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Austin in Japan · 30 March 2019, 01:35 PM

Hi All,

I saw a GMT Master 2 the other day - an A serial - and it had the solid end-link bracelet. I know that many, if not most, A serials (dated 1999) have hollow end-links, and the P serials (dated 2000) have solid end-links. Is that odd that an A serial would have the newer solid end-link bracelet?

It would make since that some of the later A serials would have gotten the solid end-link bracelet, so I can't help but think my question is a bit pedantic. But I'm really curious to know what you guys think.

Thanks in advance!

Tools · 30 March 2019, 01:52 PM

Many A's and P's were being produced simultaneously and will be identical except for serials.

Rolex has never stopped producing one letter prefix before beginning another, there was always overlap in both directions over several years. They have also never used a serial prefix as a cut-off or beginning for any feature.

Austin in Japan · 30 March 2019, 01:57 PM

Thanks Larry!

That's interesting to know about the overlap.

Woody · 30 March 2019, 03:04 PM

I read several articles back in the day of buyers having the choice to purchase GMTs (A serials) with either hollow or sold end links. They were generally offered a discount if they opted for the older version........how times have changed. So you can regard the A serials as being produced during a transition period so really nothing to be concerned about. All the best.

Austin in Japan · 14 April 2019, 09:53 PM

Thanks Woody - interesting bit of history on the A serial. Take care.

Old Expat Beast · 14 April 2019, 10:02 PM

I had a later A serial (A9) 16710 with solid endlinks. Warranty paper was August 2000.

Thuilln · 15 April 2019, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I had a later A serial (A9) 16710 with solid endlinks. Warranty paper was August 2000.

Same here, SEL on A serial GMT sold in Mexico in July 2000.

Crown & Shield · 15 April 2019, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Many A's and P's were being produced simultaneously and will be identical except for serials.

Rolex has never stopped producing one letter prefix before beginning another, there was always overlap in both directions over several years. They have also never used a serial prefix as a cut-off or beginning for any feature.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

I read several articles back in the day of buyers having the choice to purchase GMTs (A serials) with either hollow or sold end links. They were generally offered a discount if they opted for the older version........how times have changed. So you can regard the A serials as being produced during a transition period so really nothing to be concerned about. All the best.

Great information here, thanks

donq · 15 April 2019, 02:21 AM

One of the reasons I bought my A series Sub Date was because of the hollow end links and lug holes.

The earlier bracelets hug the wrist better, and have more of a tool watch feel.

30 March 2019, 01:35 PM	#1
Austin in Japan "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Real Name: Austin Location: Tokyo, Japan Watch: Steel Professional Posts: 82	A serial GMT Master II Hi All, I saw a GMT Master 2 the other day - an A serial - and it had the solid end-link bracelet. I know that many, if not most, A serials (dated 1999) have hollow end-links, and the P serials (dated 2000) have solid end-links. Is that odd that an A serial would have the newer solid end-link bracelet? It would make since that some of the later A serials would have gotten the solid end-link bracelet, so I can't help but think my question is a bit pedantic. But I'm really curious to know what you guys think. Thanks in advance!

30 March 2019, 01:52 PM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	Many A's and P's were being produced simultaneously and will be identical except for serials. Rolex has never stopped producing one letter prefix before beginning another, there was always overlap in both directions over several years. They have also never used a serial prefix as a cut-off or beginning for any feature. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

14 April 2019, 10:02 PM	#6
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,795	I had a later A serial (A9) 16710 with solid endlinks. Warranty paper was August 2000. __________________ _______________________

30 March 2019, 01:57 PM	#3
Austin in Japan "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Real Name: Austin Location: Tokyo, Japan Watch: Steel Professional Posts: 82	Thanks Larry! That's interesting to know about the overlap.

30 March 2019, 03:04 PM	#4
Woody "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Africa Posts: 1,127	I read several articles back in the day of buyers having the choice to purchase GMTs (A serials) with either hollow or sold end links. They were generally offered a discount if they opted for the older version........how times have changed. So you can regard the A serials as being produced during a transition period so really nothing to be concerned about. All the best.

14 April 2019, 09:53 PM	#5
Austin in Japan "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Real Name: Austin Location: Tokyo, Japan Watch: Steel Professional Posts: 82	Thanks Woody - interesting bit of history on the A serial. Take care.

15 April 2019, 02:21 AM	#9
donq "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas tx Watch: 16610,1675,16030 Posts: 1,136	One of the reasons I bought my A series Sub Date was because of the hollow end links and lug holes. The earlier bracelets hug the wrist better, and have more of a tool watch feel.

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