[77T]

As long as the actual serial number engraved between the lugs is the same as the paperwork, he is looking at a mid-‘80’s GMT Master II just as the dial states.

The mid to late ‘80’s through ‘90’s is a period where production of both Oyster, Tuna Can Jubilee and hidden clasps were used at AD’s if the customer wanted a different bracelet. [edit: Like someone said, the papers agree with what you see.] In fact, even Submariner bracelets found their way onto Expl.II’s and GMT’s and GMT-II’s as an option.

What your friend is looking at is a watch that spent a lot of time without decent maintenance on its exterior. Not making a value judgement, but the “don’t polish” cohort can leave a case and bracelet looking like that. Yes it can be cleaned but he’d want a very skilled vintage person to avoid over-polishing.

Don’t like the hands - this watch led a life that ended up with perished seals methinks - moisture inside (not necessarily water) has allowed microbes to take up residence and yield an unsightly paint devouring colonization. Hope the movement isn’t full of parts needing replacement.

Service parts are possible, like insert and the bracelet itself - you’d need to get the clasp codes photographed to see if it comports with a mid-‘80’s watch. No telling for sure when it was made from those pictures.


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