (less ideal) or to have the original hands relumed and color matched to your tritium dial.

Chances are that the watch needs serviced anyway so you might as well get the watch serviced and hands relumed by an independent like Rik @ Time Care or LAWW. If you prefer it to glow then send it to RSC and they'll replace both the dial and hands at your request. They won't return the originals, however.

Buy the watch if it's what you want. Just know that you're looking at a service as well, so factor that into the overall cost.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by 037

Tritium will crack and fall out eventually. Your two options are to have it serviced and get Super Luminova hands (less ideal) or to have the original hands relumed and color matched to your tritium dial.

Chances are that the watch needs serviced anyway so you might as well get the watch serviced and hands relumed by an independent like Rik @ Time Care or LAWW. If you prefer it to glow then send it to RSC and they'll replace both the dial and hands at your request. They won't return the originals, however.

Buy the watch if it's what you want. Just know that you're looking at a service as well, so factor that into the overall cost.

This says it all!

[ras47]

I bought a 16710 last year and agonized over the decision to service it or not service it. In the end I decided to go for it. I didn't buy the watch for it's collectibility. I bought it to wear (almost) every day, for many years to come.

I like some vintage designs, but not vintage patina. I like 'em new looking, shiny and looking as if they came off the manufacturing line just yesterday. The only patina I want is that which I acquire myself. I love the new freshened-up version more than the original.

[RC76]

Main thing is to be 100% behind your purchase. Every time I buy something that is in someway less than what I wanted I wind up being unsatisfied. If you don't want to get it serviced, wait for the one with no issues even if it cost a little more.

Can't go wrong either way; nice GMT.

[WJGESQ]

Nice.

[holdtime]

Yes like them fresh. Not rusty and old.
Have mine service rusty nasty dirty hands,out.

[AdamG]

Source a GMT with the original bezel insert

[sensui]

If it has no service history...you might as well service it so you can wear it worry free and know it's water tight. The small hole/pin thing on the hand means very little if the watchmaker is worth his salt as he'd stabilize the tritium so no further loss will happen within regular service intervals.

[henrylee]

Looks nice in the photos. It has def been refinished with a polish/brush.

[Rashid.bk]

Watch looks great. I would factor a service into the buying experience. Doesn't seem to have any patina so getting a new dial at service won't be detrimental.
Me personally for a watch of this period I would prefer all original parts. The charm in vintage(almost vintage) is having the original body it was born with, old "dudes" are so cool.
I would pass on it because of the bezel swap alone.

[JonaG]

Thanks for the input people. In the end I decided not to go for it. For a few reasons: I viewed it during a short stay in my home city so I felt somewhat under pressure to make a decision before returning to Japan. I also wanted to do the transaction in person rather than bank transfer and getting it via a courier. As for the watch itself, it was lovely but I didn't fancy getting it serviced and sorted out upon receiving it, especially as I don't know any good independent watch repair places here - which may take some time to find.

[Onikage]

I'd wear it. A tiny hole in the lume is totally negligible. I've seen a lot worse. Just keep an eye on it.

[jfoord27]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I'd wear it. A tiny hole in the lume is totally negligible. I've seen a lot worse. Just keep an eye on it.

How difficult is it to fix holes in line or relume?

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by jfoord27

How difficult is it to fix holes in line or relume?

A tiny dab of weak lume would do it. All original baby. Odds are it doesn't lume anymore anyway. A full relume or Rolex service dial would kill the originality if visibility at night is that important to you.
A relume involves basically chipping all the old lume out of the dial and hands them mixing and painting new lume onto the back sides of the plots and hands.. Not a DIY for the inexperienced, lets put it that way.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by 037

Chances are that the watch needs serviced anyway so you might as well get the watch serviced and hands relumed by an independent like Rik @ Time Care or LAWW.

Rik Dietel is great!


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[The Libertine]

A bit over polished for my own preference. Not saying I would avoid, but something to consider if important to you.

[77T]

Originally Posted by JonaG

In the end I decided not to go for it.

Good choice. Better to get one that meets your criteria. They are around - and may cost a bit more than that one you showed. But you’ll be better getting one without a need for immediate service and overhaul.


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[strafer_kid]

Yes....keep looking...you willl turn one up....16700 is a great watch!

[exador]

Originally Posted by JonaG

Thanks for the input people. In the end I decided not to go for it. For a few reasons: I viewed it during a short stay in my home city so I felt somewhat under pressure to make a decision before returning to Japan.

Tokyo's a Mecca for vintage Rolex. Good luck with the hunt!