GMT II Ceramic VS Pepsi/Coke

[snoride]

I have always admired the GMT II pepsi/coke models, more so than the black bezel. The last of the model run D, Z (not sure if the very last were M with the 3186?) series in excellent condition are reselling at premium prices very near what I can get a new ceramic for from my AD. Today I took a closer look at the ceramic as it is so similar the the new Sub. I prefer the bracelet on the Ceramic and do like the Maxi dial. With the new sub in short supply discounts are not happening and probably won't for a year maybe even two making the GMT C an excellent buy.

Can those who have owned both please offer some advise on which they prefer. Should I pick up a used Pepsi or get the Ceramic from my AD?

Any advise and observations much appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Mike

[sleddog]

Personaly I would go for the ceramic Mike but ultimately you need to satisfy yourself....
A hard choice as all are excellent in their own right even if looking similar.....!
I hope you find what makes you happiest!!

[sakuraba]

I don't own a II-C, but I can tell you, I love my pepsi!

What has kept me from getting a II-c has been the PCLs, and the fear of replacing the expensive bezel. If that doesn't bother you, a II-c would be excellent.

[bluemartinifan]

The 16710 is more traditional and can be dressed up or down - but both the 16710 and Ceramic are beautiful

[scarlet knight]

..and I like it very much. I always admired the coke and pepsi bezels, but the black bezel is more serious and I think I will be able to wear it with suits and business wear more easily.

I think that the GMT looks a little different than the Sub. While the Sub is a classic, there are a lot of watches that look very similar--Omega SMP, Invictas, etc.

[sheldonsmith]

I own and wear both... (and reviewed at http://www.minus4plus6.com/116710.htm). I like the traditional bezel the 16710, but prefer the maxi dial features, bracelet, and anti-reflective cyclops on the 116710 (GMT-C),

-Sheldon

[Zed Homme]

Get Both??!?

Seriously though its a hard choice. Many are adverse to the new ceramic as they do not like the case it comes in or are concerned about the new bezel. Personally I think the new case is awesome (even though it isnt very photogenic) and think that the durability issues with ceramic have been blown out of proportion.

However, one of the great things about the pepsi dial is that one can easily see whether it is night or day for the GMT indicator, a feature missed by the new all black design. Many will say since the pepsi has been discontinued it ought to be your first choice. Again I disagree as these watches can be found and will continue to be so in the future. Ultimately, try to get a chance to wear both on your wrist and pick the one that suits you, you cant go wrong.

FWIW, I have the pepsi and am dying to add a GMTIIc to my collection....

[nauticajoe]

I've had both at one point. The 116710 is a beautiful watch, but decided to hold on to my 16710 Pepsi 'M" serial instead. No regrets.

Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

[ingoodtime]

I think both watches are beautiful. Personally, you have to decide on the look you want to acheive. The Pepsi stands out and screams look at me while the black bezel/dial of the GMTIIC has a more quiet stature. Of course, the PCL's do dress it up a bit. I think it may be more easily worn with a suit than the pepsi but I am sure some will disagree. It really comes down to your personal preference. I have the IIC but would love to have a pepsi gmt.

Whatever you decide to get, please share your pics with us and best of luck on your purchase.

[andrew79]

Originally Posted by ingoodtime

I think both watches are beautiful. Personally, you have to decide on the look you want to acheive. The Pepsi stands out and screams look at me while the black bezel/dial of the GMTIIC has a more quiet stature. Of course, the PCL's do dress it up a bit. I think it may be more easily worn with a suit than the pepsi but I am sure some will disagree. It really comes down to your personal preference. I have the IIC but would love to have a pepsi gmt.

Whatever you decide to get, please share your pics with us and best of luck on your purchase.

+1

[Watch Fan]

Tough choice to be sure! I have the ceramic IIc, but would love to add either a pepsi or coke to my collection. They are a completely different watch, the older GMT more traditional, all brush finish bracelet, smaller case, definately more of an every day wear watch with alot of history behind it. The newer IIc is more refined, polished center links, maxi dial, newer clasp and has more of a "business" look. They each have their place. For me, I think I need them both!

[dalip]

Pepsi for me.....liked the 2c but was not wearing it..for that kind of look the dssd or sub won..

[Dan Pierce]

Great watch either way, but the classic wins out for me.
dP

[TimeOnHand]

Both great watches.... however, if you know you will only want one watch/Rolex then go for the GMT C... other wise get the classic, you can always add the GMT C later to you collection!

[nauticajoe]

I'll join both Sheldon & Kevin on the side-by-side shots:

[jekuo]

I have a Pepsi M series and wear it more than my GMTIIc. Both are very nice, but the Pepsi just looks cooler w/the brushed bracelet, bi-color bezel, and classic case IMO. You can always pick up a Pepsi now as they are harder to find and get a GMTIIc later as they will still be around for a while.

[Tools]

I'm not a fan of the new block cases or the across-the-room bling that you get from the latest designs, so for me at least, any of the older models win out...

...... But that's personal; I can't deny that they are great looking watches..

One thing I would not do is pay a premium for an older GMT. Like all discontinued models, there is a spike for a while afterwards (there will be for the Sub too), but after a couple of years it settles back to the base average,,,

[jekuo]

I have both, but wear my Pepsi M series more. I think the brushed bracelet, bi-color bezel, and classic case just looks cooler. Get the Pepsi now as they are getting harder to find and you can always get a GMTIIc later.

[snoride]

Many thanks for all your advise,photo's and sheldonsmith's link to the review. Like so many suggested I will be on the lookout for a late model 16710. It is most definitely the one I most admire when seen worn by others and in the photo's you all posted.

[/QUOTE]
jekuo thanks for this wrist shot

[GoldenBear]

Newer isn't always better. Just like a classic car, a classic Pepsi is a treasure. I would (and plan to) get a Pepsi soon. The newer watches aren't always better.

[tomchicago]

snoride they wear and present very differently. try one of each on for a bit and go with the one u like.

things i like about iiC: 3186 movement, better clasp, discrete bezel rotation (hour-to-hour), nice hefty feel

things i don't like about iiC: maxi dial (looks crowded), maxi case (looks very blocky to me), bezel cracking stories on here are a bit scary

i have a 3185 pepsi and a 3186 eii and i honestly don't find much difference between the movements. you can get an "F" series 3185 pepsi with no lugholes for a better price than the 3186 rarities.

[mpkRolex]

Originally Posted by snoride

I have always admired the GMT II pepsi/coke models, more so than the black bezel. The last of the model run D, Z (not sure if the very last were M with the 3186?) series in excellent condition are reselling at premium prices very near what I can get a new ceramic for from my AD. Today I took a closer look at the ceramic as it is so similar the the new Sub. I prefer the bracelet on the Ceramic and do like the Maxi dial. With the new sub in short supply discounts are not happening and probably won't for a year maybe even two making the GMT C an excellent buy.

Can those who have owned both please offer some advise on which they prefer. Should I pick up a used Pepsi or get the Ceramic from my AD?

Any advise and observations much appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Mike

Go for the GMTiic but SS only.. IMO it is one of the sharpest and most elegant Rolex model..I love it and it is my daily wear. I am using a riveted leather strap on it...enjoy

[Michael M.]

The GMT Ceramic is one of my favorites, yet the 16710 is such a classic design, if you can find a nice example of a 16710 I'd go for it.

[ParisDakarBmw]

O.K.

I miss my 16710 Pepsi

[Puffy]

both lovely models. personally i want both, but there are other models i'd prioritise over having both in my collection

[mic6]

I love 16710
I hate 116710

[bounce]

Had them both, they are excellent choices.
I just could not get on with the PCL on the GMT IIC & found it picked up scratches so easily.

[jdc]

two very different watches, I prefer the sleeker lines of the older model over the bulk of the GMTIIc, but either way you are getting a fine watch

[kayaker21]

If I could choose only one it would be the 16710 for the five watches in one.

[buke45]

Originally Posted by kayaker21

If I could choose only one it would be the 16710 for the five watches in one.

FIVE?? I know about the Pepsi, Coke and All Black please someone explain the other 2.