Have I bought a fake 16710?

[sam88]

Hi all,

Just got a Z-serial 16710 (supposedly from 2006 and fully original) and I'm super happy with the watch. However, when looking at the bezel today something caught my eye - the division of red and blue at 18 and 6.

When zooming in closely it looks like the blue ends just below the "8" in "18" and that the "6" contains a bit more blue than red.

When looking at pictures online it looks like most of the bezels (such as the one image on the very bottom) the division between blue and red looks a bit different. In those pictures it looks more like there is some red behind the bottom part of the "8" in "18" and that the "6" contains more red than blue (opposite to what I have).

Now I don't have any reason to distrust the seller but I want to check with you guys - the experts - is this a real pepsi bezel and is this differentiation in blue/red within tolerance/margin of error? Or is this bezel fake?

I've attached a few images of my bezel. Really appreciate your help.

https://ibb.co/yF2fSDM1
https://ibb.co/Y7XM82GW
https://ibb.co/kFp6Lbj
https://ibb.co/YSM9gz3

Below is an image of what I believe is an authentic bezel - not mine



https://www.reddit.com/media?url=htt...a134c4ef46e6f2

[sam88]

Sorry, was not able to attach the images directly into the post.

[wcgreiner]

Your bezel looks legit—Rolex's color splits can vary slightly between batches. The '06 Z-serial era had some quirks. If the fade and font look right (which they do in your pics), it's probably genuine.

But if you're paranoid, a quick check by a watchmaker with a loupe never hurts!

[sam88]

Originally Posted by wcgreiner

Your bezel looks legit—Rolex's color splits can vary slightly between batches. The '06 Z-serial era had some quirks. If the fade and font look right (which they do in your pics), it's probably genuine.

But if you're paranoid, a quick check by a watchmaker with a loupe never hurts!

Thanks man! I also tried looking into the small details, like does the 22 follow the curvature of the insert and that seems to check out. I just got nervous when I saw the blue/red split...

[springer]

Have the movement checked - that's where I would start. Why are you questioning the authenticity of the watch?

For comparison, below is a 2006 GMT 16710 (Z serial number) which is from a complete set.

[av1atic]

Insert looks fine but this font is from the early 16700s/16760s era, or late 80s early 90s, IMO. A Z serial (you also have a stick dial which is a nice plus) should have a thinner font non-serif insert. Therefore, pretty sure the insert was replaced at some point.

[ViperB]

Unfortunately, it's aftermarket.

[lamkinpark]

It is an aftermarket bezel insert.

[sam88]

Originally Posted by springer

Have the movement checked - that's where I would start. Why are you questioning the authenticity of the watch?

For comparison, below is a 2006 GMT 16710 (Z serial number) which is from a complete set.

Thanks for the reply! My reason for questioning it is only based on the bezel insert. When zooming in closely it looks like the blue on my bezel ends just below the "8" in "18" and that the "6" contains a bit more blue than red.

When looking at pictures online it looks like for most of the bezels the division between blue and red looks a bit different. In those cases it looks like there is some red behind the bottom part of the "8" in "18" and that the "6" contains more red than blue (opposite to what I have).

I don't have any reason to distrust the seller but the bezel threw me off and had me wondering if this is an authentic pepsi bezel and if th differentiation in blue/red within tolerance/margin of error?

[sam88]

Originally Posted by av1atic

Insert looks fine but this font is from the early 16700s/16760s era, or late 80s early 90s, IMO. A Z serial (you also have a stick dial which is a nice plus) should have a thinner font non-serif insert. Therefore, pretty sure the insert was replaced at some point.

Thanks! I agree on that there should be a thin font there. But does this look like a fat font to you? Maybe it's just the angle of the picture? Here is one more pic.

[sam88]

Originally Posted by ViperB

Unfortunately, it's aftermarket.

What gives it away?

[sam88]

Originally Posted by lamkinpark

It is an aftermarket bezel insert.

What's the tell here? I've had other members in this forum tell me it looks good. Not questioning you here, just curious.

[TimeToGo]

.
I don't know why they are calling this insert aftermarket. Looks like a service replacement.

[springer]

A 2008 insert should look like the one in my photo.

[PRSWILL]

Those inserts can get pretty beat up over time- Pretty sure it's a service replacement. Not a big deal. Nice watch- don't worry about it- just wear it.

[av1atic]

As I mentioned previously, it is a genuine early example. Identical to what’s pictured here at Rolex CPO.