ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
13 December 2019, 08:29 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Petition for Rolex's Response for the Blueberry GMT
Hello all,
I've created an online petition for Rolex to finally address the authenticity of the "Blueberry GMT-Master" insert bezel. While I suspect Rolex never made them, and don't see any evidence to support the position that they did, I think the fact that so many respected watch dealers sell them means the community could benefit from getting the final word. In the petition, I ask for an answer in no uncertain terms, which- even assuming the Isabelle Humm letter is actually legitimate- has yet to be done. I believe Rolex can answer this question, as they've had the basic corporate structure, record-keeping, and quality control for decades to give us a proper answer. The sake for finding out isn't just curiosity. I think it's important for collectors to know that the premium they're paying toward these bezel inserts is justified, and that the dealers and auction houses are able to stand by their watches. Also- while I respect a good debate, I don't mean to make one here (or any of the subsequent name-calling). I think people have presented fine arguments as why one shouldn't buy a blueberry bezel, but this thread isn't about that. I just think Rolex could do a lot of good providing a response. I welcome any suggestions/proposed changes to the petition if need be.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
13 December 2019, 08:33 AM | #2 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 329
|
Is it April?
|
13 December 2019, 08:35 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Ha ha, no.
Some members here suggested the creation of a petition. I decided to make one.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
13 December 2019, 08:39 AM | #4 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: London
Posts: 978
|
That's passion right there!
|
13 December 2019, 08:40 AM | #5 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: NZ
Posts: 2,600
|
I'm in, but you need to drop this question:
4. Is it possible for a rogue Rolex employee or a third party parts provider to have manufactured an all-blue bezel, so that through some channel, the bezel could appear on a Rolex GMT-Master? And reword this (too combative): Addressing these concerns not only sets the record straight for many who have paid steep premiums on said watches, but also gives the chance for respectable vintage watch dealers to do right by their customers if need be- and for the public to know who’s a trustworthy watch dealer and who is not. |
13 December 2019, 08:41 AM | #6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: london
Posts: 5,932
|
Tiddling in the wind
__________________
@imrootbeer7 |
13 December 2019, 08:42 AM | #7 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,157
|
I agree. An answer from Rolex would only be speculation and we don't need any more speculation.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics. |
13 December 2019, 08:42 AM | #8 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: John
Location: La Jolla, CA
Watch: Platona
Posts: 12,194
|
I'll watch this with interest. I predict Rolex will not respond.
|
13 December 2019, 08:55 AM | #9 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 5,841
|
As long as we're petitioning, let's ask Rolex to provide extracts from their archives. Any other items for the wish-list?
__________________
@oldwatchdan on IG |
13 December 2019, 09:10 AM | #10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,157
|
I took a couple minutes and tuned-up the petition as found below. I've omitted parts of it and added verbiage elsewhere.
To any historian, record-keeper, or archivist at Rolex SA, Rolex is hereby petitioned to provide any information available regarding the GMT bezel insert referred to as the “Blueberry” which is a solid blue bezel insert with silver numerals sold and or found on vintage GMT-MASTER 1675/16750 models. Due to questions and the nature of this inserts legitimacy, this petition is presented to Rolex SA to determine whether this “blueberry” insert was ever made for Rolex or installed on any Rolex GMTs or whether it was available as a service part. We expect that a company with the resources, manufacturing processes, and quality control that Rolex SA should have the records to provide an authoritative answer to this question. For the past couple of decades, the infamous blue GMT bezel insert that appeared on the market in the early 2000s commanded not only the awe and wonder of many Rolex collectors, but also sparked discussion and fierce debate as to whether these blue bezel inserts (nicknamed “Blueberry” inserts) are genuine, authentic bezel inserts authorized and made for Rolex. The “blueberry” insert’s authenticity has been called into question in the past and continues to be called into question with prices for these inserts demanding $15,000 to $25,000 premiums for vintage GMTs that have been fit with this bezel insert. Furthermore, in an age where disinformation runs rampant on the internet and elsewhere, various documents have been shared lately that imply the “Blueberry” bezel inserts are not a Rolex product. As an example, this image, taken from Instagram, depicts an alleged letter from a Rolex employee by the name of “Isabelle Humm” who wrote a memo on Rolex letterhead that indicated to her knowledge, there has never been a Rolex all-blue GMT bezel insert. One question that arises now from Rolex collectors is whether the Hume letter is even genuine. This petition requests that Rolex address the following concerns: 1. Has Rolex ever sold a GMT-Master reference 1675 with an all-blue bezel insert, as displayed in the petition's image 2. Has Rolex ever used, or sanctioned the use of, through its authorized service centers/dealers, the blue GMT bezel insert as a component available for owner’s to purchase 3. Has Rolex ever sold, either directly or through its authorized retailers, the solid blue “Blueberry” inserts as an optional purchase to GMT owners Addressing these concerns will hopefully put to rest the concerns and questions Rolex collectors have regarding the GMT insert referred to as the "Blueberry."
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics. |
13 December 2019, 09:56 AM | #11 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Roger
Location: WHITE ROCK BC
Watch: 89 16610, 57 7914,
Posts: 897
|
Quote:
R |
|
13 December 2019, 10:50 AM | #12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Quote:
Thank you. I was on the fence about that part as well- I'll gladly follow your recommendation and do some rewording.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
|
13 December 2019, 11:15 AM | #13 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Quote:
Thank you JP. With the exception of passive voice wording in a couple areas, I've adopted your changes. It definitely sounds less inflammatory, lol. I am still inclined to use the photo I already have there (with the Rolex correspondence in the image) with hopes that it's more attention-grabbing. If you (and others) feel strongly about it, though, I could swap in the pic you provided. Thoughts, anyone?
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
|
13 December 2019, 11:28 AM | #14 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Quote:
Rolex does a good job of coming across as "secretive," but it's not exactly the counter-intelligence branch of the CIA or anything. lol, I don't know if this is sincere or just facetious. At any rate, the worst outcome of this that we get absolutely no response. All it would have cost us is a couple minutes for people to sign the petition. I'd like to think it's worth a shot.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
|
13 December 2019, 12:29 PM | #15 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Real Name: Webmaster
Location: Space
Watch: it pal !
Posts: 2,954
|
Great to see someone is actually moving forward with the petition. I would of orchestrated it had I known how to. Originally when I had suggested it, I thought it fell on deaf ears. You can count me in on a signature. It can’t hurt to try.
If it is proven the Blue insert is real, watch out, as I can imagine it may double or tie in price.
__________________
" Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford". Cindy Crawford Hypochondria is the only disease I haven't got RIP Mikey |
13 December 2019, 12:52 PM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Filipe
Location: Lisbon & Wadesdah
Watch: Never too many
Posts: 1,898
|
C'mon Gents, let's all go for it!
|
13 December 2019, 12:53 PM | #17 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: USA
Watch: 5 digit models
Posts: 1,515
|
Signed.
|
13 December 2019, 02:33 PM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Frank
Location: Earth
Watch: Rolex 1665
Posts: 295
|
Signed! Hey TRF! Let’s get this blueberry party started. Sign on!!
|
13 December 2019, 02:34 PM | #19 | ||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Quote:
Quote:
p.s., not to brown-nose, but I've been meaning to tell you for a while that I dig the Cindy Crawford material in your profile. She's my fav.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
||
13 December 2019, 02:34 PM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
Thanks guys!
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
13 December 2019, 02:42 PM | #21 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 6,171
|
LOL... why not. Signed.
|
13 December 2019, 03:25 PM | #22 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Texas
Posts: 532
|
Quote:
Otherwise, we can’t verify what’s being produced and where it’s being shipped. |
|
13 December 2019, 11:06 PM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Gogland
Watch: Timex
Posts: 267
|
That should have them worried .....
|
14 December 2019, 12:51 AM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Mitch
Location: UAE
Watch: Big Ben
Posts: 2,442
|
Haven’t laughed this much since Farley was on SNL.
Good one!
__________________
IG: @watch_idiot_savant |
14 December 2019, 01:05 AM | #26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Paris (France)
Posts: 688
|
.
|
14 December 2019, 02:03 AM | #27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Real Name: Jack
Location: NYC
Watch: 16570, 16710
Posts: 1,534
|
|
14 December 2019, 03:47 AM | #28 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
|
|
14 December 2019, 04:30 AM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Odorious Onion
Watch: yes, it's hipster
Posts: 1,567
|
If the s**tstorm on this thread has shown anything, it's that the people who should be worried (sellers) are. They get really defensive really quickly, despite not having any basis to their position.
But hey, I appreciate the mockery- it just keeps pushing this thread to the top of the queue.
__________________
Here come dat boi Jerry |
14 December 2019, 04:39 AM | #30 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: The Empire State
Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513
Posts: 3,407
|
Quote:
That said, I 100% agree that sellers SHOULD be worried. |
|
Tags |
blueberry , gmt , gmt 1675 |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.