1999 GMT coke faded serif and dial check.

[MrBBridge]

Hi guys,

I went to look at this faded coke 16710 from 1999 today and really liked it. This is my first Rolex purchase however’ so was a little worried I’m running before I can walk buying a faded. Can I check the ref serif and the Swiss made dial. I’ve seen other 1999’s with Swiss made but wanted to double check. Would also be greatful for any general comments.

Thanks

[Dan S]

Instead of saying 1999, please give some information about the serial number.

[Tools]

Nice looking watch

I would be skeptical that the insert is original.

[kegan]

For what it is worth I purchased two of the exact watch in the spring of 2000. One for myself and one for my dad, I swapped mine to blue/red after the original showed significant fading after only a couple years on the red portion. My dads was kept original and with daily wear his insert was nearly identical looking to the one you are looking at after less than ten years. Don’t know if this is normal but the two original coke inserts from that era that I’ve experienced seemed very prone to this kind of fade on the red portion in fairly short order. Nice looking 16710.

[springer]

Originally Posted by kegan

For what it is worth I purchased two of the exact watch in the spring of 2000. One for myself and one for my dad, I swapped mine to blue/red after the original showed significant fading after only a couple years on the red portion. My dads was kept original and with daily wear his insert was nearly identical looking to the one you are looking at after less than ten years. Don’t know if this is normal but the two original coke inserts from that era that I’ve experienced seemed very prone to this kind of fade on the red portion in fairly short order. Nice looking 16710.

Were the inserts you mentioned the seriff style as found on the watch depicted here, or the later style?

If you have any photos of the insert that you can place here, that would be nice.

[faimag]

I think that some 16710s continued to have serif inserts well into post 2000. At least in the Asian market. I only guess fading depends on usage.

[MrBBridge]

Appols re : serial number : A8048**

[kegan]

Unfortunately my fathers original insert is long gone in a Rolex service garbage bin. I assumed it was probably serif considering it was purchased shortly after mine. Here is my original insert that I just recently put back on. It has spent at the very least 17 out of the watches 22 years in a box.


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[kegan]

I’ll try this again


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[karleone]

Originally Posted by Tools

Nice looking watch

I would be skeptical that the insert is original.

Why? The insert is a genuine Rolex serif insert that is period correct for a 99 watch. It has faded over time.

[pk552502]

I have a 16710 P serial from around 2000. It has a "swiss made" dial and a serif font bezel. The bezel on mine isn't faded very much. Posting this for comparison. I think the bezel on mine is original but I just bought it a couple years ago, so I don't know.

[karleone]

Originally Posted by pk552502

I have a 16710 P serial from around 2000. It has a "swiss made" dial and a serif font bezel. The bezel on mine isn't faded very much. Posting this for comparison. I think the bezel on mine is original but I just bought it a couple years ago, so I don't know.

Serif bezel insert which is period correct for a P serial. Inserts fade or don’t fade over time it really depends on how the watch has been used. For example if the watch has been a lot in the water and under the sun it will fade. I have some inserts from the 90s / early 2000s that are very faded / lightly faded / or not faded at all.

[Stan Cooper]

Here's the original serif LN insert on my P-serial 16710 (original purchase date May 4, 2001). The black half of the OP's Coke insert looks like mine.

[springer]

Originally Posted by kegan

Unfortunately my fathers original insert is long gone in a Rolex service garbage bin. I assumed it was probably serif considering it was purchased shortly after mine. Here is my original insert that I just recently put back on. It has spent at the very least 17 out of the watches 22 years in a box.


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Thanks for taking the time to post a photo of your watch. Your insert looks correct based on your serial number.

[mineral]

Nicely faded serif Coke insert and don’t see any issue at all. Love the faded look.

The late A serial is correct with SWISS MADE.


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[TuRo]

There you are A, good stuff ✓

[MrBBridge]

Thanks for everyone’s responses. Really appreciated. Bought it today. Grinning from ear to ear. Thanks for all the help from the community!!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by MrBBridge

Thanks for everyone’s responses. Really appreciated. Bought it today. Grinning from ear to ear. Thanks for all the help from the community!!

This is shocking. Someone actually asks for feedback, receives feedback, buys the watch, and thanks the forum. What is the world coming to?

[Bladeshot]

Congrats OP! That’s a great reference and I know you will enjoy it.

[karleone]

Congrats OP! The watch looks sharp and in great condition too! Don’t hesitate to post more pictures!