16710 Pepsi or BLNR ?

[jsonorous]

Hello!

Long time lurker, posting for help and ideas...

I have a modest Rolex collection of a Ceramic Daytona (black face 116500), Milgauss 116640 GV, 11610 Submariner and 15210 Date (wife has stolen it, fits her well : ).

Looking to add another, and I've been focusing on a 16710 Pepsi GMT or a more modern 116710BLNR.

While I enjoy both watches for different reasons, I am leaning toward the 16710 Pepsi. I like the slender lugs of the 16710 vs the chunkier BLNR lugs. But, I love the blue and black of the BLNR.

I am 5' 10", 155lbs, and I have a 6.5" wrist. The newer thicker lugs of Rolex Sport watches seem just a bit heavy on me. Rolex 36mm watches work (love and had a 114270 Explorer), as do the 40mm watches (with slender lugs, but haven't had a 40mm new Rolex with thicker lugs, other than the Milgauss which seems to be in between).

If anyone else has gone through the thick vs thin lug debate I'd be grateful for the help. Thanks!

[Rafabond]

I would choose a 16710, the GMTs I love, I also enjoy the 1675, with the thinnest box.

[henrylee]

As a only watch I would recommend the BLNR but with your current collection the 16710 would go well. You can't go wrong with either but sounds like your hearts set on the 16710.

[1WatchDawg]

I have a 6.75" wrist and I much prefer the 5 digit 40mm.to the newer models with the thicker lugs.and how the bracelet flows into the lugs for a much nicer look IMHO. I would personally rather have a really nice 16710 Pepsi full set. Remember if you get any 16710 you can obtain a Pepsi, Coke, or black bezel insert. It's like having 3 watches in one.

[CRM114]

I have 4-, 5-, and 6-digit GMTs. I love my BLNR, the blue/black combo, and even the PCLs. That said, I also prefer old-style thinner lugs and curved case to the thicker ones/blockier case, and there's no more aesthetically versatile watch than the 16710 with it's 3 interchangeable bezel inserts.

They aren't making SS slim-case, thinner-lug, Pepsi-insert GMTs anymore. Since the thinner/smaller is your preference, my advice is to grab the 16710 as it may have been the last rendition in our lifetimes. Case/lug sizes may never go down to what they were before, but the prices for the older style, especially with a Pepsi insert, have only been going up.

You can always get a BLNR later, and for MSRP. Not so for the 16710.

[2th_doc]

16710


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[jsonorous]

Originally Posted by CRM114

I have 4-, 5-, and 6-digit GMTs. I love my BLNR, the blue/black combo, and even the PCLs. That said, I also prefer old-style thinner lugs and curved case to the thicker ones/blockier case, and there's no more aesthetically versatile watch than the 16710 with it's 3 interchangeable bezel inserts.

They aren't making SS slim-case, thinner-lug, Pepsi-insert GMTs anymore. Since the size appeals to you more, my advice is to grab the 16710 as it may be the last rendition. Case/lug sizes may never go down what they were before, but the prices for the older style have only going up.

You can always get a BLNR later.

I think this may be right! While I have two watches with PCL, they drive me nuts, at least a little, I'm alway thinking of wear and scratches... I like the non polished center links (I've seen BLNR modified with the PCL brushed out, and I like that!). My eye is on the lookout for a 16710 Pepsi... the 16710 Pepsi and 116710 BLNR seem to be close in price...

[lecorsaire]

The BLNR at 40mm really wears well on nearly any wrist. While I love the 5 digit models, I feel that the improvements especially concerning the bezel and bracelet make the BLNR the better choice. However we're so close to Baselworld that I would wait. You never know if they decide to release a ceramic Coke this year.

If you go for a 16710 look around and be patient. Many sellers are asking a little bit too much right now. I wouldn't pay $7.5-$8k for one. $7k would be a good price.

[PRD]

The BLNR can be acquired whenever you have the funds, they are always for sale on the forums. Finding a good condition, original 16710 puts you in the vintage collector realm, and that watch will hold its value better in my opinion

Phil

[jsonorous]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

The BLNR at 40mm really wears well on nearly any wrist. While I love the 5 digit models, I feel that the improvements especially concerning the bezel and bracelet make the BLNR the better choice. However we're so close to Baselworld that I would wait. You never know if they decide to release a ceramic Coke this year.

If you go for a 16710 look around and be patient. Many sellers are asking a little bit too much right now. I wouldn't pay $7.5-$8k for one. $7k would be a good price.

Thank you for the reply. I agree, things seem to have been going up in prices recently for all desirable Rolexes...

[LLmrol]

16710 any day of the week. Get one before they increase even more. You can always find a BLNR later should you want one whereas good 16710s are becoming more and more difficult to find at a reasonable price.

[matches]

16710!

[cc75]

16710 because prize is increasing

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

The BLNR at 40mm really wears well on nearly any wrist. While I love the 5 digit models, I feel that the improvements especially concerning the bezel and bracelet make the BLNR the better choice. However we're so close to Baselworld that I would wait. You never know if they decide to release a ceramic Coke this year.

If you go for a 16710 look around and be patient. Many sellers are asking a little bit too much right now. I wouldn't pay $7.5-$8k for one. $7k would be a good price.

We won't be seeing $7k Pepsi-insert 16710s anymore.

[nauticajoe]

Pepsi for me. Good luck!

[lecorsaire]

Originally Posted by CRM114

We won't be seeing $7k Pepsi-insert 16710s anymore.

Maybe not right now, but we don't know how things will play out this year. For those who have Pepsis, how is it possible to verify that the watch wasn't originally an espresso or coke without the card/papers? Can ADs verify that based on serial number?

[101031-28]

(4 and) 5 digit GMT. Classic. You can buy BLNR anytime being a current production.

[TickTockChuck]

You can always get a BLNR reasonably easy, but I would say seeking out an excellent condition 16710 Pepsi GMT would be a more satisfying aquisition. True the ceramic GMTs have technical advantages, but there is something magical about an aluminum bezel Pepsi IMHO. Just shop carefully and don't overpay. Good luck. Cheers!

Here's a good link on info about the 16710 GMTs:
https://www.bobswatches.com/gmt-mast...-16710-history

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by lecorsaire

Maybe not right now, but we don't know how things will play out this year. For those who have Pepsis, how is it possible to verify that the watch wasn't originally an espresso or coke without the card/papers? Can ADs verify that based on serial number?

ADs can't verify using the SN, but RSCs can and do use the SN to verify what insert was originally fitted to the watch. The "A" and "B" designations were only found on U.S. papers, so this is how it's done in the rest of the world even with papers.

In any case, on the open market the BLRO Pepsi insert itself has more value than Red/Black and all-black inserts, so even if not original to the watch a watch fitted with one will bring more than one without.

While we might not know how everything will play out this year, we can be certain they won't be making any 16710s or SS Pepsi-bezel GMTs (although I'd love to be proved wrong). Even if they released a ceramic Coke-bezeled GMT I don't believe it would have much effect on the upward price trend of 4- and 5-digit references since first there's the case/lug size preferences people have and, second, the Red/Black bezels weren't the most popular choice when they were being offered anyway, BLROs and all-black were. The only thing that could significantly deflate the prices of 5 digit Pepsi-insert refs would be something torpedoing the vintage market causing 4-digit 1675s to become cheap as chips.

[watchwatcher]

I can honestly say the lugs of any Rolex wouldn't mean one iota to me in deciding on a watch.

I'm more concerned with things like how the watch fits, feels, and how it fits into my lifestyle.

But that's me...you sound like the lugs are important to you. So go with the thinner lugs.

[Highjinx]

Get the Pepsi now as they're not making them anymore. Add BLNR later when the hype and the price rationalises.

[SeeDweller]

I own a Pepsi 16710 (beautiful condition, 2004), but then I bought a pre-owned, six digit 116710-BLNR (Batman) about a year ago, just for the investment, and to see how the bigger lugs would work for me.
At first, I was struck by how pretty the ceramic bezel was, and the whole package didn’t seem as oversized as I’d expected. But after about a month, the BLNR went back into the safe, and I find myself putting on the original Pepsi 16710 ALL the time, again!! It’s classic, functional, not fragile like my old vintage pieces, and wears just the right size. I usually keep it on an Everest black rubber strap, but that original Oyster bracelet is damn comfortable, too. (And I’m proud when I get the “smile” from other Rolex wearers!).
Only time will tell, but the 3185-3186 caliber in these GMT-II and ExplorerII has proven to he a workhorse, and just keep great time, though I know these things keep getting better and better.
You’ll find a really clean 16710 Pepsi our there for a good price, and I suspect it’ll have more meaning as you wear it, then a current available piece... at least it always does for me! (Besides, it gives you an excuse to develop a relationship with another awesome TRF’er as seller!! I’ve had some great experiences over these few years!!)
Have fun... you can’t go wrong!!!!

[Vinyasa]

I have the BLNR but looked at the 5-digit models also. First thing I did when I purchased the BLNR was to get the PCLs brushed. I do enjoy the ceramic bezel color, which the 5-digits cannot replicate. The only feature I don't like with the BLNR is the blue 24-hr/GMT hand... it's hard to discern against the dial. The red hand on the 5-digits is great.

Can't go wrong either way. Congratulations (in advance).

[XZACM102]

Originally Posted by CRM114

ADs can't verify using the SN, but RSCs can and do use the SN to verify what insert was originally fitted to the watch. The "A" and "B" designations were only found on U.S. papers, so this is how it's done in the rest of the world even with papers.

Guys, does this make any sense to you that watch that comes from factory as 16710A would be authenticated and get from RSC BLRO papers ?



Or does it simply mean that if you ship to RSC 16710 with whatever bezel that will be what ultimately RSC papers will say ?

[DoctorA]

16710 is king! The reason I got a BLNR is because I’m still looking for a good condition 16710 for a reasonable price!

[Fourier]

I owned both a Pepsi 2005 and the BLNR at the same time. I found the BLNR too stunning comparably and unloaded the Pepsi. Today I wished I would have holded on to the Pepsi a little longer to get even more $$$ out of it :-)

I have no regrets about the BLNR and find it a much better watch. I too was torn on the thick case issue, but comparing side-by-side to the new Sub case (edit: which I also own), the GMT case is definitely the more slender one - both the lugs and the crown guards are meaningfully slimmer. I find the thicker case of the GMT vs the 5-digit it a non-issue, but a stronger case could be made for the thicker case of a Sub vs the 5-digit.

[ink3027]

Originally Posted by XZACM1001

Guys, does this make any sense to you that watch that comes from factory as 16710A would be authenticated and get from RSC BLRO papers ?



Or does it simply mean that if you ship to RSC 16710 with whatever bezel that will be what ultimately RSC papers will say ?

Coincidental you bring this up, a similar thing happened to me recently. Two weeks ago I purchased a K-serial Pepsi, or what I thought was a Pepsi. It didn't come with original papers, so I had no way of knowing the original bezel.

Just last week I took the watch to RSC Dallas to get a replacement bezel. Sure enough, they confirmed it was originally a Pepsi bezel. But the entire reason I'm posting this is on the receipt for the work performed, they listed the model number as "16710BLRO". So to answer your question, I think the recent warranty card in the picture you listed is what Rolex is doing now.

[jcatt]

I debated the same thing, and choose the 16710 Pepsi.

The more I see the BLNR, especially on other's wrists, the more resolute I am that I made the right choice. The 16710 Pepsi is a hall of famer- a true classic for the ages.

In terms of one being a better keeper of time than the other, I find talk of the BLNR/ 3186 movement being superior a little bizarre. I know the 3186's Parachrom spring is a bonus, but honestly, the 3185 is a stout workhorse proven over many decades. In fact, my 16710 Pepsi is accurate to within +/- .3 seconds per day. That's a third of a second. That's fantastic. The only watch I own that is more accurate is my G-Shock that syncs with the atomic clock in Colorado every night.

Finally, as pertains to investment, while I don't think of watches this way the reality is that there will never be more 16710's. Only fewer. The BLNR is still in production, and relatively easy to come by.
JCATT

[JRT]

I prefer to modern GMTs, especially the mesmerizing BLNR.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by XZACM1001

Guys, does this make any sense to you that watch that comes from factory as 16710A would be authenticated and get from RSC BLRO papers ?



Or does it simply mean that if you ship to RSC 16710 with whatever bezel that will be what ultimately RSC papers will say ?

Interesting. What RSC did you use? My experiences as far as GMT bezel inserts and a RSC have been with the RSC in Hong Kong, and they consider what insert the watch was born with (as determined by SN) as "original condition", and that's what they will want to restore it to during service.

It looks like yours there was born originally with a Red/Black, re-born as a BLRO when it went in with a non-original BLRO insert. To my knowledge this isn't done at the HK RSC, and in fact I've never been issued a physical warranty card as pictured. I'll find out if this is a new thing, as I'm expecting a 16750 to come out of service in a couple weeks.