Advice for buying a 16710 Pepsi

[Duke10]

Hello all,

I am interested in buying a 16710 Pepsi, hopefully year 2000 or newer. I have read quite a bit and am somewhat confused as to what to look for. I do not want one that has faded or patina to the extent of some models. I would like to find one in like new condition that can be worn without worry. I am not as concerned if it has been polished or if all parts are original so long as they are authentic Rolex parts. Could someone point me in the right direction here as I don't want to make a 12k plus mistake, but the older gmt model just does it for me more so than the newer editions. Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

[C0d]

Originally Posted by Duke10

Hello all,

I am interested in buying a 16710 Pepsi, hopefully year 2000 or newer. I have read quite a bit and am somewhat confused as to what to look for. I do not want one that has faded or patina to the extent of some models. I would like to find one in like new condition that can be worn without worry. I am not as concerned if it has been polished or if all parts are original so long as they are authentic Rolex parts. Could someone point me in the right direction here as I don't want to make a 12k plus mistake, but the older gmt model just does it for me more so than the newer editions. Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

I don't blame you. For starts, it actually has a red/blue bezel rather than pink/purple and everything in between that Rolex has been trying for years.

[Turbo Racer]

Maybe check out the vintage section. I can’t remember but I think there is a sticky in a trusted seller list there. Also, I would cross reference that with the watch out sub forum to make sure that once you’ve found a watch, you feel comfortable with the seller. They say buy the seller and I think that’s good advice. There are many fine examples of what you are looking for out there. Good luck!

[Stan Cooper]

I purchased my gently used 16710 from Bernard Watch Co. in Austin two years ago, and had bought a gently used 1675 from them in 1997 when they were in Dallas. Both watches were in excellent condition, and the P-serial 16710 (2001) came with box and papers. I had both watches serviced by the Rolex Service Center in New York and they came back looking like new.

Buy the seller; check their references and history.

[karleone]

You should buy from a reputable vintage dealer. For example tropicalwatch

[pursang_]

Due to SuperLuminova lume and white gold indices post-2000 16710s won't patina beyond the bezel insert fading.

Are you wanting a case with lug holes?

What is your preference on dials? There's the classic Roman numerals, "Rectangle" dial, and the "Stick" dial.

[2loaded]

HQMilton

[HHIslander]

I'd first decide whether or not you want a lug holes case. Then decide how much you want to pay. If you want "like new" in great shape plan on a minimum of 15k (more like 17k) if you go with a trusted seller here. Also, if you see one going for more than 20k, it's likely because it has a 3186 movement.

Good luck, it's one of the best watches ever made.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by Duke10

Hello all,

I am interested in buying a 16710 Pepsi, hopefully year 2000 or newer. I have read quite a bit and am somewhat confused as to what to look for. I do not want one that has faded or patina to the extent of some models. I would like to find one in like new condition that can be worn without worry. I am not as concerned if it has been polished or if all parts are original so long as they are authentic Rolex parts. Could someone point me in the right direction here as I don't want to make a 12k plus mistake, but the older gmt model just does it for me more so than the newer editions. Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

If you don't know what to look for, you're not ready to buy. Keep studying. Look at a few 100 16710's for sale and you'll start to get a feel for condition and price. If you want "new" condition, expect to pay way more. Study the pics of a NOS for sale then compare it to the one you're looking to buy. Have patients, there are plenty up for sale and more hit the market every day. Good luck.

[RFC]

Trusted second hand dealers include HQ Milton from which I bought a 16700 GMT. Coincidentally I decided for the 16700 over the 16710 for the quick set date and being the last GMT Master with a tritium dial. I don’t mind that the 16700 doesn’t have an independent GMT hand that the 16710 does. It’s worth mentioning that the 16700 is slimmer and lighter than the 16710 because of the movement. That also tipped the scale for me. You can’t go wrong with either 5 digit GMT. I am price conscious so I bought the watch in the best possible condition I could find with a thick case and original hands, dial, and bezel insert. Had I been looking for an NOS with a full set as you are I would have been looking to pay at least $5k or more. I purchased my GMT without box or papers and sent it for service to Rolex in Dallas. That provided my peace of mind corroborating the seller’s authentication, a new 2 year warranty card, a fresh overhaul, and a travel pouch to boot. The GMT looks almost like new.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by RFC

Coincidentally I decided for the 16700 over the 16710 for the quick set date and being the last GMT Master with a tritium dial. I don’t mind that the 16700 doesn’t have an independent GMT hand that the 16710 does.

Actually, it's the 12 hour hand that's independently adjustable on the 16710, not the 24 hour hand, and date change on the 16710 is very easy as you just rotate the 12 hour hand (which is coupled to the date change) quickly around 24 hours to change the date. I have a DJ36 with quickset and find it's just as easy to change the date with either my 16710 or my DateJust.

The beauty of the independently adjustable 12 hour hand is that as you move from one time zone to another you can quickly change the local 12 hour hand to the new time zone without hacking the movement and resetting the time.