A TALE OF TWO GMT´s

[Subexplorer]

A tale of two GMT´s

As I have stated before, I´m very fond of Subs in any of its many variations, both modern and vintage. And though I own several other Rolex models, a Sub is on my wrist most of the time.



I remember buying a GMT (1675 reference) as a present for my father in law, some 24 years ago. This watch became his favorite: he is now in his 80`s and still wears it proudly, and the watch keeps doing its job in a great form.
The old watch got it´s red and blue bezel elegantly faded a bit, and the big numerals aged in a yellowish shade, giving it a beautiful vintage look.

But for many decades as a Rolex user and fan, I had never thought too much about buying a GMT for myself … till I joined TRF a couple of years ago!
By the end of year 2009, I began thinking that a classic GMT was something I really needed to complete my collection.



Then, after reading and enjoying a post Lets have a GMT picture thread started by fellow member DWdrummer, a couple of weeks ago,
(see: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=119753), I really got the GMT fever bite!

What I wished was to get a brand new GMT (not pre owned), but of the old version with the red and blue bezel (Pepsi!!).
I personally feel that though the all black, and the so called “Coke” bezels are all beautiful, the GMT is “more iconic” yet, in the red/blue combo. Just a personal point of view!!



I had been doing a research some three months ago, calling several local AD, and the answer was always the same: no more “never owned” “old GMT” available in Argentina. Only the current ceramic version is being offered.

Even my old good friend Rodolfo, owner of a local AD where I bought most of my Rolex, and the person who helped me to find my 5513 and my Grial no guards Sub, was unable to help me with my Pepsi GMT.
Then, I had decided that the only option was to get a good pre owned specimen.

Now, the miracle happened.
Two weeks ago, just a few days after reading the above mentioned post, I received a phone call from Rodolfo, telling me that he had a meeting with several national AD owners, and during the chat, one of them was complaining about having a brand new 16710 in stock which he felt was impossible to sell, as every one of his customers asked for the new ceramic version!!

Rodolfo listened in awe, and remembered our conversation of three months ago, asking for this kind of watch.






As you can imagine, I got that watch immediately, complete with all papers, tags, box, etc, even with the transparent case and bracelet protection stickers on. The original paper guarantee was extended to me and dated March 2010.
For collecting oriented readers, I may tell that this 16710 is of Z 60x.xxx serial number, has no rolex-rolex rehaut ring, and it is of about 2007 vintage, I feel.

I feel very happy with this discovery, which may very well be considered as the last of the traditional GMT´s sold brand new in my Country!
And I wished to share the thrill of it with the nice fellow members at TRF!
Hope you like the pictures!
Very cordially, Abel