Looking to buy 16710, need some advice

[danipan]

I’m currently on the look for a 16710 but just have some questions I’m hoping this great forum can help with.

1. I prefer the no holes case, are these generally more desirable than the holes version as I notice they are generally more expensive.

2. Due to the above, I’m looking at later 2005+ models, can anyone confirm when the plastic warranty card replaced the paper certificate. I noticed that there are some 2007 models with a plastic card, yet some came with the punched paper.

3. Similarly, when were the boxes changed as some come with the wooden boxes, whilst some come with the more modern boxes that have green cushion inside.

4. Any tips for a newbie to spot if a watch has been over polished?

[ronricks]

They made hundreds of thousands of these over 17 years. Not a rare or scarce watch. You likely want a D serial or above.

[mineral]

The change of warranty paper to card took place around 2008-2009 if I remember. Around M or V serial.

The changed of box around 2004-2005 during the F serial


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[fskywalker]

The no hole case was late in production, so being newer worth more $$ to some people. I prefer lug holes in my case as it is a lot easier to switch bands, but each to its own


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[danipan]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

The no hole case was late in production, so being newer worth more $$ to some people. I prefer lug holes in my case as it is a lot easier to switch bands, but each to its own


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Do the no holes cases require different spring bars when using straps? I think I read somewhere about shoulderless springs, not sure what that means

[danipan]

Originally Posted by mineral

The change of warranty paper to card took place around 2008-2009 if I remember. Around M or V serial.

The changed of box around 2004-2005 during the F serial


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I saw some 2007 16710 with the plastic card? Although most were with the paper.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by danipan

Do the no holes cases require different spring bars when using straps? I think I read somewhere about shoulderless springs, not sure what that means

Use the same spring bars. If you go with shoulderless, which are used on through hole cases, you can't get them off

Neither is more desirable, they are just different years, like all the rest of the line.

2007 was the last year for the 16710

[Ihatecheese]

Yep u r super lucky as there are many examples out there. I would recommend going to a trusted shop and looking with your own eyes too if beginning. Lots of tired models about. Check out Burlington arcade if you are near Central London. Has shops with tens of examples of each model, but £. Great to get real look so you can observe what you think is reasonable for an old watch they has been looked after -polished.

[ADR1982]

Mine is an F serial 2005 that came no holes, with the holograhpic type papers and the new box

[timlaw]

2007 Z serial number so no lug holes, new box and last of the punched paper warranty

a few after mine had the warranty credit card but that adds no value but the very last watches had calibre 3186 fitted which does add value in the market at least in the minds of retailers. and then you get into what i consider the nonsense of stick dials etc

for me buy the best watch you can in great condition and enjoy

[eskiserkan]

Its a great watch , look for unpolished examples on the net and train your eyes. Most of them are serviced&polished by wrong hands and finding a good one is not easy. The clean examples are on the expensive side. Late Z serials with 3186 caliber come with card certificate in general. I have Z serial from 2007 with 3185 caliber, both with paper certificate.

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Ihatecheese

Yep u r super lucky as there are many examples out there. I would recommend going to a trusted shop and looking with your own eyes too if beginning. Lots of tired models about. Check out Burlington arcade if you are near Central London. Has shops with tens of examples of each model, but £. Great to get real look so you can observe what you think is reasonable for an old watch they has been looked after -polished.

None of the shops in the arcade are open at the moment so nothing to see, I was there yesterday.

[DoctorA]

The 16710 is one of the most popular rolexes due to its versatility
I personally prefer the no hole lugs
I believe the no lug holes came around F serial (2003/2004) Mine is an early F serial 2004, with no lug holes, older box (not a major issue but looks more rustic and I like it more) and paper warranty

While it is not a limited edition and was produced for 17 years but also has been discontinued for about 13 years so finding a complete set in a mint/good condition is doable but not super easy
Finally due to its popularity, there are a lot of fakes out there so be careful while buying and buy the seller first, make sure you’re buying from a trusted source
Good luck, it’s a wonderful piece and you really can’t go wrong with any combination!

[mineral]

Originally Posted by danipan

I saw some 2007 16710 with the plastic card? Although most were with the paper.

Plus minus year or two is quite normal.


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[rmagoo57]

My advice is to research the 16710 here (many,many threads) and figure out exactly what you want (no holes, new box, full set, service status, polish condition, etc.) Then watch the classifieds here daily. Won't hurt to check other online sites - Swiss Watch Expo for example. This will give you a feel for current market prices. My search took months but found a very nice Z series. Enjoy the hunt!

[triple.lindy]

I just recently picked up a 2006 16710 early Z series with punched papers. I had been looking for a holes case but the right one popped up so i jumped on it and couldn't be happier. Did a few months of research and waited for the right one. I drug my feet on a few that looked to be in decent shape and someone else grabbed them but I'm glad they did because I ended up with mine!

I am an absolute novice so I simply waited for a crisp and clean looking example and bought the seller. Box and papers weren't a must for me but ended up with them because the watch was the right one.

Also I was looking for a pepsi but the watch I found is a 16710N (Black bezel). The seller had a few brand new service inserts so I bundled with a pepsi bezel and now I've got a few options.

Good luck on the hunt. It is half the fun!

[danipan]

Appreciate all the replies as I'm still learning about this model.

Were there any changes to the dial during the years? as I believe the early versions of the Sub had a matte dial, and the the later versions a gloss dial.

I would prefer a gloss dial.

[Nikrnic]

I recently purchased my one owner nearly unworn 2004-5 F serial sold in april '05

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[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by danipan

Appreciate all the replies as I'm still learning about this model.

Were there any changes to the dial during the years? as I believe the early versions of the Sub had a matte dial, and the the later versions a gloss dial.

I would prefer a gloss dial.

16710 Dial variations are throughly explained here:

https://www.minus4plus6.com/paracromblu16710.php#

[Lamontre]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

16710 Dial variations are throughly explained here:

https://www.minus4plus6.com/paracromblu16710.php#

Great article thanks for sharing

[Sub Capt.]

Mine is a late Y serial from 2002 and it has a no holes case. I believe(?) that was the first year with the T case.

T

[swish77]

I'd forget about all of the tiny dial variations of the 16710 and even the case differences, and just track down the best overall condition watch you can find within your budget. Condition is far more important.

The only exception might be if you're into more of a vintage/old-school GMT look, and then you'd want to find a 16710 with a tritium dial/hands and patina (pre-about 1998).

[gabbysplace]

Originally Posted by swish77

I'd forget about all of the tiny dial variations of the 16710 and even the case differences, and just track down the best overall condition watch you can find within your budget. Condition is far more important.

The only exception might be if you're into more of a vintage/old-school GMT look, and then you'd want to find a 16710 with a tritium dial/hands and patina (pre-about 1998).

Great advice. And I’d say the same of bezel color as well. Don’t fixate Coke, Pepsi or Black. You can always swap out bezels. Focus on condition and seller.


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[Snowbob]

Originally Posted by Lamontre

Great article thanks for sharing

In this article, it says "Notice the rare rectangular Roman numeral II on the dial." My 1999 GMT has that same thing. Mine just says "Swiss" at the bottom, not "Swiss Made". Someone said the "Swiss only" dials were rare, now the rectangular II is rare, too? C'mon, you mean every 1999 GMT II didn't all have the same set up?

[BillA]

All good advice above, 2 more things

Don’t get sucked into “error dial” BS and don’t pay more for 3186 movement

[T_Swiss_T]

I can supply faded pepsi inserts as well as non faded if you need for your GMT

[Pekket]

Is there any authorative guide as to the changes in bezel fonts, I.e. Serif/non-serif, fat/slim? I.e. if one is concerned that the bezel is at least period correct.