Hi, I'm new (long first post about my first Rolex!)

[GMTGuy1675]

Hello-

Just registered on this forum, but have been browsing this forum since late 2011 when I came into possession of my dad's Rolex after he passed away. I'm definitely a newbie on ALL of the terminology and the like as it pertains to these beautiful, iconic watches, but have tried to soak in as much as I can. There definitely are a lot of serious, intelligent people here, and that's really cool.

Sometime in the next few days I'll probably post some pics of the watch and get opinions on it from anyone REALLY in the know. It got serviced after I got it, and I received it back about three weeks ago, and it's kind of a trip to have my old man's watch on MY wrist. I do definitively know that my dad was the original owner and he was meticulous in EVERYTHING, and based on my Internet research, the watch includes the desired accompanying pieces such as the box, stamped certificate, hang tag, "keep the box for use as a cigarette box" card, etc. I also have a couple of other items establishing provenance - a typed letter he sent to the guy in charge of the store or whatever on the Navy ship Independence in NYC where it was purchased as well as his money order stubs from early 1967 when it was purchased. Brand new it cost $120.00 (!)

I thought it was a '66, but now I think it's a '65. GMT Master with Pepsi bezel. The bezel is pretty faded, especially the red half, but there are absolutely no dings or scratches on it unlike most of the ones i've seen pics of online. Serial number starts with 129 and then four numbers after that-seven numbers total (I didn't disclose too much info as far as serial numbers here, I think, based on the many posts I have read the past few months). It has the small 24 hour triangle hand and I guess gilt lettering (I'm still learning this stuff and in the pictures of other vintage GMTs I see, determining gilt or white lettering isn't always clear yet). All of the watch components themselves are original, but the oyster bracelet isn't. The dial, bezel, hands are intact.

I had to research & google stuff like patina and crown guards and the the terms you guys use like PCG. That was foreign to me, and I figured out patina but the different crown guards are still kind of unsure to me. Anyway, the patina is a nice creamy tone, and take it that is desired. I have no idea if the dial is matte or gloss. I think the crown guards are square-I'd describe them as blocky. The guy who serviced it installed a new crystal and I already have a very slight scratch on it D'OH! My wrist is wayyyy bigger than my dad's was, so I needed a bracelet to fit a 9 inch wrist. I noticed most of the bracelets are only going up to 7 1/2 or 7 3/4 or whatever, and I wonder if me needing a bigger bracelet devalues the watch? I was told the bracelet on it now is era-specific to the watch, but it just isn't the one it originally came with.

I don't want to sell it or keep it in a drawer like my dad had done for the last 20 to maybe 30 years-I plan on enjoying it and using it. Is that a bad idea? I am careful with stuff and I don't anticipate it being abused whatsoever, but it inherently will acquire a bit of wear & tear just wearing the thing. It's beautiful and really cool and definitely runs like a champ, and I am proud to own it!

I know it's hard to gauge it on anyone else's end without pics, but as I stated earlier, I can do that shortly. In browsing here, I see pics of other 1675 Pepsi GMTs and some are strikingly similar and some have some differences like a bigger 24 hour triangle and bezels that are more dinged up and bezels that are brighter and whatnot.

If you read all this, thanks, and it's nice to finally interact here instead of just lurk and read. There's A TON to learn about the Rolex phenomenon! Have a good one.

[dddrees]

Welcome to TRF.

When your ready to post pictures I would start a thread in the vintage portion of the forum.

I'm sure you will get plenty of help there.

Congrats on being the caretaker of your fathers watch, as this must be a very special watch indeed.

[z32turbo]

Welcome

Congrats on receiving your fathers watch. Can't wait to see the pics!!

[chicagofan]

Welcome to TRF.

[joejitsu]

Welcome!

[sea-dweller]

Welcome!

[GMTGuy1675]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Welcome to TRF.

When your ready to post pictures I would start a thread in the vintage portion of the forum.

I'm sure you will get plenty of help there.

Congrats on being the caretaker of your fathers watch, as this must be a very special watch indeed.

Thank you, and I will post some pics in the vintage section later on. That's the section I keep browsing at most of the time. I always knew Rolexes were iconic & an interesting conversation piece, but absolutely no idea there were SO MANY variables and quirks to them! And so many models, too. Somewhat overwhelming to a new aficionado! Thank you again for the reply and welcome. I'm only used to message boards where people are mean, so this one is refreshing.

[azguy]

Welcome

[77T]

Welcome to TRF!

[Whysoserious]

Welcome to the forum!

[TSW]

Welcome!

[HL65]

Welcome and glad you are enjoying the Forum!

[Art 1]

Hello.

[eric23]

Welcome to TRF!