Question Re: Rolex GMT 'Pepsi' Models (16700, 1675, etc)

[Cduhan]

Hello all,

I'm fairly new to collecting pre-owned/vintage models of Rolex. I have been looking into a few of the GMT 'Pepsi' models and would appreciate any suggestions/advice.

I'm aware that there are a few different models made for this watch - all depending on within which time frame the watch was made (16700, 1675, etc)

I was hoping to find out which of these models are the 'more' sought after models - which would make the better collectible.

Thank you for your time!

-Chris

[AndersB]

Hi Cduhan and welcom to TRF!

Depends on condition of course but roughly I think the older the model the higher the (current) price. 16700 is somewhat more sought-after than the 16710 ref due to scarcity.

[tfduff723]

Hi Chris - welcome to TRF.

I afraid I can't offer much advice regarding vintage values as my GMTs are newer models (16710 & 116710).

However, there are many, many experts here on TRF that I am sure can weigh in.

Plus, the TRF vintage and reference sub forums have a wealth of knowledge.

This site also provides some good history on the model.

http://gmtmasterhistory.com

The GMT Master is a great watch

[mike]

Hey Chris,

Welcome.

In general the MASTER series comprises the 6542,1675,16750, and the 16700.

Yeah, there are the conterparts in TT and Gold, but generally when we think "collectable" the emphasis centers around the Stainless Steel models (of course certain exceptions exist such as early Gold varients).

I'll say, condition aside, earlier is better. I say that with full knowledge the MASTER series has produced some amazing "special varients" such as the OMANI varients, Blue bezel varients, and the Radial dial, but generally I think we can concentrate on the early 1675s.

A long lived reference it's not particulary rare, but those with gilt dials, small 24 hr. hands, pointed crown guards, and enclosed minute tracks will command higher pricing than the latter white writing dial varients.

The great thing about the early MASTERS is that one can have a watch capable of daily wear and the potentioal for great upside potential at the same time.

Pricing and value is always subject to several things;

1. Condition
2. Age
3. History
4. Box& papers, etc.....

Certainly the father back in time we go (again condition being a factor) the more a given watch/reference is valued.

Here are a couple that IMHO represent a good place to start.

A gilt dial 1675 approx 65ish and a later white writing 68 varient.




Probably the most desirable would be the 6542 with original bakelite bezel, but here we're into car money (nice car money)

Our reference library covers the early MASTER in pretty good detail. Please take a look over there for some great information and a basis to start the hunt.

[HL65]

Well said and spot on Mike!

And nice looking duo as well my friend!

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well said and spot on Mike!

And nice looking duo as well my friend!

x2 Mike is a GMT resource to be counted upon!!

[springer]

Mike summed it up very well. One thing that I like about the GMT's is that they offered various versions thru the years. My personal favorites are the 16750 produced from around 1980 thru 1986 and the 16700 produced from around 1988 to 2000. Both of these models offer the true quick-set feature to change the date. The 16750 is an acrylic crystal and the 16700 is a sapphire crystal. I prefer the acrylic crystal 16750 due to the crystal being more easily polished and less expensive to replace if damaged.

The early 16750's had a matte dial with no white gold "surrounds" around the markers. The later 16750's had the white gold around the markers. Also, the 16750's came with the pepsi or black bezel insert. Most 16700's that I've seen come with the black insert, but other bezel insert colors were available for them.

Below are examples of the 16750's with the two dial variations.

[Cduhan]

Thank you all for your responses. Mike and springer - I will definitely reflect off of your advice while searching - thanks!

[springer]

Mike, can you correct my typo regarding the production dates for the 16700. I typed 1998-2000 and I can't edit it. I believe it should be around 1988 to 2000. I just caught that mistake!!!

[mike]

Originally Posted by springer

Mike, can you correct my typo regarding the production dates for the 16700. I typed 1998-2000 and I can't edit it. I believe it should be around 1988 to 2000. I just caught that mistake!!!

[conrail]

Here's an example of the radial-dialed matte 1675 (with new Christmas sweater!)

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by conrail

Here's an example of the radial-dialed matte 1675 (with new Christmas sweater!)

Great picture!!!

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by Submarino

Great picture!!!

+1. Love the radial dial!

[bluemartinifan]

Gloss dialed 16750 makes a great daily wear -quickset date with an acrylic crystal

[mike]

Originally Posted by conrail

Here's an example of the radial-dialed matte 1675 (with new Christmas sweater!)

That is a beauty!!

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well said and spot on Mike!

And nice looking duo as well my friend!

X 3.....VERY INFORMATIVE AND LOVE THOSE GMT'S!.....

[Keeperoftime]

I would recommend picking up a matte dial 16750. It has the best of vintage and modern. It bas the look of the 1675 but features a quickset date and upgraded movement. I believe this model will gain in collectability.

[HERITAGE82]

Originally Posted by Keeperoftime

I would recommend picking up a matte dial 16750. It has the best of vintage and modern. It bas the look of the 1675 but features a quickset date and upgraded movement. I believe this model will gain in collectability.

Great looking peice!!!... The patina on those markers is unreal.....

[dddrees]

Great info, and fantastic PICs everybody. The GMT and GMTII is such a great looking watch.

[GeoGio Greece]

I own a 16700, and wear it daily since 1993.

The crystal does NOT scratch, which is a benefit, and you can change the bezels and bracelets, according to your wish.

The specific was purchased with a pepsi and on an oyster, but I change them from time to time for a ..."change"

[bicismith]

i think saying it does NOT scratch is not accurate. I've managed to scuff mine on the edge a few times. They are tiny and not really noticed unless inspecting under the right light/angle.

I love the watch though and can say I finally quit browsing the 'for sale' section once I flipped from Panerai to this rolex!

[Tony G]

Nice Pics

[magnetized]

Originally Posted by springer

Mike summed it up very well. One thing that I like about the GMT's is that they offered various versions thru the years. My personal favorites are the 16750 produced from around 1980 thru 1986 and the 16700 produced from around 1988 to 2000. Both of these models offer the true quick-set feature to change the date. The 16750 is an acrylic crystal and the 16700 is a sapphire crystal. I prefer the acrylic crystal 16750 due to the crystal being more easily polished and less expensive to replace if damaged.

The early 16750's had a matte dial with no white gold "surrounds" around the markers. The later 16750's had the white gold around the markers. Also, the 16750's came with the pepsi or black bezel insert. Most 16700's that I've seen come with the black insert, but other bezel insert colors were available for them.

Below are examples of the 16750's with the two dial variations.

re:me too John my fav. is gmt master 16750 1982.which i have all original..

[CrownMe]

Personally i would go with a nice 1675! But i do like the 16750s too.

[shou.biao.kuang]

Originally Posted by CrownMe

Personally i would go with a nice 1675! But i do like the 16750s too.

Same here! but there are more worries about vintage set like mismatched case to dial, bracelet etc...

Other than that, the patina, especially the orangey and brown ones are really ones to die for! plus the "non" WGS

[Jetkopite]

From what I have read the early 16750 with matte dials seem to be more rare that the 1675's as they were only produced for about 3 years or so.. Here is my very early 1980's one 6.6m all original never been polished 16750...

[springer]

Originally Posted by shou.biao.kuang

Same here! but there are more worries about vintage set like mismatched case to dial, bracelet etc...

Originally Posted by shou.biao.kuang

Other than that, the patina, especially the orangey and brown ones are really ones to die for! plus the "non" WGS

Good observation Sam, but you could say this about any model. One must know what he is buying before the purchase.

The patina dials are very nice and some of my favorites.