Help! First time Rolex Buyer- GMT Master Questions - 16710 & 116710

[TotalReturn]

Ladies and Gents-

This is my first ever post here on TRF... I have been a great admirer of you all from a distance - both info and pics that have been posted- and have finally decided to join and jump in the fray and ask a few questions.

After spending a good portion of the last 10 years wanting a Rolex, my wife surprised me last week by offering to purchase one for me for my 30th birthday coming up in two weeks. Although I love my current Breitling- I am more than thrilled to finally get a Rolex.

As for which watch I have settled on- I need help. My father has a SS Sub 16800 that will one day be mine- he has worn it every day for 30 years- which I truly love and wouldn't want to preempt with a Sub of my own. With that being said- I have my eyes on the GMT Master II 16710 black face and bezel. I love the classic design coupled with the functionality the second (and third) timezone bring.

Here are the questions... In your own and expert opinions what do you prefer in the following:

Black, Pepsi or Coke?
Lug Holes or No Lug Holes?
AD or Pawn Shop?
SEL or No SELs?
Age/Vintage Maximum?
Previously Polished/Unpolished?
RSC Serviced/ Independent?
Should I just bypass the hassle of options and get the SS 116710?- btw I am having a tough time with the bracelet and green GMT hand.

The big thing I am curious about is the WHY you all feel one way or another... I want to make this a purchase I can hand down to my future children- as my father will with his. I don't want to make any "rookie" mistakes...

I know these are lot of questions and probably just opened a Pandora's box but I would really appreciate any thoughts you may have. One thing I have learned over the past few years is the GMT community is both passionate and robust with very informed opinions.

Thanks so much!

[airchitect]

Welcome to the forum! So imho....here goes....
Bezel insert......any and all
Always lug holes unless you graduated in/got married/etc in a later yr and want to commemorate it.
This forum or an AD for purchases...... no pawnshops
SEL always
Anything over 5-10yrs needs an automatic svc too me.
Unpolished if you can find it.
RSC svcd preferrably

For me, I want the single most perfect example I can swing, of anything I buy.

[Tools]

Welcome.. The GMT is one of my favorites and I have many of them - as well as the Explorer II's..

You ask me "Why ?" but that's really irrelevant. The question is what do you prefer and why..

I do like lug holes with SEL's because they were only made for a couple of years and it meets my personal aesthetics..

Get the best example that you can afford from a trusted source..

[TotalReturn]

Originally Posted by airchitect

Welcome to the forum! So imho....here goes....
Bezel insert......any and all
Always lug holes unless you graduated in/got married/etc in a later yr and want to commemorate it.
This forum or an AD for purchases...... no pawnshops
SEL always
Anything over 5-10yrs needs an automatic svc too me.
Unpolished if you can find it.
RSC svcd preferrably

For me, I want the single most perfect example I can swing, of anything I buy.

Brilliant! Thanks for the head start!

Now a couple of questions to follow up:

Lug Holes- I have seen a lot of back and forth on this but still can't totally figure it out. I tend to lean towards the clean look of no holes but there seems to be an overwhelming preference on TRF for having them... If I don't plan to swap out the bracelet for leather or NATO is this still a consideration? Plus, how hard is it to swap bracelets if I go with no holes?

Also- Pawn shops... Since I am new here I want to use my ignorance for a second- There are a number of very reputable Pawns in the area here in Detroit - just look at your local TV guide- that move a lot of Rolex watches. What is the main concern? I guess I am anchoring to the fact that I can always bring the watch back if it doesn't pass the test I will need to run it through. Is this silly? Plus, for the price, a lot of these pawns are hard to beat... something tells me they probably purchase for a good deal...

Also- how can I tell if it has been polished? Thanks!

[Rolex_Persia]

If you have a problem with green hand why don't you consider BNLR GMTII. The only problem is that you have to pay a premium for it.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Rolex_Persia

If you have a problem with green hand why don't you consider BNLR GMTII. The only problem is that you have to pay a premium for it.

my choice too

[Rusty888]

I think there is there two ways. I own a blnr and at your age it would be nice. Handing down to your future son would also be a younger mans watch.

Issue is it won't be as classic or timeless as the all black version. But then your paying a hefty premium over the all black.

I prefer no lug holes and I feel it looks nicer and as with the PCL's it makes it look dressier. I'd suggest an pre owned ceramic version for longevity and value.

[ltmgeller]

Go for a 16710 with all the inserts. It's like having 3 watches in one.

[Casey VP-26]

16710

[capote]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

Go for a 16710 with all the inserts. It's like having 3 watches in one.

Add a jubilee and you got six

[Watch Professor]

116710. While you lose the flexibility of changing the bezel, the ceramic bezel is beautiful. I love the green hand on the all black GMT. The "easy link" bracelet gives you a much more solid feel and it's adjustibility is great in warmer weather.

Be careful of pawn shops. Unless you know your watches very well, you might get a "franken" watch with non-original or genuine parts.

[rustyduck]

The advice here is good. 16710 (as already pointed out you get three watches in one because you can change out the bezel inserts to coke or black); get holes because there are no more holes cases made and holes makes changing bands, cleaning or whatever even easier. A case with holes is not copied as much and is truer to those watches worn during the time the GMT's reputation was made. drawbacks: no ceramic and don't have the new bracelet or the extremely small change in the movement. My response? get what you always wanted. I love the red hand. they stopped making this watch. if that is the model you really wanted all these years, get it now while you can still find them in mint or extremely good condition. they're not going down in price. the question is where do you get the inserts and how much do those cost

[BillA]

I have owned the 16710 Pepsi a few times, now I have the BLNR and so happy I do. Once you go to the 116710 you won't go back to the smaller diameter of the older GMTII. The BLNR can be harder to find but prices are coming down. Some trusted sellers on this site are selling for under msrp. Best of luck.

[echau]

Check the FS subforum on here, there are plenty of great trusted sellers on here. I'd buy from them before using an AD and definitely before a pawn shop.

I prefer the 116710, mostly for the bracelet. The new style bracelet and clasp is such a big upgrade for me. So if I were in your situation, I'd come to love the green on the LN, or I'd just shell out extra for the BLNR.

In the end, it's going to be what you like/prefer. When you do get the watch, please post some pics!

[kilyung]

Generally the opinion is to get the newest version of what you like. Since it sounds like you don't care for the 116710 features, I'd get the best condition 16710 you can find (any color and pick up the other inserts). Lug holes for easier bracelet removable. Also pick up a super jubilee bracelet.

[ronricks]

I would go with the 116710. Better bracelet, better clasp, better crown, and a slightly updated movement.

[mike]

There's no such thing as a wrong GMT.

[TotalReturn]

Really really great thoughts here guys- thanks for all of the input.

I feel like I am leaning hard towards the gmt 16710- I went to my ad and I am having a very difficult time with the polished bracelet and green gmt. I am not a huge fan of the current blue/black combo- just a personal preference.

I love the advice on avoiding the "frankenwatch"- here are some quick questions: from what I have gathered the bracelet and case are prime culprits for aftermarket mods- is there any particular serial on the bracelet for the 16710 or any other identifying features to look for.

Relating to the 16710 interchangeable bezels- If the watch was originally equipped w a black Bessel and I swap w a Pepsi and send to a RSC for service- will this be a problem?? Also- from what I have read the bezels are not a numbered product from rolex so how do I know what is real/fake if not buying from an ad? I have also read if I buy from an ad I have to give them the original bezel.

Thanks so much to you all!

[echau]

Problem solved :)

[HogwldFLTR]

Also not a bad choice...

GMT16700...

[GsurgBM]

Either way you win....

[kbutler1]

Black, Pepsi or Coke? All
Lug Holes or No Lug Holes? I went lug holes for a) the classic feel and b) easy of changing to a leather band
AD or Pawn Shop? Trusted Sellers
SEL or No SELs? I went SEL, never considered otherwise really
Age/Vintage Maximum? Up to you. I wanted Lug Holes and SEL but wanted Luminova so that narrowed down my search
Previously Polished/Unpolished? Up to you
RSC Serviced/ Independent? Up to you. I'd prefer RCS
Should I just bypass the hassle of options and get the SS 116710? 116710 has a lot to offer!

I actually had a 116710 and REALLY liked it. Very comfortable watch but at the end of the day I wasn't a big fan of the PCLs. You can brush those though if you don't like them. I did like the maxi dial though.

I ended up finding a Y serial 16710 and am in the process of acquiring the Coke and Pepsi bezel inserts so I can easily change the look of the watch. Also, just ordered a nice Hodinkee leather strap to switch to. To me that was a big difference on why I went to the 16710.

Good luck!

[TotalReturn]

Originally Posted by echau

Problem solved :)

Fantastic! This could actually be perfect timing as I was thinking of doing a cash out refi on our current home- not sure if the wife will think its such a great idea tho...

[AndyK]

I think a later 16710 (no lug holes) with a pepsi bezel looks the best, IMO.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mike

There's no such thing as a wrong GMT.

Bingo!^

Follow your instincts. A test drive (if you can try all the GMTs) is the best way to decide which sings to you.

Variety is important to me, so the 16710 w/ lug holes and SELs gives me the best of classic and modern.
dP

[joli160]

For your purpose I would go for the newer ceramic. I initially wanted the configuration of Dan, with the Super Jubilee but could not buy this bracelet. His GMT with that bracelet is the nicest combination for a GMT i can think of.
After trying on the newer models I bought the GMTc TT. Because of the solid feel all over. Love it and in 10 years time will pass it on to my son.
Nice dilemma's, we are all privileged being occupied with these questions.

[kegan]

Have you thought of a 1984 (birth year) 16750? Not only a great watch
But also a great investment. Wish I had picked up my birth year 1675 (1963) whenI turned 30. They were practically giving them away 20 years ago

[Speed]

Originally Posted by TotalReturn

I love the advice on avoiding the "frankenwatch"- here are some quick questions: from what I have gathered the bracelet and case are prime culprits for aftermarket mods- is there any particular serial on the bracelet for the 16710 or any other identifying features to look for.

Relating to the 16710 interchangeable bezels- If the watch was originally equipped w a black Bessel and I swap w a Pepsi and send to a RSC for service- will this be a problem?? Also- from what I have read the bezels are not a numbered product from rolex so how do I know what is real/fake if not buying from an ad? I have also read if I buy from an ad I have to give them the original bezel.

Thanks so much to you all!

Good luck on your decision.

I would never consider buying a Rolex - especially my first - from a Pawn shop. Why not buy from a seller with a great rep who specializes in Rolex? That way you know for sure you are getting a genuine article.

You are concerned about buying a fake bezel....but you want to buy a Rolex at a Pawn Shop?

Yes. If you replace a bezel, the RSC will want your original. They will not swap colors willy nilly. Ads - many won't have a ton of spare parts lying around and will likely not be in the business of selling you one that does not go with your watch either.

[TotalReturn]

Speed you know what they say about ignorance being bliss- This fourm has been very helpful to my decision thus far and I have settled on a couple fronts. Pawn is out and trusted in- After initially thinking no lug holes I am now leaning towards holes. The post from Dan with the many pictures has cemented my desire to go with the 16710- thanks for that! I looked into the 1984 16750 but am a bit concerned about getting an accurate servicing history plus the premium the model is carrying due to its age- I loved the idea though!

All the bracelet options brings me to a new question- if I go w holes and sels does this model require a specific type of bracelet compared to a no holes sel or no sel w holes? I would like to get an oyster and jubilee - trying to get my mind right on this....