Vintage Root Beer help

[Smouraneto]

Hello Folks
I am new around here and know very little about whatches and rolexes. The father of a good friend passed a couple of years ago and left him a 70´s Root Beer GMT and now he wants to sell it. He offered me this watch and, since both of us know very little about Watches, I am seeking for some help to appraise it so both of us can make a fair deal. Also, we want to make sure it is an original piece. We deeply believe it is. Is there a way to be sure?
His father bought from a friend that bought it in the USA in the 70´s.
I really appreciate any input from you guys.
I believe I atteched some pics 9not sure since it is my 1st post here).
Thank you.

[TimeLord2]

It definitely looks authentic for an early 70's GMT Master 1675/3. You can remove the bracelet and look at the model number at 12:00 and the serial number at 6:00 for more information regarding dating the watch. BTW, it should say 1675 (at 6:00) without the "3" I added earlier as the 3 just indicates gold and stainless version. The hand stack also indicates this is indeed a 1675. Insert looks very nice and is correct for this model IMHO but the case has been polished, which is not necessarily a huge thing but better pics are needed. I can see a spring bar protruding at 1:00 but that could just be the wrong spring bar and not a deal killer if you like the watch. The bracelet looks to be an Oyster 7836 folded link bracelet, which you should be able to confirm on the inside of the clasp. I think it should be a two-tone version with gold center links 7836/3 but the bracelet does appear to be period correct at least. The dial and hands appear to be original as well and in very good condition, they should not glow at all at this point. Check out www.gmtmaster1675.com for more information. Post pics of the first few digits of the serial number. the clasp of the watch and the end links at the head of the watch where the bracelet attaches. Might be a C & I version.

That's all I got. Wait for experts of which I am not one. BTW, for valuation look to EBAY or something (TRF does not do valuations—against the rules) but keep in mind prices you will see are a little higher than you should pay as many of those posted have been up for a loooong time. Also depends on if you have the paper work and box associated with the original purchase. I look forward to seeing more pics. It does look very original and quite honest.

[Smouraneto]

Hello TimeLord2. Thank you very much for your very detailed input. My friend lives 4 hours from where I live so I asked him for some additional pictures as you described and here they are. Pricewise, both of us are lost. I will serch online.
Thank you so much.

[Smouraneto]

Thank you very much time lord. I tried posting some new pictures but am having a hard time. Sorry for the delay.

[Smouraneto]

The first numbers of the serial are 3184

[TimeLord2]

Your watch is about the same age as mine, serial number 3,24x,xxx. Certainly looks about the same as mine. Based on teh serial number charts I think your is around 1973-1974 as I think mine is a 1974 or so. I do like that insert, and as I said it does look to be in pretty good shape for a 50 year old watch! I think this might be the first image I posted of my watch to this forum. I have since had the bracelet refurbished and the movement serviced.

[Smouraneto]

The thing is that I looked all over the internet and never found even a picture of one of these on steel only bracelet. Would that depreciate the piece in any matter?

[Dan S]

Interesting question about the bracelet. Normally the watch would have a two-tone bracelet, and this one has a folded-link 7836, which is from the right general era. I suppose it's possible that the original owner preferred that bracelet, or maybe it got swapped out over the years. I'd say that it does hurt the value slightly, but you can always sell that bracelet and buy a correct one. There will be a net cost to you, the amount would depend on condition, and whether you want a jubilee or oyster TT bracelet.

[dannyp]

This probably helps very little, but...

While I've never seen a TT GMT with an all-stainless bracelet, Rolex did make some OP/DJ watches decades ago with YG bezel/crown and all-stainless bracelets, so there's some "precedent" if you will.

[Smouraneto]

You guys are great!!! Thank you very much. I will try to make a deal with him. If ig goes through, any ideas where I could get a nice leather bracelet. I believe I would look nice on this watch.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Smouraneto

The thing is that I looked all over the internet and never found even a picture of one of these on steel only bracelet. Would that depreciate the piece in any matter?

Factory bracelets were two-tone of they came on a leather strap. The stainless steel bracelet that is on the watch now was added by a dealer or previous owner.

[Smouraneto]

Originally Posted by dannyp

This probably helps very little, but...

While I've never seen a TT GMT with an all-stainless bracelet, Rolex did make some OP/DJ watches decades ago with YG bezel/crown and all-stainless bracelets, so there's some "precedent" if you will.

This most likelly is a stupid questyon, but, what is OP/DJ? YG is yellow gold, correct? Thank you
Sorry for the question.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by springer

Factory bracelets were two-tone of they came on a leather strap. The stainless steel bracelet that is on the watch now was added by a dealer or previous owner.

Definitely learning some interesting things in the course of this thread. Never realized that anything but the all-gold version was available with a leather strap. Looking at some images online of vintage 70s price lists, not only do I see I was wrong but have also learned...

TT GMT was originally steel/14kt gold
All-gold version on leather was supplied with two straps
Briefly offered w/President bracelet, but not referred to as such (rather 18k "hidden clasp" bracelet)

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Smouraneto

This most likelly is a stupid questyon, but, what is OP/DJ? YG is yellow gold, correct? Thank you
Sorry for the question.

OP/DJ =Oyster Perpetual & DataJust

[Smouraneto]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

OP/DJ =Oyster Perpetual & DataJust

Thank you very much Time Lord. I ended up buying the watch from my friend. Just sent him the funds and will pick it up second week of november. You guys helped me a lot to come to this decision. This is my 1st Rolex. Thank you so much.

I was thinking of buying a Jelsdal – Brown Vintage Leather Watch Strap from watchbandit. Cool or not cool for this watch?

[granttime]

Originally Posted by Smouraneto

Thank you very much Time Lord. I ended up buying the watch from my friend. Just sent him the funds and will pick it up second week of november. You guys helped me a lot to come to this decision. This is my 1st Rolex. Thank you so much.

I was thinking of buying a Jelsdal – Brown Vintage Leather Watch Strap from watchbandit. Cool or not cool for this watch?

Its cool if you think its cool! If it were my watch, I would want a TT jubilee bracelet and I would start the hunt for one now, but its just my own personal preference.

[Smouraneto]

Originally Posted by granttime

Its cool if you think its cool! If it were my watch, I would want a TT jubilee bracelet and I would start the hunt for one now, but its just my own personal preference.

Fair enough granttime. Appreciate your input. I will go ahead an try
to hunt for an original one. Thanks.

[dannyp]

Fwiw, I actually like the bracelet, and it appears that the two spent most of their lives together, based on apparent wear patterns. If I had to guess, I’d guess the watch started out on a strap and either at time of original purchase, or sale to your friend’s father, a bracelet was desired. Either this was the bracelet the dealer had in stock, or the dealer gave quotes on steel or TT options and steel was way less.

[77T]

The fairest method I know is to list the Watch on eBay for a 7-day auction with a 250,000 reserve.

When the auction expires you should have a fair figure to set the deal price. Be sure to cancel/disregard any stupid bids by low feedback newish members.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[indianmachine]

Looks great on the stainless steel strap.

[Fuselierpa]

That is an absolutely beautiful watch.

[Smouraneto]

Thanks. I am going to put my hands on it tomorrow..... Looking forward.... Will post more pics afterwards.

[mbc]

My only comment is on the bracelet -- the ends of the interior folds of the center links look a little off to me. Can you take a picture of the sides of the links?

Beautiful watch

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by 77T

The fairest method I know is to list the Watch on eBay for a 7-day auction with a 250,000 reserve.

When the auction expires you should have a fair figure to set the deal price. Be sure to cancel/disregard any stupid bids by low feedback newish members.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That method would cost him $250 bucks though.

[TuRo]

Bracelet should be (if Oyster not Jubillee) two-tone folded link with ALL SILVER end links btw.

[mideastwatchguy]

Very interesting on a stainless blt

[Smouraneto]

Originally Posted by mbc

My only comment is on the bracelet -- the ends of the interior folds of the center links look a little off to me. Can you take a picture of the sides of the links?

Beautiful watch

Thanks. I am having a hard time to attach pics straight from iPhone. Files are too large. Once I get back home, a couple of days ahead, I’ll do from my pc.

[Smouraneto]

BTW, there seems to be some sort of dirt, or gunk in the beazel. What should I use to remove it without damaging the beazel in any way?

[Smouraneto]

Finally managed to attach some further pics. It looks amazing close by.

[TimeLord2]

Very nice indeed!