GMT MASTER Pepsi Opinions requested...

[onlinelion]

Well, it seems like one of those days, so as not to hijack the last thread, I'll start another. I just (today) got this watch and was wondering about the color of the bezel. It looks a bit pink to me instead of the nice bright red. It is a U series which puts it around 1997-1998.

Any thoughts about the color fade?

Thanks for all your help!

[sakuraba]

Some people pay good money for a faded bezel

Very nice GMT! It's a 16700, right?

[onlinelion]

Yes, it is a 16700. I am greatly enjoying this watch and I am glad to hear that the fade is desirable.

Thanks!

[2toneYachtMaster]

It looks like the font on your bezel is slightly different than my 16700 pepsi E 1990. Especially the 2 and 4, could be an aftermarket bezel, mine is all original rolex and no fading. Maybe someone changed out the bezel over the years, just my opinion, hope this helps some...

[onlinelion]

Is there any other way to tell if the bezel if aftermarket?

[2toneYachtMaster]

Here is a good close up pic of a 16700, my bezel looks like this.

[RRGHOST1]

Nice watch the 16700 and the fading of the bezel, even if it might be an aftermarket one, makes the watch even more desirable.

[2toneYachtMaster]

Check out where the blue and red meet at the 18 on the bezel, that looks a little different too.

[sakuraba]

An aftermarket bezel is hardly cause for concern. Original ones can be had anywhere from $80-$120. The 16700 should share the same bezel insert as a 16760 and 16710 which makes it far more abundant than the 1675/ 16750 bezels.

If you really want to know if it's authentic, you can take it to an AD and ask them to remove the bezel.

IMO your faded bezel looks great!

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by 2toneYachtMaster

Check out where the blue and red meet at the 18 on the bezel, that looks a little different too.

Where the blue and red meet is not a good indicator. I have seen original bezel inserts with very wide variances. See how the meeting point varies below. All are authentic inserts.



photo credit: mike

[onlinelion]

Very cool photo! Thanks for sharing.

[Speed]

Nice posting Jib!!!

That picture of Mike's is worth a thousand words!!!

Not much Rolex consistency here in terms of fonts etc.

My Pepsi insert I got to replace my D-Series coke bezel has the matching font - in Pepsi of course.

In my view, this all makes the aftermarket bezel concerns less important.

No one will care until / if you sell your watch. Even then...

[theken]

Since your GMT2 is 12 years old, I would expect the bezel to be faded.
To me, this is is offers some reassurance that it is original.
A Rolex AD watchmaker with a parts account can replace it with a new one for less that $100.
Your GMT2 is a modern classic...enjoy it

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by Speed

Nice posting Jib!!!

That picture of Mike's is worth a thousand words!!!

Thanks Bill

I treasure all of Mike's pics. This one in particular. I also posted pic credit at the bottom just in case I get called for plagiarism

[bradg]

I have a 1675 with an original blue bezel insert.....I want to get a Pepsi but am torn between new or faded...I'm kinda leaning toward new, but the watch is old....either way...your bezel looks great

[Randy16V]

Fade is normal- I like it if you had it while it started to fade. Fade may also indicate "original," but you can get a newer, brigher bezel if you like.

I'd be more concerned about the dial on that watch- because IMHO- it's a service dial for I believe it should have come originally with a Tritium dial- or a Luminova dial indicated "Swiss Made" if anything.

Yours indicates "Swiss."

Not that there's anything wrong with the dial- it's original Rolex- just not original to the watch.

Nice watch!

[Randy16V]

Fade is normal- I like it if you had it while it started to fade. Fade may also indicate "original," but you can get a newer, brigher bezel if you like.

I'd be more concerned about the dial on that watch- because IMHO- it's a service dial for I believe it should have come originally with a Tritium dial- or a Luminova dial indicated "Swiss Made" if anything.

Yours indicates "Swiss."

Not that there's anything wrong with the dial- it's original Rolex- just not original to the watch.

Nice watch!

[Randy16V]

Fade is normal- I like it if you had it while it started to fade. Fade may also indicate "original," but you can get a newer, brigher bezel if you like.

I'd be more concerned about the dial on that watch- because IMHO- it's a service dial for I believe it should have come originally with a Tritium dial- or a Luminova dial indicated "Swiss Made" if anything.

Yours indicates "Swiss."

Not that there's anything wrong with the dial- it's original Rolex- just not original to the watch.

Nice watch!

[alphamale2012]

I prefer faded.

[ParisDakarBmw]

You could switch it out with a brand new one from Steve Mulholland, and keep the original. I'd leave it like it is. The natural wear, and fading on this model is very cool. I just got my 16710, and it has a crispy new insert. I'm starting from new, and watching it progress through the years. You have a great jumpstart!

[ride99fxd]

My 16700 U serial is faded also, and I know it is original.

[Puffy]

I prefer my insert nice and crisp with strong colours...

[ag62000]

my GMT

[skyedog]

here is my faded insert too! love it

[amvd]

you can change the bezel any time and keep the original untouched.

[JC316]

Hmm. I thinking this is going to be my first Rolex. Not certain yet but have a really strong feeling.

From reading various posts, I'm under the impression that this is no longer for sale at the stores?

[Brisman]

I like the new look but not too new, although I have a brand spanking new pepsi insert for this as well.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by JC316

Hmm. I thinking this is going to be my first Rolex. Not certain yet but have a really strong feeling.

From reading various posts, I'm under the impression that this is no longer for sale at the stores?

Yes this version has been discontinued, however there are plenty of real nice examples out there so if you want it you can find a nice pre-loved example pretty easy. It's definitely worth getting.

[Harryo]

This post really struck a chord because just yesterday I was at "Jack Road", one of Tokyo's leading vintage Rolex dealers, enjoying a bit of eye candy! They had about five vintage GMT's from the mid sixties to late 70's, all with varying degrees of bezel fade. (All "pepsis") . What I was struck by was how differently the bezels had faded, some were the palest orange, others more red, and some more of a cranberry color. The greater the fade did not necessarily indicate an earlier watcheither-of course, you'd need to know the service/replacement history to understand this better. But, reading the little bit of guff written by the sales staff, and looking at the pricing, it would be safe to say that at least here in Japan buyers are looking for and will pay a pemium for vintage GMT's which have a BALANCED FADE, and a dial and hands which look to be of a similar vintage. I know this is stating the obvious but when I saw five vintage GMTs all lined up, the point was driven home. These were 1675's not the later GMT's but the later ones seem to fade just the same!

[Spunga]

Thought I'd put up two images, first image shows faded insert, second image shows a newer non faded insert (same watch).

Just in case it helps!!!