Please help me choose a GMT Pepsi, facts and opinions welcome!

[ArcticMoose]

I've been ruminating on a GMT Pepsi purchase since the last time I scratched the itch about a year ago. I've sold some stuff, and have a small budget to start the hunt with.

I wish I had had a little more information prior to some of my previous watch purchases. For example, I had no idea that the red dial paint style had changed for recent versions of the Pt/SS YM before I bought one, and I should have compared the various shades of LV green.

So, this time, I want to know everything there is to know about the Pepsi.

I have searched for answers to specific questions on the forum and read as much as I can at sources such as the GMT Master History:
http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/

So far I am thinking that I want a matt-dial large-GMT-hand 1675 Pepsi with an Oyster bracelet, for the following reasons:

• The only absolutely non-negotiable paramater is a red/blue Pepsi bezel.
  
• I'd prefer a nicely faded bezel.
  
• I'd prefer something either built or purchased in 1977, but not expecting to be able to find one with a documented history considering my budget constraints. As far as I can tell a 5000000-5400000 serial would put it at about the right year.
  
• I don't care for the faux link clasp style of the 78790 Oyster bracelet, but it seems the 78360 was also sold with the 16700/16710, so bracelet doesn't have to influence reference choice, only the specific individual.
  
• I don't (yet) have a preference regarding choice of 3075/3085 or 3175/3185 movement, but I do prefer the cleaner dial of the GMT over the GMT II. (I realize that this is a moot point if I end up going with a 1675, but newer GMT references have not been ruled out.)
  
• My budget is about US$3600, depending on the exchange rate on the day.

I've borrowed the following photos from FS posts, I hope the sellers don't mind.

Ideally, I'd like a gorgeous dial along the lines of this, however I'm assuming that that is an unrealistic expectation considering my budget:



The more affordable options tend to look either like this:



Or like this:



Choosing between those two I tend to prefer the water-damaged look, but could probably be easily swayed.

Please help me out now, what have I not taken into account? Is there a good reason to look at 16750/16760/16700/16710 in addition to the 1675? What should I pay more for? What should I pay less for? Are there additional dial, hand, case, etc variations that I should know about? What configuration do you prefer? Do you have pictures of your Pepsi to share? All facts, opinions and discussion welcome!

[MP5]

You are on the right one- 1675

[ArcticMoose]

Forgot one question, how easily does the acrylic crystal scratch, and how difficult is it to buff out? I'm pretty hard on my watches, so I can see this as cause for concern, and a good reason to go with a newer reference.

[Puffy]

Gilt looks unreal but not sure if the lust would disappear after a while...

THe water damaged one is sweet too!

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Forgot one question, how easily does the acrylic crystal scratch, and how difficult is it to buff out? I'm pretty hard on my watches, so I can see this as cause for concern, and a good reason to go with a newer reference.

i've made a mess of acryllic crystals in the past so these days i only wear my acryllic-crystal watches around the house or if i'm going somewhere low risk like the cinema, supermarket etc.

they do scratch pretty easily but it's something that can be buffed out

my 16710 has taken some awful hits on the crystal and always comes out on top

[mike]

Condition is always going to dicate price, but it's doable in your price range. I would look at the 16750 given the tenor of your post and the desire? to have the vintage look.

Reasoning: You will have a true quickset date and a modern fast beat movement. Service by the mothership is not a factor. Combined with the acryllic crystal you would have the best of both worlds.

An added consideration is the matt dial version is a popular watch, but with the addition of the latter gloss/WG surround varient (if you want) you can have the versatility of a measure of luminosity.

Of the two 1675s you posted the gilt/inclosed minute ring is a bit outside your price range and the other,....well to me the dial is shot. My consern would be paint and tritium falling into the movement, and,...well there's a difference between a vintage dial and one that's...shot.

If the price is right though might be a cantidate for a luminova survice replacement dial.--Matt with SL indices.

[Casey VP-26]

Yes, 16750 w/quickset, real handy. Good Luck. I also believe the 16750 only came as a Pepsi.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Puffy

i've made a mess of acryllic crystals in the past so these days i only wear my acryllic-crystal watches around the house or if i'm going somewhere low risk like the cinema, supermarket etc.

That is going to be an issue for me, since I intend to replace my daily work watch (Explorer II) with this one.

Does Rolex still sell replacement crystals? Do they perhaps even have a sapphire crystal replacement? (I know, sacrilege, but sometimes function does need to go before form.)

Originally Posted by mike

Condition is always going to dicate price, but it's doable in your price range. I would look at the 16750 given the tenor of your post and the desire? to have the vintage look.

Yeah, the 16750 with Oyster 78360 bracelet is looking better and better, and prices appear to be lower than for the 1675. Too bad it was made about four years too late, but perhaps that is a small price to pay.

Originally Posted by mike

well to me the dial is shot. My consern would be paint and tritium falling into the movement

I've wondered about this as well, and that was my first thought when I first saw it. I keep coming back to the picture though, it is strangely intriguing.

[ArcticMoose]

Come on guys, instead of complaining about "is it safe" threads and comparisons between Rolex and other brands, here's your chance to discuss heritage, the subtle but important differences between models and one movement's merit over another!

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Does Rolex still sell replacement crystals? Do they perhaps even have a sapphire crystal replacement? (I know, sacrilege, but sometimes function does need to go before form.)

yep they do but the new replacement plexi crystals do not have the vintage look and feel!

what's the point in having a vintage watch without the cool and charming crystal. after all that's what makes up the vintageness of it

when i had my 16753 serviced i just had the crystal polished as i don't like the look of the new service crystals. they're too harsh and modern to look at

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Puffy

yep they do but the new replacement plexi crystals do not have the vintage look and feel!

Because they are different, or simply because they are new?

Got to have a look at a an acrylic crystal on Friday, seemed a lot more resilient than I was expecting.

[Lion]

Good luck in your quest in finding the right Pepsi...for you. Let us know what you find and how much you had to pay...I would be interested!!!

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by Puffy

THe water damaged one is sweet too!

Shows my ignorance, I'm admitting it so no flaming!, They all look HORRIBLE to me...
Especially the last one...my stomach would turn sour every time I checked the time.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Shows my ignorance, I'm admitting it so no flaming!, They all look HORRIBLE to me...
Especially the last one...my stomach would turn sour every time I checked the time.

Guess I should have posted this in the vintage section.

[MJK737]

I've got a complete NOS 16750 (save the movement) that I use as my everyday watch. I've done just about every activity in the "is it safe to" threads without any problems (I have not been diving with it as I no longer live by the coast but I would not hesitate to). I like the plexi crystal as it is more shatter resistant than sapphire, for scratches I buff using a little dab of toothpaste and the corner of a t shirt. It works like a charm. This is by far the most comfortable watch I have ever worn. Good luck on your quest.


MJK

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Condition is always going to dicate price, but it's doable in your price range. I would look at the 16750 given the tenor of your post and the desire? to have the vintage look.

Reasoning: You will have a true quickset date and a modern fast beat movement. Service by the mothership is not a factor. Combined with the acryllic crystal you would have the best of both worlds.

An added consideration is the matt dial version is a popular watch, but with the addition of the latter gloss/WG surround varient (if you want) you can have the versatility of a measure of luminosity.

Of the two 1675s you posted the gilt/inclosed minute ring is a bit outside your price range and the other,....well to me the dial is shot. My consern would be paint and tritium falling into the movement, and,...well there's a difference between a vintage dial and one that's...shot.

If the price is right though might be a cantidate for a luminova survice replacement dial.--Matt with SL indices.

X2 - well said Mike aka GMT King

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by MJK737

I've got a complete NOS 16750 (save the movement) that I use as my everyday watch. I've done just about every activity in the "is it safe to" threads without any problems (I have not been diving with it as I no longer live by the coast but I would not hesitate to). I like the plexi crystal as it is more shatter resistant than sapphire, for scratches I buff using a little dab of toothpaste and the corner of a t shirt. It works like a charm. This is by far the most comfortable watch I have ever worn. Good luck on your quest.

Thanks! The acrylic crystal really is sounding better and better.

Your 16750 is absolutely gorgeous too!

[93 Turbo]

Hey AM, I know you have stated your budget. I just think you should contemplate spending a little more say just under $4.5K and get 16570 that will not require a service. I think any GMT around the $3.5K mark will need servicing sooner than later. Sure you can get away without it, but personally I would have this done for piece of mind.

RSC servicing in Aus is not cheap compared to a US RSC, add a minimum of $800+Aus for service here. I'll PM you.

Cheers Jules

[93 Turbo]

Hey AM, I know you have stated your budget. I just think you should contemplate spending a little more say just under $4.5K and get 16570 that will not require a service. I think any GMT around the $3.5K mark will need servicing sooner than later. Sure you can get away without it, but personally I would have this done for piece of mind.

RSC servicing in Aus is not cheap compared to a US RSC, add a minimum of $800+Aus for service here. I'll PM you.

Cheers Jules

Mods please delete double post. Cheers

[Puffy]

i've got an all original 16750 incoming, i'll post pics when in hand to wet your appetite...

guess that ref is the best of both worlds with plexi, fast beat and rapid date change

[moviefreak]

Well here you have my GMT 1675 Pepsi and from 1977.. Beautiful slightlly faded insert...What a coincidence...
Cheers,
Eduardo

[slcbbrown]

My first Rolex was a rootbeer bought new in about 1973. I can't address the really fine points of your target watch, but I can say that there is nothing wrong with acrylic crystal Rolex. I soldiered with mine, then worked in plant settings, and worked around strong chemicals for many of the last 37 years without giving my watch a second thought. I like sapphire crystals but my favorite Rolex include that GMT-rootbeer, a 50's TOG, and a gold 60's DJ.

I usually consider two things pretty important when looking at older Rolex-- sapphire crystals and quickset. If you can get quickset, it's a nice upgrade but not a big deal for a daily wearer.

[Relox]

the transitional 16750 gives you the "old" look with matt and gilt dial, but also with a newer 3075 "ticker" :)

Heres mine !

[azguy]

I would look for a Fat Lady and get the saphire crystal if you were your watches hard

http://www.gmtmasterhistory.com/gmt-...ref_16760.html

[swish77]

I was on a similar quest and it took me about a year to find the right GMT. To get a nice, original mid-70s 1675 (strong lugs, clean dial, matching tritium, mechanically sound, etc ...) you'll need to add at least $1K to your budget, more if you want boxes/papers, less without the bracelet. (They do look great on NATOs.) Try to make sure it has the original silver date wheel. Faded bezel inserts can be had later on if needed for another $250-$300. Acrylic crystals are super easy to keep scratch free (get Polywatch polish). Here's my 5.1 mil serial number. Good luck!

[lhanddds]

If you're looking for vintage, you'll need a 1675 or 16750. I love my 1675 and I bought it and sourced the faded bezel later. You might find a watch head in your price range but it will be hard to include the bracelet. You simply cannot get the warmth from a sapphire crystal. You need a plexi. Mine is from the late 70s and I have a nice bracelet but I love it on a Nato or Zulu. Add patina to the plots and you have a killer watch IMO.

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by 93 Turbo

I think any GMT around the $3.5K mark will need servicing sooner than later.

Yeah, I have factored this in, and actually I would rather have a cheaper one that needs service. This will allow me to get it serviced when I have the budget for it, I can talk to the watchmaker, perhaps get some photos while it is being worked on and have my name on the papers. I'd like to get the case back engraved while it is off, too.

Also, I travel a lot, so the price of servicing in Australia is of no concern.

Originally Posted by Puffy

i've got an all original 16750 incoming, i'll post pics when in hand to wet your appetite...

Please do!

Originally Posted by Puffy

guess that ref is the best of both worlds with plexi, fast beat and rapid date change

I haven't actually ever seen a 19600 bph watch in action.

Speaking of which, a 5.3 serial 1675 would have a 1575 movement with hacking, correct?

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Well here you have my GMT 1675 Pepsi and from 1977.. Beautiful slightlly faded insert...What a coincidence...

Eduardo, that is absolutely fantastic! I am after one with a bit more patina both because I like the look and they are a more affordable, but these photos have me changing my mind.

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

I soldiered with mine, then worked in plant settings, and worked around strong chemicals for many of the last 37 years without giving my watch a second thought.

Another vote of confidence, great to hear!

Originally Posted by Relox

Heres mine !

Very nice! It is clear that I with time will be requiring more than one GMT Pepsi.

Originally Posted by swish77

Try to make sure it has the original silver date wheel.

Judging by your user name and chosen serial number, I'd say we have a few things in common! Another beautiful 1675.

Speaking of date wheels, I've found information about the switch from silver to white, but nothing conclusive about the font. Were there silver date wheels with closed sixes and nines? If so, which year did this transition happen? What about the flat threes? Was this change introduced independently?

Originally Posted by lhanddds

Mine is from the late 70s and I have a nice bracelet but I love it on a Nato or Zulu.

Excellent, thanks for the photo!

[ArcticMoose]

So, thanks to all of you, and Jacek in particular, I now have a birth-year GMT 1675.

[Paladin]

COMGRATS! Great looking 1675!

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Paladin

COMGRATS! Great looking 1675!

Thanks! Very happy with it so far!

There are some more photos, and additional questions, over here:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=219908