Non-Lug Hole GMT Master II Pepsi or GMT Master 1675 Pepsi

[Gob Bluth]

I am going to buy one of these (1675 or 16710 - F Serial b/c I want the non-lug hole version in the 16710) in the next couple days, absolutely love them both, and was hoping to hear some opinions as to which one I should get based on the following thoughts (price is about the same so that's not an issue):

Bracelet:
I really like the new bracelet w/ the solid end links and the styling of the link that attaches to the watch head on the 16710. I'm not a fan of the removable links that attach to the watch head on the 1675 (you know the ones that detach from the rest of the bracelet). The fliplock clasp v. regular clasp doesn't concern me.

Dial:
I prefer the matte dial without the white gold surrounds but like the 16710 dial alot too. The 16710 has more of a bling factor that i try to avoid b/c of the gold surrounds, glossy dial and the reflective nature of the sapphire. My Sea Dweller Z serial has the same characteristics but the black bezel and lack of cyclops tone it down a bit in my opinion.

Case:
Most 1675s have been polished and I've found one w/ thick lugs, but polished nonetheless, so it's not a huge issue but I really want an unpolished case. Unfortunately, an all original, unpolished 1675 is out of my price range (from what I've seen). The 16710 is totally untouched and is in mint condition, which is a plus.

Crystal:
I prefer the raised acrylic over the sapphire for sure. I was thinking about having a tropic crystal put on the 1675 if I bought it as I'm not a huge cyclops fan.

Boxes and Papers:
The 16710 has everything and the 1675 is just back from service @ Rolex and has the one year warranty.

Newer (mid-2000s) v. Vintage:
I've never owned a vintage watch and am not sure whether it's something that I'm going to like over the long run. I've loved every 1675 I've seen in person but having never owned one I'm just not sure. You know what you're getting with newer.

Value:
This is purely speculative but I feel like the 16710s are going to continue to go up in price on the used market (they've already started to increase from what I've seen). They're going to be out of my price range if this continues. I have no clue on the 1675s as I'm fairly new to Rolex collecting (about a year).

Anyways, sorry for the long diatribe but I'm 50/50 and could use some advice (I know I have to make the ultimate decision) and thoughts on which way you think my subconscious is leaning based on the above thooughts.

Thanks!

[Dan Pierce]

I see pros and cons to both. The pros outweighing everything, of course. For everyday wear I'd go w/ the 16710.
Good luck,
dP

[mike]

Well,...I can see you're torn between the two, but a couple factors I would also put into the mix are;

1. Versatility. Here the 16710 is the clear winner in my book. The jump-hour feature and semi-quickset give it the advantage in usability for a GMT.

2. Luminosity. In it's original condition the tritium dial 1675 has given up the ghost if a measure of low light readability is a factor.

I suppose one could also factor in insert flexibility as well and here again the 16710 wins as the 1675 was never released with the RED/BLACK insert.

Having said all that a hacking 1675 (or actually a matt 16750) would still be my first choice.

A reference the likes of which we will never see again, the MASTER brings so much history and heritage to the table and properly serviced takes a backseat to no modern reference.

While each reference enjoyed a long run raw numbers favor the MASTER (and again more so the matt 16750) for future collectability.

Good luck.

[theken]

[QUOTE=Gob Bluth;1625120]I am going to buy one of these (1675 or 16710) 1675 is just back from service @ Rolex and has the one year warranty.

A 1675 freshly serviced by Rolex sounds fantastic if the original dial and hands were not replaced. That 1675 will be much more difficult to find in the future than a 16710. As Mike and Dan mentioned, the 16710 is much more practical but that is usually not the issue when buying a vintage Rolex.
I do not think you can make a wrong decision since you can probably trade one for the other on TRF very easily if you your mind in the future.

[Tools]

Tough choice..

Unless you are trying to put together a killer collection...and that presumes that the 1675 has remained original, which may be questionable if it has undergone a Rolex Service; my choice might be for the 16710.. I just like the reliability and consistency of the more modern fast beat movement and practical indestructibility of the sapphire crystals..

But as said...they won't be making any more 1675's, so any time you can rescue one, it's a good thing..

[Juggernaut]

I agree with Mike
Too many people forget about the early 16750's. they have the matte dial, with the large markers, the lack of the word "DATE" on the dial (old school like the 1675's), but they have the advantage of the quickset date feature and the hack seconds. Not to mention the still favorable price range.

so for every day use 16710 is the best. If I had a 1675, it would stay in my safe and wouldn't get worn as much. I've learned from experience that the vintage pieces are a little more work to maintain. But a 16750 would get plenty of wear time...