My GMT: Swap bracelets or preserve integrity?

[J_hennry]

I recently acquired one of my "grails".
A SS Pepsi GMT Master. Ref. 16700
Acquired from Original Owner but, sadly without papers. (how does one not keep those!)

I already Own a 16570 Explorer II. Which I have taken much pleasure from.

Here is the question:

My Exp II has solid end links, my GMT Master has hollow end links and way more stretch in the band.
The solid links and more solid bracelet add a lot more heft and integrity to the GMT.


I can probably only Justify one of these watches in my collection.

Would I be foolish to use the EXP bracelet on my '99 GMT?
Would It be frowned upon to sell the EXPII with the hollow link bracelet.
Would it be foolish to keep the GMT but not preserve its "all original" condition?

Your wisdom is appreciated gents

.

[mtgjr]

I personally wouldn't go mixing and matching. I guess my question would be, why did you purchase one of your grails if you weren't fully satisfied with the entirety of its condition? By the way, I would suggest that putting an incorrect model bracelet on the GMT actually detracts from its integrity, rather than adding to it. Again, just my opinion.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by J_hennry

. . .
Would I be foolish to use the EXP bracelet on my '99 GMT?
Would It be frowned upon to sell the EXPII with the hollow link bracelet.
Would it be foolish to keep the GMT but not preserve its "all original" condition?

.

1. No, the 78790A is a better bracelet.

2. Some folks frown on everything. It may reduce your pool of potential buyers who know the 78790A is a better bracelet and came on it.

3. "Foolish" is a personal trait. Bracelets are expendables and it is very common to upgrade these when the old one wears out. Not everybody is in the " absolute restoration" box.

[configsys]

I don't mind mixing bracelets but I prefer to keep the watch/bracelet integrity although as mentioned, newer bracelets are better. Many people pay good money to keep their watches as original as possible. Here's an old 7206 rivet bracelet (for a vintage GMT) that sold on eBay a few days ago for over $3K. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-Rolex-7...vip=true&rt=nc

My complaint about the older hollow links is that over time they scratch (the inside of the lugs) over the Ref and Ser#s. The newer solid end links don't do that. I solved that by using NATO straps. In the end, you can do whatever you want -- it's your watch.

[porschedude]

I would keep the original bracelets on the original watches.

[saskmh]

I have a sel bracelet from and explorer that I wear sometimes on my 16760. That said, I also have the old original jubilee in a box.

[shoppy]

Keep the original bracelet and buy a new SEL one, I have recently acquired a 99 GMT also this is the course I am going down. It is expensive true but its going to a keeper so I am happy to do so. I will just keep the original bracelet in the box..

[J_hennry]

Looks like keeping both bracelets and using my iteration is the way to go one this. I can see how parting with the original bracelet by will rather than necessity could be considered unappreciative to the watches legacy.

Appreciate your input guys.

[Chewbacca]

keep both bracelets and sell the head alone.

or add a rubber-b for the future owner.


problem solved.

[sea-dweller]

Keep it original, pure and unadulterated.


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