16710 Question regarding bezel inserts

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Spectre38

I have seen several 16710 GMTs being offered with multiple bezel inserts. I haven't been able to find out whether or not these watches were sold originally with multiple inserts, or if they were added to the watch group somewhere along the way?
In addition, if they were sold as a package originally... is there something in the model number that denotes the multiple inserts?

Sorry for my ignorance, but one has to ask to learn.

In some countries they did note if it was a blro. But really for the most part the bezel color was not included in papers.

[B.F. Pigeon]

I recently bought a P-series 16710 B+P with Pepsi insert. I bought it from a trader in Bangkok. The paperwork holds no indication of the insert colour. I checked with my AD in Europe but he could not check with what bezel it originally came.

When I subsequently brought it to RSC Bangkok for service, they immediately informed me that the watch was originally sold as a Coke and that they would exchange the insert accordingly. I managed to quickly source a Coke insert so that I would not lose the Pepsi and had the watch serviced without any further problems.

However, as I now have two-out-of-three, I would like the black insert as well and am currently scouring the internet to get one. Vide the above, is my understanding correct that I could possibly "just" buy one from my local RSC?

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Amochosto

What technique do you guys use to press in the insert without damage to the bezel, insert and your fingers?

Rubber handled pliers, or rather rubberized tips of the handles. Should generate enough pressure to snap the remaining part of the insert in. Impossible with thumbs. I've been there.

[Loevhagen]

Originally Posted by Amochosto

I guess I could ask this here, I have a 16710 with a Coke and Pepsi bezel insert, the Pepsi insert is impossible to press into the bezel, it was purchased from RSC so it is real. What technique do you guys use to press in the insert without damage to the bezel, insert and your fingers?

Bonus pic;

A table, a cloth and two hands. Just like shown here by Jocke: http://www.watchwallpapers.com/bezel.html

Sometimes it dosen´t works and it´s a pain to get the last
part in place. Then I use to put a cloth at the edge of
the table and that will help you a lot. With that trick
you can´t go wrong.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Etschell

In some countries they did note if it was a blro. But really for the most part the bezel color was not included in papers.

Thats correct it was mainly the USA as its a separate company from Rolex SA rest of the world.And in the real world when the 16710 was launched way back in 1988/9 the inserts were meant to be DIY easily changed average cost back then was around £20-£25 per insert.Its quite recently that anything regarding insert colour on insert was indicated on any of paperwork.Again in the real world as long as the insert is genuine Rolex makes no difference to value of the watch, only to those influenced by the internet hype.People often pay silly money for inserts on the net when in the real world cost around now $75 or less direct from Rolex.

[Greg.A]

With the wrong insert on the watch, you might have an issue with RSC, better to check prior purchase

[B.F. Pigeon]

Originally Posted by B.F. Pigeon

I recently bought a P-series 16710 B+P with Pepsi insert. I bought it from a trader in Bangkok. The paperwork holds no indication of the insert colour. I checked with my AD in Europe but he could not check with what bezel it originally came.

When I subsequently brought it to RSC Bangkok for service, they immediately informed me that the watch was originally sold as a Coke and that they would exchange the insert accordingly. I managed to quickly source a Coke insert so that I would not lose the Pepsi and had the watch serviced without any further problems.

However, as I now have two-out-of-three, I would like the black insert as well and am currently scouring the internet to get one. Vide the above, is my understanding correct that I could possibly "just" buy one from my local RSC?

Yesterday I contacted my local RSC to inquire about purchasing the black insert; got a hard "no" in return. Apparently they do not sell parts separately (anymore).

Guess I have to go in the open market to get one.

[ras47]

There was probably a time, back when Rolex was more free with parts, when you could special order additional inserts with a new GMT. But it was never offered as a package from Rolex. It this happened at all it must have been 15+ years ago I'd guess.

[dcvh007]

New 16710 owner here... UK based... Just want to clarify my best course of action in getting a genuine Pepsi bezel. Have been around the houses somewhat. Spoke to Rolex Service Centre, they pointed me in the direction of an AD. The AD then said they wouldn't do it as they couldn't change it from the colour it was 'born'!

Could I purchase Pepsi bezel insert direct from Rolex and have them send it out to me?

Confused!

Cheers

[DGB]

In UK the AD needs to see the watch to make sure you own it and they sell the correct insert, then you can buy all three inserts if you want.
They won’t sell you insert if you don’t have a the proper watch to fit the insert.
As you have 2 kinds of inserts for the GMT.


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[ADR1982]

Remove the insert, give it to them without the papers. The Ad wont know what it was born with and are unlikely to go to the lengths to find out

[CPRWATCH]

Oh for the good old days when your local AD carried spares & would happily sell you whichever insert you wanted & fit it usually for free . And if you wanted a new oyster or jubilee bracelet it would be supplied & sized while you waited ,

[dcvh007]

[QUOTE=DGB;10731253]In UK the AD needs to see the watch to make sure you own it and they sell the correct insert, then you can buy all three inserts if you want.
They won’t sell you insert if you don’t have a the proper watch to fit the insert.
As you have 2 kinds of inserts for the GMT.


Interesting. Had so many different stories, and ADs seem to make it up as they go along. Goldsmiths said they would send off to Rolex, and Rolex would not do a bezel swap if requested. They even said that if it turned up with a non-original bezel, it would get put back to how it was originally sold!

[zen123]

I'm in UK. Last year I took my 16710 with black bezel directly to RSC in Kings Hill for them to swap for a Pepsi. They informed me at the time that my watch was born a Coke.

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[GMTSean]

I called the St James Square RSC last week and enquired if it were possible to have my black bezel changed for a Pepsi. The very helpful young lady I spoke to said that would be no problem. She also advised that the RSC is due to reopen in September as they had been due to reopen in June but the lockdown has put them about 3 months behind.

[Off Script]

I now have all three after managing to source a black and a Pepsi. I like Coke the best so rarely change it out and if I do it's usually for black. I'm hoping to source two bezel rings so I no longer have to swap inserts, just the whole assembly. I also fitted a Super Jubilee bracelet - 63600. I love this watch.

[ADR1982]

Originally Posted by Off Script

I now have all three after managing to source a black and a Pepsi. I like Coke the best so rarely change it out and if I do it's usually for black. I'm hoping to source two bezel rings so I no longer have to swap inserts, just the whole assembly. I also fitted a Super Jubilee bracelet - 63600. I love this watch.

Ditto. I have the same insert preference. Need to get a jubilee bracelet

[B.F. Pigeon]

Originally Posted by GMTSean

I called the St James Square RSC last week and enquired if it were possible to have my black bezel changed for a Pepsi. The very helpful young lady I spoke to said that would be no problem. She also advised that the RSC is due to reopen in September as they had been due to reopen in June but the lockdown has put them about 3 months behind.

I find this quite surprising. My AD as well as the Bangkok RSC, where I had the watch serviced, told me it was impossible to get the bezel insert separately, let alone an insert that was not original to the watch.

Please do let us know your further experience.

[dricig]

I have a 16710 with all 3 bezel inserts and both bracelets.
I find the Coke with the Jubilee to be the best looking combo.
I got the 2 extra inserts from a jeweler who lost his Rolex account and
had the parts available.

[GMTSean]

Originally Posted by B.F. Pigeon

I find this quite surprising. My AD as well as the Bangkok RSC, where I had the watch serviced, told me it was impossible to get the bezel insert separately, let alone an insert that was not original to the watch.

Please do let us know your further experience.

I guess it depends on each particular country or RSC. I've also heard about differing experiences that owners have had from country to country, which was the main reason I phoned them first.

I will certainly update you once I've visited the London RSC when they reopen again

[GMTSean]

Originally Posted by GMTSean

I guess it depends on each particular country or RSC. I've also heard about differing experiences that owners have had from country to country, which was the main reason I phoned them first.

I will certainly update you once I've visited the London RSC when they reopen again

As the St James Square RSC still hasn't opened and at present there is no indication of when it will, my closest AD advised me of a Rolex Accredited repairer close to my home who has a Rolex account for spares and can switch the bezel insert for me (the AD has recently moved premises and so haven't got their workshop up and running yet, otherwise they would have done it for me). Anyway, a quick call to them and they conformed they had a Pepsi bezel in stock, a quick visit to the shop and 15 mins later my black bezel insert was swapped for a Pepsi

[Xelor21]

Hi,

Fyi, just came back from my AD to order a pepsi insert for my 16710.

The head clocksmith told me that this reference didn’t originally came with pepsi but that they could order a pepsi insert made for the 16700 and mount it on my 16710 (rare case where Rolex accepts such a cross reference « operation »).

I was very surprised but they showed me the rolex software for ordering spare parts and indeed only coke and all black was indeed available for the 16710.

Called another AD right after and got the same answer.

Anyhow, pepsi bezel ordered.

[jaychief]

Be careful to get a orginal insert I fell foul of getting a copy one !!!


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[jaychief]

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[Swearengen]

I've never heard of the 16710 being sold as a bundle but alot of us collect the extra inserts and the the other bracelet

[MrMercedes]

Originally Posted by HankScorpio

Never sold with multiple inserts. I believe the original paperwork (at least in the us) did denote which insert was on the watch at purchase.

[Recaro18]

Same watch with my 5 different inserts




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[WS9D]

started typing a reply and realized this is an old thread that was resurrected. Anyhow, I bought mine with a LN insert. I added both coke and pepsi inserts (and two extra bezel rings) to my collection via Rolex so I have all three. If I ever sell it, i'll sell as a package of multiple inserts.