Rootbeer info needed

[vapalux]

Hi

Could anyone please pass on some info about how to go about buying a Rootbeer and what I would be expected to pay in the UK for one without papers.

I have read about nipple dials denoting early 1675 series but apart from that I'm well in the dark.

Are there also any signs/pointers to look for to tell me its a Rootbeer,apart from Rolex serial numbers and how to tell the series apart.

Any help would be much appreciated

Si

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by vapalux

Hi

I have read about nipple dials denoting early 1675 series but apart from that I'm well in the dark.


Si

Rootbeer with nipple dials carried over to the next series: 16753.

[vapalux]

Originally Posted by LDLemu4U

Rootbeer with nipple dials carried over to the next series: 16753.

Hi

You have a lovely watch. Could you tell me what year your watch is?

Many thanks

Si

[LDLemu4U]

It's a 1981 GMT Master on Oyster bracelet. The Jubilee was recently acquired from Steve Mulholland here at TRF. The Jubilee came from a newer 16753.

[mfer]

Is the dial a different color than the black/gold GMT?

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by mfer

Is the dial a different color than the black/gold GMT?

Yes, it's a rootbeer!

[zak98]

love the TT jubilee!

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by vapalux

Hi
Are there also any signs/pointers to look for to tell me its a Rootbeer,apart from Rolex serial numbers and how to tell the series apart.
Si

As to the serial nos., I don't think it would tell you whether it is a Rootbeer or not. It will only tell you, the year of manufacture.

[greekbum]

Ive had quite a few of them the nicest looking in m opinion is a 70's model on a 2 tone rivet band.Way cool looking.this isnt mine but a picture I fund of 1 on the internet.

[LDLemu4U]

greekbum: Is that a 1675 rootbeer? Would you have an idea when the rivet band was disontinued by ROLEX?

[vapalux]

Stunning watches!

That rivet band is interesting as well

thanks for your help as much info as I can get to argue with a jeweler is always a help.

Si

[Dan Pierce]

Great thread. I'm enjoying this.
dP

[yannis]

What a classic!! Si you are getting one then buddy?

[vapalux]

If I can track one down at the right price its mine! Mind you I do not know whether the newer Rootbeers are worth as much as the older version. So I don't know whether I am being 'done on the price' or not.

If I had some idea I will argue until the cows come home so I just don't want to get taken for a few quid.

looking for one up to about 10 years old. Paperwork. If its there great , if not it gives me some leverage.

Si

[greekbum]

If I were in the market for one id go for the nipple dial quickset model.Heres a pic of my 1970 1675 rootbeer.Dial,Hands and crystal are original.With original bezel insert too.

[bwalkerVintage]

Originally Posted by greekbum

If I were in the market for one id go for the nipple dial quickset model.Heres a pic of my 1970 1675 rootbeer.Dial,Hands and crystal are original.

I would go for the quickset as well.

Here is my 1675 rootbeer.

[LDLemu4U]

Vapalux, with the rootbeers.......the dial is the most important to check, it's very hard to find a pre 80's that'snot discolored/faded (not talking about the patina). As to the hands..........just follow the examples on this thread.

[vapalux]

Thanks Nikos, Thanks Brendan

Stunningly beautiful watches. Tracking one of those down in the UK is going to be difficult

They are beautiful though and thanks to all for pointing me in the right direction. Its very much appreciated

Si

[vapalux]

Thanks LDlemu4U for all your help. its very much appreciated.

From what everyone says it looks like I would be better off going for a 30 year + watch instead of a 10 year old watch. I have no problem with this as I have vintage watches already.

Is it worth buying one of the more recent ones if I track one down?

Si

[LDLemu4U]

Originally Posted by vapalux

If I can track one down at the right price its mine! Mind you I do not know whether the newer Rootbeers are worth as much as the older version. So I don't know whether I am being 'done on the price' or not.

If I had some idea I will argue until the cows come home so I just don't want to get taken for a few quid.

looking for one up to about 10 years old. Paperwork. If its there great , if not it gives me some leverage.

Si

From your original post, I thought you were looking for a rootbeer with nipple dial. As far as I know....a 10 yr old Rootbeer (around 1998) the nipple dial was not longer available!!!!!!

As to the regular dial on the rootbeer.......just does not appeal to me!

[vapalux]

The information everyone has provided has been more than helpful in pointing me in the right direction.

I will try to find a nipple dial but I reckon if I can source one it will turn out to be a later dial. I will have to cast the net a lot further to track one down

Si

[LDLemu4U]

Guess your market there in the UK is different from North America! Here, it's very hard to find the 1675 or 16750 series with their original bracelets. And so much more if you want box and papers.....................

[mfer]

Originally Posted by greekbum

If I were in the market for one id go for the nipple dial quickset model.Heres a pic of my 1970 1675 rootbeer.Dial,Hands and crystal are original.With original bezel insert too.

Originally Posted by bwalkerVintage

I would go for the quickset as well.

Here is my 1675 rootbeer.

So, what determine if the 1675 had the bicolor'ed bezel or not. I've seen pics of the solid gold one with the single color bezel. I thought that was the case, but I guess not.

[vapalux]

Good question Mik but I am definitely not the man to be able to answer you! It would be interesting to know.

Si

[LDLemu4U]

Here's a chart showing the History of the GMT in years produced! I got this here in TRF but cannot remember the thread! Credit to the original poster.

[greekbum]

Funny thing is years ago you could not give a rootbeer away. Nobody wanted it.Many were converted back to stainless or black dial. 2 tone ones came standard with the brown/gold bezel although you could put what you like on it.Its a matter of preference.

[bwalkerVintage]

All brown bezel insert was standard equipment on all gold 1675 models and two color insert standard on two-tone models. However, in the 1970's you could order either one for the two-tone depending on preference. My watch came with the all brown insert (it is what my grandfather ordered it with when he bought in the early 70s), and when I had it serviced a couple of years ago, Bev Hills RSC (Rolex Service Center) replaced it with the same one. If it wasn't an option originally, then the RSC would not have allowed it during service.

[mfer]

Thanks B. Never knew that. I've never really considered this model, but I am REALLY drawn to this brown dial. I'm loving the single colored bezel more for some reason. I wonder if I just found my next watch.....

[yannis]

Originally Posted by greekbum

If I were in the market for one id go for the nipple dial quickset model.Heres a pic of my 1970 1675 rootbeer.Dial,Hands and crystal are original.With original bezel insert too.

Nice watch Niko!!

[yannis]

Here is another graph from the web (i do not remember the source)