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Old 6 May 2016, 04:07 AM   #1
mikeschmidt
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Selecting a GMT Master

I think I have decided on getting a GMT Master but still debating on which one. I would welcome any advice.

I would like a new watch but there are many things I prefer on the older models that I am trying to weigh the difference.

I don't like PCLs; is there any issue getting PCL of a new watch brushed?

New watch has solid links and micro-adjust bracelet. I am pretty happy with the oyster on my 14270 Explorer. Do you regularly use the micro-adjust as your wrist size changes during the day?

The 16710 is thinner and has slimmer lugs; is this noticeable? I have 7" wrist and either would fit me but I prefer smaller watches.

I like the smaller indices of the older watches and lug holes; the later requires a 2003 16710 or older.

It seems the older metal bezels can be easily swapped between "Pepsi, Coke, Black" and the inserts aren't that costly. The ceramic bezels seem more difficult to swap and costly (probably wouldn't do it). The older bezel can also be used for rough timing (with 1/2 minute adjustment); I often do this with my dive watch when cooking.

I don't "baby" my watches and I don't mind dings (if there mine) but I haven't had much luck finding good 16710s in Europe that haven't been polished too much. The ceramic bezel would hold up better.

16710: ~6200€ for Coke
116710: >8000€ for BLNR

It seems clear; I should keep looking for a good 16710 right? I was so hoping for a new watch.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:17 AM   #2
joli160
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Mike, don't know if you ever tried the 6 digit reference on your wrist.
If not, perhaps you should. The new one feels completely different and may change your opinion. Personally I would never prefer the 16710 over the newer reference. The 6 digit feels and wears as one rock solid watch.

The easy link I use almost everyday, great clasp, very convenient as my wrist size varies regularly. PCL's should not bother you, 10 minutes and these have a brushed look. Many members have done so.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:18 AM   #3
mtgjr
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Your conclusion is correct. The 16710 is amazing.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:20 AM   #4
Lordofrolex
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I thought the same thing about to PCL then i got my GMT II and i would never brush them. Even though i was going to before i had the watch.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:20 AM   #5
DCheeta
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It does seem fairly clear that you want a 16710. It's worth the time and effort to wait and search for the right one.

I can't offer any advice on finding watches in the EU, but I'm sure here will be plenty of suggestions forthcoming.

Good luck!
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:20 AM   #6
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Double post.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:27 AM   #7
avilhena
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The 16710 is amazing
Here's mine

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Old 6 May 2016, 04:39 AM   #8
yannis
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16710 if i had the same dilemma. I have owned both i the past.
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Old 6 May 2016, 04:43 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joli160 View Post
Mike, don't know if you ever tried the 6 digit reference on your wrist.
If not, perhaps you should. The new one feels completely different and may change your opinion. Personally I would never prefer the 16710 over the newer reference. The 6 digit feels and wears as one rock solid watch.

The easy link I use almost everyday, great clasp, very convenient as my wrist size varies regularly. PCL's should not bother you, 10 minutes and these have a brushed look. Many members have done so.
Perfectly put.
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Old 6 May 2016, 05:12 AM   #10
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It seems you're leaning more towards the 5-digit one. I have the ceramic LN and I'm on the lookout for a 16710 myself for quite a while now...While the older reference is very versatile, I am personally under the impression that the newer reference a very durable and solid watch, built to last. The bracelet is also very much upgraded and the watch wears very comfortably. The easy-link is a good thing to have but nothing one can't live without.
As advised, give the 6-digit a try before you decide just to be sure. Otherwise, I believe it's now a good time to buy a 16710 as prices are only going up...
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Old 6 May 2016, 05:13 AM   #11
kilyung
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Sounds like you want the 16710
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Old 6 May 2016, 05:16 AM   #12
japenney
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Have you ever had PCL on a watch? I thought they would bother me too. However, after wearing PCL watches i noticed that they get those tiny micro scratches and look much less "loud" after a little while. I looks very nice to my eyes and is a good contrast.
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Old 6 May 2016, 05:36 AM   #13
mschafer
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If you want to switch bezels and prefer a slightly slimmer feel then the classic, aka 16710 is your friend. If you want the current technology and easy link (that i use very frequently) then you need a Ceramic GMT.
I do like the PCL a lot, they elevate the look a bit and give the eye something to take in, scratches aren't that dramatic in real life. Also, i think the size is right, same 7" wrist here, it's a bit on the bigger side, but it's perfectly fine for a daily wearer.
Now as for color, i personally prefer the LN as the simple black is a historic reference and an established rolex look for their divers as well.
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Old 6 May 2016, 05:50 AM   #14
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I own the blnr and pepsi gmt. I wear my 16710 way more. 16710 is the way to go


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Old 6 May 2016, 05:58 AM   #15
L55HEM
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I do love the 16710 but personally prefer the BLNR the blue is absolutely stunning. A 97200 bracelet will fit the watch too so if you could get hold of one of those you could have a brushed bracelet and the awesome glidelock feature.
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:24 AM   #16
withthesword
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probably the biggest thing i was worried about with the ceramic gmt was the pcl. let me tell you, once i saw it in person and put it on my wrist, i knew it wouldn't be an issue. the polish is actually a lot more subtle than it looks in pictures. i've only ever really noticed the flagrant bling factor when i'm in restaurant style lighting ie warm white overhead lights
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:30 AM   #17
Daytona88
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Quote:
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Your conclusion is correct. The 16710 is amazing.
This
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:35 AM   #18
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this
+1!
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:46 AM   #19
GsurgBM
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Had both. Kept the 16710.
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:48 AM   #20
WS9D
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I love my 16710, but, the bracelet isn't nearly as comfy on the wrist as my GMT2c or SubC with the upgraded bracelets. It gets less wrist time because of that fact. Ive been very tempted to source an 116710 bracelet and have it brushed for my 16710.
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Old 6 May 2016, 06:52 AM   #21
liuk3
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I would definitely try both on before making any type of decision, but you sound to me like a perfect candidate for the 16710. I absolutely love mine! Have fun with the search and the research.
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Old 6 May 2016, 08:19 AM   #22
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I will be getting a 16710 they are beautiful. Swapping bezels is simple so multiple looks on the same watch what a deal.
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Old 6 May 2016, 09:06 AM   #23
Colin10101
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Get a 16710, trust me, you won't regret it.

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Old 6 May 2016, 12:50 PM   #24
regaltrojan
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My 16700 served me well for decades. Welcome to the GMT club!!!
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Old 6 May 2016, 02:03 PM   #25
Ravager135
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The 16710 is amazing
Here's mine

Beautiful shot of a classic.
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Old 6 May 2016, 02:39 PM   #26
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Tough call my friend.. I had to have both.






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Old 6 May 2016, 03:11 PM   #27
mikeschmidt
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Thanks for all the comments. I have seen the PCL at an AD but never tried one on; I don't know why. There is an AD 2h away; I'll definitely try on something with PCL to get that point resolved. There was the suggestion of adding newer bracelet to 16710 and brushing the PCL I hadn't considered. I also noticed someone posted a picture in the BLNR thread with brushed bracelet (looked nice). Unfortunately I probably won't be able to wear a 16710 before purchasing which causes most of the dilemma.
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Old 7 May 2016, 12:09 AM   #28
slorollin
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I struggled with the same decision. Well.....struggle is a strong word. Actually, the search was fun. Most hunters will tell you the chase is as satisfying as the kill. Have fun with it. One will call to you more clearly than the other.
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Old 7 May 2016, 12:21 AM   #29
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I prefer the 16760 over the 16710 but it is just hard finding one in decent shape that can be sent off for service and look new again without replacing everything.
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Old 7 May 2016, 08:37 AM   #30
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A few months ago I was going back between the Coke and Pepsi for my first Rolex. I ruled out the Pepsi and stared looking for a Coke to purchase but my eyes started to wonder towards the beautiful ceramic BLNR. Ended up with the BLNR, but Coke kept calling me. I answered and accepted that call earlier this week.

I have no love loss for the BLNR at all. Right now my Coke is casual and BLNR is for not so casual times. While I appreciate the other models, these two will last me for quite some time.


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