GMT 16753 Nipple Dial Questions

[mr. mike]

Hi,
I just took delivery of a nice GMT model 16753 dated to 1980. It's the 14k and stainless type with a jubilee bracelet. The watch for most part is quite nice with the exception of a minor circular scuff on the dial. It appears to have been caused by the hour hand. It's light, but you can see it. It didn't effect the Rolex gilt print, and I was wondering if that is something a good watchmaker might be able to buff out? The thing that bothers me the most, is the bezel. It appears very tight and difficult to rotate in either direction. Any suggestions? Now on to the bracelet. The 14k and stainless jubilee is very nice, maybe a bit too nice. The links haven't suffered a great deal of stretch and it made me a bit suspicious. The buckle appears correct, as do the 450 j marked end pieces. However, the number 50 which normally appears on the GMT end links doesn't exist. I guess some early bands may not have had the number 50 or the owner may have changed bands at some point. I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Mike

[waspy1]

I can't imagine there is anything you can do to the dial which won't make it worse. I'd leave it. If it really bothers you, look out for a dial for sale but it may take a whole and not be cheap for a perfect condition one. Bezel should be easy to pop off and clean up. Do a search for bezel removal. Check that you have the spring washer in place, prob just needs a clean. I think the bracelet looks ok but I'll have to compare it with my own one tomorrow to be sure.

[greekbum]

Mike the 50 was on all GMT bands that I have seen. Take the band off and see if it has the fat sport model spring bars. If it does most likely your ok if not try putting a set in if they dont fit the band is not for a GMT and for a Datejust.The swirls are from a previous watchmaker putting the hands down to much and they rubbed the dial.If they are not too deep I have seen some able to polish them by hand very carefully with polish in the past. Dials for this model are not that expensive so if it bothers you a new dial might be your best option.

[Warnsboy]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Mike the 50 was on all GMT bands that I have seen. Take the band off and see if it has the fat sport model spring bars. If it does most likely your ok if not try putting a set in if they dont fit the band is not for a GMT and for a Datejust.The swirls are from a previous watchmaker putting the hands down to much and they rubbed the dial.If they are not too deep I have seen some able to polish them by hand very carefully with polish in the past. Dials for this model are not that expensive so if it bothers you a new dial might be your best option.

Spot on Nick!! Nice to see another "16753 only" case. My 16753 has a Datejust Jubilee and I use Datejust springpins that work fine for occasional wear. The GMT marked "50" Jubilees are hard to find, although your local AD can get them for a hefty price.

[drockadam]

What beautiful 16753! I really love the nipple dial TT GMT's. It's younger brother (16713) says hello!

[mr. mike]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Mike the 50 was on all GMT bands that I have seen. Take the band off and see if it has the fat sport model spring bars. If it does most likely your ok if not try putting a set in if they dont fit the band is not for a GMT and for a Datejust.The swirls are from a previous watchmaker putting the hands down to much and they rubbed the dial.If they are not too deep I have seen some able to polish them by hand very carefully with polish in the past. Dials for this model are not that expensive so if it bothers you a new dial might be your best option.

Hi,
Yes the spring bars are correct as are the end pieces (450 j), but you are correct, it appears the bracelet is from possibly a Datejust model. I had the gold tested, and it is 14k. It still could be an aftermarket replacement, not sure. I have an authentic Rolex 18k jubilee, and it feels a bit different. The links feel a bit heavier. Could also be my imagination at this point. The 14k band fits well, has limited stretch and looks fine. I guess I'm being a bit anal. My watchmaker indicated that the dial could be polished. The hour hand hadn't dug into the surface. It's just a light scuff. He was able to loosen the bezel as well. Now if it just keeps time, we'll be in business. Thank you for your response.
Mike

[ncstate1201]

Originally Posted by mr. mike

Hi,
Yes the spring bars are correct as are the end pieces (450 j), but you are correct, it appears the bracelet is from possibly a Datejust model. I had the gold tested, and it is 14k. It still could be an aftermarket replacement, not sure. I have an authentic Rolex 18k jubilee, and it feels a bit different. The links feel a bit heavier. Could also be my imagination at this point. The 14k band fits well, has limited stretch and looks fine. I guess I'm being a bit anal. My watchmaker indicated that the dial could be polished. The hour hand hadn't dug into the surface. It's just a light scuff. He was able to loosen the bezel as well. Now if it just keeps time, we'll be in business. Thank you for your response.
Mike

I completely understand being anal, when it comes to a Rolex, if you didn't want something nice you would have just bought a fossil.

[JustinK]

I have a 1980 16753 and my band has the 50 on the end links and a clasp code of G9. I could not read the clasp code on yours but its also possible the previous owner kept the original clasp and swapped out the bracelet. Look at your clasp to see if it shows signs of repair. Regardless its an awesome watch and one of my favorites.

[mr. mike]

Originally Posted by JustinK

I have a 1980 16753 and my band has the 50 on the end links and a clasp code of G9. I could not read the clasp code on yours but its also possible the previous owner kept the original clasp and swapped out the bracelet. Look at your clasp to see if it shows signs of repair. Regardless its an awesome watch and one of my favorites.

Hi,
Thank you for your response, my buckle is marked G1. I'm positive my band has been changed. I also have an authentic Rolex 18k jubilee with 455 b marked end pieces that someone might be interested in trading me for. Your watch is a beauty.
Mike

[SennaFan]

Very nice, I really miss mine...it had a correct date original band and everything