What Is A Transitional Rolex?

[timetravel125]

Hi,All. I have been seeing advertisements from watch brokers, selling preowned watches, stating that a certain Rolex is "transitional." And, these watches command premium prices.

Is a transitional Rolex, based on the idea that a watch got a new movement, or it got a new dial, luminosity or case?

Thanks a lot.

Louie

[mike]

Louie,

I agree with you. The term "transitional" seems to be used quite a bit by some. I tend to think it's in an effort to make a certain watch more than it is.

"Transitional" normally refers to certain references that combine a bit of the old with the new. During the early 80s Rolex premiered the new fast beat 3xxx movements and other improvements in some of their sport watches. Specifically the reference 16750, 16800,and 16660.

Initially these watches featured all the improvements of the new movements, quick-set date feature, in some cases the advent of the sapphire crystal, uni-directional bezel (divers) yet maintained the "look" of their predecessors by maintaining the matt dial sans white gold surrounds. All these references eventually were switched to gloss dials with WGs in the mid-80s, but initially they were a "blend".

Some collectors feel these watches represent the best of both worlds as they incorporate modern updates and scratch resistence with the "look" of the matt dial.
Pricing reflects a higher premium paid for the matt dial.

A couple examples,

16750--matt dial, 3075 fast beat movement, acryllic crystal



16800--matt dial, 3035 fast beat movement, sapphire crystal,

[redshirt1957]

Mike,

I have a 1979 GMT 16753. Would that watch be considered transitional? Thanks...Joe

[mike]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Mike,

I have a 1979 GMT 16753. Would that watch be considered transitional? Thanks...Joe

I'm good with that. If it's a 16753 it'll have a fast beat 3xxx quick-set movement. 18K TT. Should have a nipple dial and acryllic crystal.

[BLSampson]

Thanks for clarifying things Mike. I read the post too fast and though they were asking about a "Transvesite watch." It had me curious.

[mike]

Originally Posted by BLSampson

Thanks for clarifying things Mike. I read the post too fast and though they were asking about a "Transvesite watch." It had me curious.

Hopefully those are very rare.

[timetravel125]

Thanks a lot, Mike! Appreciate it.

Louie

Originally Posted by mike

Louie,

I agree with you. The term "transitional" seems to be used quite a bit by some. I tend to think it's in an effort to make a certain watch more than it is.

"Transitional" normally refers to certain references that combine a bit of the old with the new. During the early 80s Rolex premiered the new fast beat 3xxx movements and other improvements in some of their sport watches. Specifically the reference 16750, 16800,and 16660.

Initially these watches featured all the improvements of the new movements, quick-set date feature, in some cases the advent of the sapphire crystal, uni-directional bezel (divers) yet maintained the "look" of their predecessors by maintaining the matt dial sans white gold surrounds. All these references eventually were switched to gloss dials with WGs in the mid-80s, but initially they were a "blend".

Some collectors feel these watches represent the best of both worlds as they incorporate modern updates and scratch resistence with the "look" of the matt dial.
Pricing reflects a higher premium paid for the matt dial.

A couple examples,

16750--matt dial, 3075 fast beat movement, acryllic crystal



16800--matt dial, 3035 fast beat movement, sapphire crystal,

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by BLSampson

Thanks for clarifying things Mike. I read the post too fast and though they were asking about a "Transvesite watch." It had me curious.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

Louie,

I agree with you. The term "transitional" seems to be used quite a bit by some. I tend to think it's in an effort to make a certain watch more than it is.

"Transitional" normally refers to certain references that combine a bit of the old with the new. During the early 80s Rolex premiered the new fast beat 3xxx movements and other improvements in some of their sport watches. Specifically the reference 16750, 16800,and 16660.

Initially these watches featured all the improvements of the new movements, quick-set date feature, in some cases the advent of the sapphire crystal, uni-directional bezel (divers) yet maintained the "look" of their predecessors by maintaining the matt dial sans white gold surrounds. All these references eventually were switched to gloss dials with WGs in the mid-80s, but initially they were a "blend".

Some collectors feel these watches represent the best of both worlds as they incorporate modern updates and scratch resistence with the "look" of the matt dial.
Pricing reflects a higher premium paid for the matt dial.

A couple examples,

16750--matt dial, 3075 fast beat movement, acryllic crystal



16800--matt dial, 3035 fast beat movement, sapphire crystal,

Great post and pictures Mike.