Next purchase 16710 or 116710?

[Dsmith1974]

https://youtu.be/gehmPbiALNA

I’m thinking of getting a GMT Master II. I prefer the looks of the five digit models (already have a 16610) and haven’t yet bought any six digit model.

I can get a 16710 Pepsi or Coke for the same price as a new Batman.

Heart says get the 16710..

Head says the 116710 might be safer for open water swimming where a pin failure would mean a lost watch.

A few people say not to swim in a vintage watch, but I figure if the dealer assured me that the seals (crown and case) had been replaced within a few years that shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Would a pin failure be more likely on a 16710 or nothing to worry about?

Maybe the looks of the 116710 would grow on me over time and it would be good to have one of each (the 116710 and 16610 rather than 16710 and 16610).

I can’t help thinking the six digit models look a little less refined with the wider 12 hour bezel marker, larger Arabic font and lugs. Although the clasp looks a lot better.

So.. 5 or 6?

[faimag]

I would go 5d because, like you, I like the 5d more than the 6d and they fit my wrist better. Having said that, if you already have a 16610, the 6d GMT will add a much more different flavor to your collection than a 16710 pepsi or coke. But again, if you don't love the 6d, don't go for it.

As far as waterproofness goes, if you overhaul the 16710 you get everything replaced, tested, and warrantied for 2 years. Pins failing on the 16710 while swimming: highly unlikely.

[Nairn1980]

I have a BLNR which I adore.
I also have a 16710 Pepsi year 2000 which is full of charm and the colours are beautiful.

I’d really struggle to choose between them.

A mint, not over-polished, full set 16710 Pepsi/Coke is pushing £8k easily now and set to be a classic. BLNR are way over the £8k Mark now so both around similar on the market as you point out.

Good luck either way.

[DGB]

5 digits all the way


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[exador]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Would a pin failure be more likely on a 16710 or nothing to worry about?

If you get a MY2000 or later with solid end link bracelet then no more likely.
Not sure why you would want to open water swim with a mechanical wristwatch on though?

[Onequik135i]

2000 or newer 5 digit has my vote.

[037]

You should be fine with any 16710. A bracelet or pin failure while swimming might depend in part on how tight or loose you wear either reference. Personally, I'd wear a plastic watch and HRM if it's that important. I'd be annoyed by the weight while swimming.

Between the two, the 116710 is certainly constructed better overall. No matter which you wear you'll want to clean it after every swim since mineral deposits could collect under the bezel, more so on the 16710.

I'd base my decision on the watch I preferred and leave it on shore.

[toomuchtalk]

I'm sure a woman swam the English Channel once wearing a Rolex oyster.

So I think it would be OK to swim with a modern Rolex.


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[1William]

I prefer the newer 6 digit watch and the prices of the 5 digit watches have become restrictive in my opinion.

[watchwatcher]

I think you're overthinking it...a "pin failure" is against the odds. And for that matter, a bracelet screw pin can back out in a 6 digit model just as well. We've read several threads here of that happening...I've had it happen to me.

So, I would take that factor out and go with the one you want. Which sounds like the 5 digit. Good luck,

[hbombkid]

I had a BLNR and some of the details are way better than the 5 digits, specifically the bezel and the bracelet / clasp.

That being said if I ever went back to a GMT and money / value was not a question I would buy a 5 digit, and then the extra bezels. Until someone really has a way to easily remove and put back on a ceramic bezel older model only option you got. I also then would source a newer style bracelet and clasp.

[samson66]

Love both but the ceramic bezel and bracelet are just huge improvements over the 5 digit models. Only thing I don't like on the new ones are the PCL's but you could always get those brushed

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[Rackness]

If you are buying it to wear buy what you like. They are both great watches. If you are buying it in hopes it goes up in value 5 digit all day everyday.

[avega357]

I have both, the answer is both. They are different watches.

[pigman08]

My vote is for the 16710, but I just got one myself so I’m definitely biased. I’ve also got a 16610, and I think that it pairs nicely with the Pepsi... Having said that, while I’m not the biggest fan of the 6 digit GMT’s and divers, I’ve gotta admit that the BLNR and the new BLRO look amazing when paired side by side.


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[byedo0099]

Go for 16710

[RayShepherd]

Better safe than sorry, listen to your head

[Dsmith1974]

Thanks for the input guys, it’s always appreciated!

So I found this 2005 16710 Pepsi for 9K and hoofed it down to the Arcade..



..but someone else had beaten me to it by half an hour (I must be unlucky because the exact same happened to me with a Kermit too).

There were five or so older Pepsi’s around but the newest one was 1999 and they just didn’t sing to me as much.

I did pick up a nice Batman for 9-2 though



Looks less aggressive on the wrist than in the photos so I’m happy with it. Will leave the 16710 Pepsi on the wish list - it’s good to have something to look forward to!

Thanks again.






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[JParm]

16710, because I own one and could never give it up for any of the 6-digit GMTs! (Also own a 116610LV)

Also - I think prices will only go up for the 5-digit due to the fact that they're discontinued. You can readily (maybe not at an AD these days) get a 6-digit anytime, as that's the current model.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Thanks for the input guys, it’s always appreciated!

So I found this 2005 16710 Pepsi for 9K and hoofed it down to the Arcade..



..but someone else had beaten me to it by half an hour (I must be unlucky because the exact same happened to me with a Kermit too).

There were five or so older Pepsi’s around but the newest one was 1999 and they just didn’t sing to me as much.

I did pick up a nice Batman for 9-2 though



Looks less aggressive on the wrist than in the photos so I’m happy with it. Will leave the 16710 Pepsi on the wish list - it’s good to have something to look forward to!

Thanks again.






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Wow that was quick!
I was going to vote for BLNR... though I have a 16710 coke (and oem Pepsi bezel) with great character, the modern blnr seems to get way more wrist time.
Congrats!


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[MT_Timepieces]

16710 gets my vote

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[mps354]

5 digit for me...I’m sure it will be robust enough for swimming

[desertyank]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Thanks for the input guys, it’s always appreciated!

So I found this 2005 16710 Pepsi for 9K and hoofed it down to the Arcade..



..but someone else had beaten me to it by half an hour (I must be unlucky because the exact same happened to me with a Kermit too).

There were five or so older Pepsi’s around but the newest one was 1999 and they just didn’t sing to me as much.

I did pick up a nice Batman for 9-2 though



Looks less aggressive on the wrist than in the photos so I’m happy with it. Will leave the 16710 Pepsi on the wish list - it’s good to have something to look forward to!

Thanks again.






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"Super rare" with no lug holes?!?!?!

[sensui]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

...
Heart says get the 16710..
...

I think you have your answer. This hobby rarely involves logic.

[Justindo]

The six digits are so much nicer than the five digits. I thought about buying various five digit models a number of times but I just couldn't bring myself to do it due to the flimsy bracelets. Now I own several six digits and am on the list for several more. The ceramic bezel and maxi dial are the cherry and whipped cream on top. The only thing I like better on the five digit models are the more classic lugs. That written, the five digits are probably better investments.

[Andad]

I have a 16710 Pepsi (M) and a 116713LN (Z).

The 16710 is easy on the wrist but the ezylink and the bigger crown is a big plus on the TT.

[Chadridv]

I wouldn’t call a 16710 vintage really. With routine service and check ups, swimming shouldn’t be an issue at all.

That said, I own both and my 116710 dominates as far as wrist time goes.

[uansari1]

Originally Posted by toomuchtalk

I'm sure a woman swam the English Channel once wearing a Rolex oyster.

So I think it would be OK to swim with a modern Rolex.


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Common misconception. She actually wore it around her neck...not on a bracelet, just to show how waterproof it was.

Still, should be fine with it strapped to the wrist.