2018...and RSC have just fitted a new Flat Four insert to an LV for me.

[Bladeshot]

Interesting to see this insert variation. Fascinating that Rolex has some and put one on. Do you think the variation could be from a run where an older, worn stamp that applied the number? Let’s see if any more turn up. Thanks for posting!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[watchwatcher]

I think I would look to your RSC for more details about your service insert. A new variant or just something they had laying around? I would be interested to know myself.

As far as disclosure, it would depend on their answer. But I would think something along the lines of "bezel replaced at service with a flat four example" would be sufficient.

It's a beautiful watch, IMO. Love the early LV's.

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by 037

Perhaps I missed it above but did your LV have a pointed or flat-four insert before sending in for service? F6 is late enough that it could have been either version.

I wondered when someone would ask and it's perhaps ironic: I believe that the one fitted to it before service was a generic, non-Rolex insert!

[zack777es]

Thanks for sharing this and your insights.

I have an M serial Kermit and have always been fascinated by a lot of 16610LV owners' fascinations with the flat fours, lime insert, dial variations etc.

Me? I'm just glad to have gotten hold of one way before the current crazy asking prices

I do believe however that due to the limited (8 years??) production of the 16610LV, any new insight(discovery?) warrants the attention of current owners, who identify with the significance of different nuances of all the 16610LV ever produced.

Mine is working fine but is 9 years old and recently thought of sending it in for a movement service only.

Now, I'm definitely thinking of what are the chances of mine getting a new insert similar to this when I do send it for service

[HL65]

Originally Posted by fastfreddie

You were obviously not having a laugh, it seems to make it even worse. Mind you I never collected no.plates or stamps.

Pathetic post

Thanks for sharing Haywood and quite interesting and first I’ve seen fitted by RSC.

[037]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

I wondered when someone would ask and it's perhaps ironic: I believe that the one fitted to it before service was a generic, non-Rolex insert!

Haha... I thought I missed that detail somewhere. Glad I asked!

The fact that your new insert doesn't quite match documented original flat-fours does beg the question of what the future holds in service replacements. Will only Y and F serials get them? Will they all get them? Is Rolex doing this on purpose to curb the secondhand market? Hard to say.

No matter what, Y and F serials with mk1 dials and original flat-fours might still demand crazy prices despite this new insert if it is indeed a trend. In fact, known-correct full sets might even go higher.

[CPRWATCH]

Thanks for posting Haywood .But just had a thought , I have a V serial LV with a non flat four insert fitted, do you think the RSC might change it to a flat four " possible service " variant like yours if it went in for a service . I hope they don't ,as it won't be as originally purchased , just a thought .

[sensui]

Super interesting. I still don't think Rolex kept track of which watches had which insert in terms of print changes over time...likely a new service part...all the nice "vintage" parts are hoarded by their specialized vintage service dept these days.

[bp1000]

oh the alignment on the 30 would push me to request a new insert!

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by bp1000

oh the alignment on the 30 would push me to request a new insert!

Close-up and perspective exaggerate the effect, I think.

I ain't sending this bezel insert back ;-)

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Thanks for posting Haywood .But just had a thought , I have a V serial LV with a non flat four insert fitted, do you think the RSC might change it to a flat four " possible service " variant like yours if it went in for a service . I hope they don't ,as it won't be as originally purchased , just a thought .

Don't know, but we'll probably find out over coming months as others have their watches serviced. I expect this may become the new "normal."

H

[bp1000]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Close-up and perspective exaggerate the effect, I think.

I ain't sending this bezel insert back ;-)

I didn't think so

[tie219]

Very interesting post- thanks for sharing. Maybe this will convince collectors that paying a $6k premium for a different font on a plastic insert is crazy

[037]

Haywood - How much did they charge for the new insert?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Don't know, but we'll probably find out over coming months as others have their watches serviced. I expect this may become the new "normal."

H

I agree. Personally, I don’t think Rolex is as fanatical about these little nuances and they just have LV inserts. With the different runs of production, there have been little differences in font. Personally, I would be a bit peeved if I had spent big money on a loose original flat 4 LV insert (of course I would have never done that.......not my style)

[dkg1616]

Sounds like a win to me!

[bobabreath]

If Rolex is truly making new flat 4 bezels, then eventually pointy 4 bezels will become rare and go up in price? Great news for my M-serial LV!

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Don't know, but we'll probably find out over coming months as others have their watches serviced. I expect this may become the new "normal."

H

Interesting times to come possibly then , the non flat four insert with rehaut could become the most sought after LV . Not too bothered either way really ,as any variant is a great watch to have

[emersm]

That watch is gorgeous! Thank you for posting, Haywood.

[droptopman]

Beautiful example Haywood. Thank you for the education/information. Interesting times.

[snowvapor]

thanks for the heads up ! I have a F9 serial 16610lv and had it serviced in 2017, came back with a non flat four new bezel. They charged me 400$ Canadian for a new bezel. Looking forward for my next service :)

Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk

[mailman]

Thanks for sharing your experience and beautiful watch Haywood

Looks like the crystal is of the AR variety. I for one would love that

[Onikage]

My knowledge of 16610LV variants is amateur at best, but aren't the earlier flat fours also a more lime green colour? That seems to be what you have. Interesting if these are now the norm for service parts. Which I'm assuming have been the latest dark green coloured one until now. Very cool.

[116710er]

I'm a bit confused about the confusion (or distain?) in regards to flat 4's, pointed 4's, lime green, Kelly green, etc., etc. Isn't the entire Rolex vintage market price structure based on these type of minute differences? I mean would you sell me your 1680 Red for the same price as a 1680 White? It's just one small line of text, no? How about selling your Mk.1 1680/5513 insert for the same price as a "thin font" service insert? No?

I know the 16610LV isn't a "true" vintage but they soon will be. I would expect these type of nuances are "kinda" important now but as time goes on, these will be more important.

So why all the hate for people who are trying to catalog the changes? I think it's fantastic that people are posting great photos and sharing this info for future reference. God know there are many times where I wish there were better photos/timelines/info when I'm looking up vintage stuff.

[mjclark32]

Really nice, H! Thanks for the report!

[SLS]

Interesting that this was done at service knowing the angst this insert has caused. Nice pick up!

Originally Posted by MonBK

Also notice how the "pearl" sits one hundred of a mm. closer to the top.

[superdog]

Thanks Haywood.

Loved this post. Interesting times for watch nerds.

[DoctorA]

Consider yourself lucky! I would wear it and never get rid of it!

[Luap1976]

The original flat 4 font is totally diff to this version.look at how the 30 is spaced angled and the number 2 shape is totally diff also.this must be a 2018 insert they use for service

[FTX I]

Great post. Thanks for sharing.