Didn't pull the Trigger on a GMT II Pepsi

[speedmaster73]

im still convinced that IF Rolex releases a Coke SS GMT that someone somewhere at sometime will source a ceramic pepsi bezel and swap out...

still 100% Rolex

[lecorsaire]

There is a big difference between the new bracelets and clasps compared to the previous generations. The GMT in particular with the ceramic bezel really makes it a whole new watch compared to the Submariner and Daytona imo. Try a 116710LN and it will definitely meet your expectations.

[AK797]

Sounds like the 6 digits will be more to your taste. I like the 6 digits for their feel and innovations, and I like the 4 digits for their charm and grace. 5 digits are my No Man's Land.

[explorer42]

Originally Posted by AK797

Sounds like the 6 digits will be more to your taste. I like the 6 digits for their feel and innovations, and I like the 4 digits for their charm and grace. 5 digits are my No Man's Land.

Really?

[HoustonRoo]

Get the Sea Dweller 4k. It sounds like your tastes are somewhat similar to mine. The Sea Dweller has a wonderful feel and it's not as common as a Sub. It's my favorite watch.

[Qwerty01]

Simply go get the Batman! You can't go wrong! ;)

[JParm]

When I first bought my 16710 in 2010 (pre-owned off of a forum, after never actually handling one), I was surprised at how light and unsubstantial it felt. 7 years and numerous watches later, it's still my favorite.

I just purchased an 116610LV and while it is very robust and absolutely beautiful, it is no match when compared against the comfort of the 16710.

Obviously to each their own, but I believe that you have to give the 5-digit references a chance before quickly discounting them as overpriced and not worth the money. It's amazing how these watches feel after a few weeks on the wrist.

[RastabanStar]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Yeah, the 16710 links are solid steel formed to shape in a press, while the 116710 links are machined by drilling straight through them. Both are going to last a long, long time.

Somehow, we've gotten to the point where more weight is equated with quality. You should see how "high quality" my best friend's Invicta is!

Weight is associated with value, which is one reason people like PM watches. It's a cool feeling when something weighs more than you think it will and it can be disappointing when it weighs less than you thought it would.

That said, the older models are more comfortable, have a less bulky clasp, and are PLENTY durable for most people needs. The best improvement made from the old to new watches is the Bezel Clicks. I love spinning those new Sub Bezels.

My Apple Watch wearing friend had a similar reaction when he saw my 16710... I thought it would be nicer. I didn't take offense because I know where he's coming from. The new Rolexs make a great first impression, while the older ones look cooler in photos. It's a personal preference at the end of the day, but I'm not surprised to see the prices of 16710s rising up to new prices. It's a toss up to say which is a BETTER watch.

[Bigblack]

nothing beats the feel of PM on your wrist if you want substantial

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

I know what the OP means. My Pepsi sits in the safe more days than not because of it. After getting the DSSD Blue, it really sits there. Even my Tudor NF sits as it doesn't have that heft factor. I have been debating on selling the Pepsi but I love the color scheme. What to do... I've thought about brushing my 116710 bracelet and putting it on the Pepsi to see if it changes things for me.

A 6 digit bracelet fits on a 5 digit case?

[GMT Aviator]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

A 6 digit bracelet fits on a 5 digit case?

No. I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

[Loevhagen]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

No. I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

I'm sure it does - because I tried it.



116710BLNR bracelet on a 16710 Coke:

[SeaDweller50]

That looks awesome.

[No SUBctitute]

And, there it is Ladies and Gentlemen, the new SS Coke---and well before Basel.

Why didn't I think to do this like 5 years ago when 5 digit GMTs were more reasonably priced?

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

No. I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

Stays physically attached, yes. Fits well, not in my opinion. I love the look of Bjoern's pictures and his stunning photography does give it that WOW factor but in the end the end links (in the last picture which is what I would see when wearing it) would bother me and I don't think you can attach the original end links to a modern bracelet. If you could do that it would be perfect.

Now a modern clasp would fit on the older bracelet well and fix the issue for those that don't like the can opener clasp but won't fix the heft of the bracelet issue.

But I still prefer the 5 digit, warts and all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[strafer_kid]

No doubt that the newer 6 digit sports feel a bit more sturdy on the wrist than the early 5 digit, and the newer bracelet is an advance from a technical standpoint. That said, the 5 digit models remain great watches and the 16710 is right up there. Great design, construction and versatility........hard to go past it!

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It's like comparing a vintage car to a new one. You either get it or you don't. No worries, there are plenty of new models out there to pick from.

Agreed!

[The Libertine]

That is why it is always best to see in person, and try it on, as opposed to only judging by pictures and forum opinion.

Good luck in finding a model that suits you.

[MCO1]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Not "Pepsi", but this delicate watch has managed to stay in tact during the last 15 years. I bought it new, full retail price, $3,800.

It's been a regular "wear to work" watch for me and I've been in law enforcement for all that time and more.

It's comfortable, plenty substantial to my eye and unfailingly reliable.

I've been wearing it a lot lately. It's my first Rolex...and I've since owned models as light as the 36mm Oyster Perpetual and as heavy as the Sea-Dweller 4000 Ceramic.

The GMT fits nicely in between. That's what makes it so versatile.

However, that's my experience and my taste.

By all means get what you like...but be aware this is all subjective and our eye tends to adjust to what's most current as being "correct". For example, we tend to see older model cars as "dated" but those cars didn't seem so when they were new. It's easy now, for instance, to spot the common design characteristics of a car from the 1970s, 80s, even 90s. It's harder with what's current, for that's all around us and our eye accepts that as normal.

As humans, our eyes/brains instantly fix on what's different in a crowd. Look at a group photo. Your eye goes to that person that stands out, for whatever reason. They were different in some way.

So, a 1980s car, which would look unremarkable when new, lost in a sea of similar cars, stands out now as different because it's now in a sea filled with current cars.

Same with watches. Sport watches are commonplace and tend to be large. Women wear full size (formerly "man sized") watches, so men's watches are often larger still.

Some are drawn to things from the past, some prefer the latest. Some like both. I fall into that category. The new GMT is very appealing to me, but while it has a somewhat more massive presence, a heavier feel, it has just a shade less grace. Light and trim doesn't mean weak.

Anyway, it's all relative. The GMT and Submariners, when first introduced, must have seemed quite massive compared to the slim 34mm watches on leather straps that men typically wore.

Hope you find the watch list that thrills you, that you will want to keep and will stick up for in 15 years when the latest is different, as surely it will be!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well said! Time lends a different perspective on things. I purchased my GMT2 new the end of 1992 for 3k. I wore it hard as the "only" for at least 15 years. I remember in those days it was considered a ridiculously large and heavy watch. I still prefer the old oyster bracelet to the new one on my 39mm Explorer.

[sirish19]

I bought my 16710 in 2002 brand new for around $3,500 to celebrate the birth of my son. I wore it every day for years and it was solid as a rock, went 12 years before I finally got around servicing it for the first time (and I only did that because I figured it was time).

I started adding other more modern watches to my collection and when I added the 44 mm Panerai, the GMT II did feel a lot lighter and more flimsy and it didn't get much wrist time. But I kept it in the collection because it was a birth-year watch for my son and I figured I would eventually give it to him.

Then I started upgrading my collection with thinner watches such as the VC Patrimony, Patek Annual Calendar and the AP 15202ST (ultra-thin) and I gained an appreciation for the lighter watches and felt that big and heavy was not necessarily the same as quality. I sold the Panerai and went back to the 16710 as my weekend beater. I have also since added a vintage Speedmaster Professional so also like to see a little vintage in the collection as well.

I am now in the market for a diver and will most likely go with the modern no-date Sub or SD4000 for diving and other activities due to the technological advancements but I have no doubt that 16710 will still get wrist time. I am planning to swap out the all-black bezel to the Pepsi to give it more of that vintage feel and differentiate from the diver.

For me, the 16710 has sentimental value as I bought it new and for about 1/2 the price that they are selling for now. I am glad to see the prices going up and I think this watch will have a collector's appeal like the vintage Submariners.

To the OP, I would definitely try the newer 6-digit references as I am sure they'll meet your needs.

[DJRikki]

I had a 1999 GMT Master for a week and returned it, got the 2012 GMT II c and love it ... Defo give that a go

[Boaters]

Problem solved put a glidelock on it

[mtgjr]

Cool. I stopped by the local AD in the mall today. I didn't buy anything either.

[cjohns]

This is always going to be a Hatfield & McCoys argument what people love about the 5 digits the are the same things the people who wear 6 digits dislike . I've had my 16710 for over 20+ years and it still looks as current as it did when I first got it. But yes I to gave into the bigger is cooler deal with a mint 114060 I had even tried it on several times before I pulled the trigger and when I pulled it out of the FedEx box and slapped it on I knew just about immediately that I made a mistake. Big heavy and that god awful giant slab of SS they call a clasp should just call it a scratch magnet( kept it just long enough to put a nice digger in one of the chamfers ,flipped it and lost my a**).Good luck in your quest but for an old guy like me I like to wear a watch not have the watch wear me.But since we all love watches it's all good !!