1975 GMT Master “Root Beer” thoughts

[Thedumbfox]

I am new to the Rolex virus, having just now come down with first sure signs of the sickness—Feel like I need a second one now.

Dad gave me his watch bucket that mostly had Elgin’s and Bullovas. However it had this GMT Master.

I was curious for any opinions? How does the condition? A Rolex reseller told me the band was probably aftermarket. Anything else?

[TimeLord2]

Dial and hands look original with matching patina. Hard to tell where the specs on the dial are coming from, could be the crystal. If the hands still glow then that would be a sign they have been replaced. The clasp looks like it's from an American made oval link bracelet (looks like mine). The end links look to be 455 J but hard to tell given picture quality and those would be appropriate for a Swiss made bracelet. The links in between I have no idea as I do think it should be oval links, not "D" links. If you take off the bracelet (using a paper clip or tooth pick) you can see the serial number at 6:00 and the model number at 12:00. You can look on this forum to see what year it corresponds to. The insert looks like it is from a later model, like a 16753 (16750 model) but may be a service insert. Take more pics from the sides and between the lugs, and obscure the last 3 or 4 digits of the serial number. Wait for the experts to chime in. Looks nice to me although probably in need of a service at this point. Since you're in Texas, Bob Ridley.

[yowlie]

Looks like original dial and hands and fat lugs. Do not let someone polish that case. If you like chrome, buy a new bumper hitch instead.

[springer]

Looks like a nice original watch with a bezel insert for a solid gold model. The bracelet, like many vintage bracelets, has probably seen some repairs in the past with upgraded or newer parts. I see this quite often.

It appears to have the original clasp with newer "D" link bracelet sections.(bracelet links are shaped like a D) . The original bracelet pieces had oval shaped links.

If you need help with anything, I'm in the DFW metro area.

[TimeLord2]

Springer is an expert regarding this reference. I would take him up on this offer. Most definitely.

[Laserflorida]

Second the springer recommendation. Got from him last year or so.

[Jackie Daytona]

Hell of a watch bucket find! Congrats!

[drockadam]

Gorgeous Root Beer! Source a two tone insert and you'll be golden. TT Root Beer GMT on a Jubilee is such a classic iconic watch

[javier]

Very very nice piece. Congrats

[btinl]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/33404420066...0AAOSwxntgy~pW

[Handey0465]

Originally Posted by btinl

https://www.ebay.com/itm/33404420066...0AAOSwxntgy~pW

Pathetic of the OP. Find dads watch. Immediately join Rolexforum to ask questions about it just so they can sell it.

Tells lies. “I have Rolex sickness, and now need a second one”. Pure BS.

Ain’t there nothing sacred no more?

[Dan S]

Silly starting bid given the condition issues. Good luck with that.

[HiBoost]

I bought this '74 earlier this year, serviced by master watchmaker with a Rolex parts account and with a Rolliworks service on the bracelet, for about 2/3 of OP's "starting bid". So yeah, good luck.

[drockadam]

Originally Posted by HiBoost

I bought this '74 earlier this year, serviced by master watchmaker with a Rolex parts account and with a Rolliworks service on the bracelet, for about 2/3 of OP's "starting bid". So yeah, good luck.

This is too perfect. Love this!

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by Handey0465

Pathetic of the OP. Find dads watch. Immediately join Rolexforum to ask questions about it just so they can sell it.

Tells lies. “I have Rolex sickness, and now need a second one”. Pure BS.

Ain’t there nothing sacred no more?

Wow! Agreed.

Maybe he’s selling it to get the second one…

[hutch300]

I don't like it - seems like nothing but the rolex profiteer bug to me. Not what this forum is for.

[henrylee]

It’s a beautiful watch that I would keep

[SS Oyster]

I really dislike vintage TT jubilee bracelets. As a matter of fact, all vintage jubilee bracelets.


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[Thedumbfox]

Wow Gentlemen, a lot of hate for a newbie. I thought the rules were not to try to sell on here.
As far as all the "lies" talk, my apologies, I didn't mean to send any wrong impressions. My dad gave me a gold GMT Master II that meant something to him and I am not and will not sell. He also gave me the bucket with the Elgins and this Root Beer and said to sell or do whatever. I wasn't particularly interested in keeping it.
But I understand going forward. I will not post anything on here that I don't intend to keep.

[TimeLord2]

Actually, you would not believe how often there is a first and last post of "hey I just found this watch, it was my (insert father's, grandfather's, godfather's, grandmother's, whatever…) and I would love to learn about the history and if it's fake. BTW, how much do you think it' worth, etc…" Many here have responded to these questions only to see it pop up on EBAY within a day or two and the original poster never returns.

There is a tremendous amount of knowledge to be gained by the experts on this forum and those same experts many times feel taken advantage of as there is typically no follow up or thanks for the information provided. The fact that it was from your father's is also a sticking point as many have lost their father and inherited the watch. Perhaps you should have mentioned the other watch your father had given you that you were more inclined to keep. The people on this forum are true WIS (watch idiot savants) and interested in providing information to those who are interested and love to hear a good story about the history of the watch and where it's been. Perhaps a picture of the other watch you kept might change the emotional reaction as clearly your story is incomplete. Anyways, it is and was a great looking watch.

My father gave me his watch for my graduation from college right off his wrist, and I will always treasure it. I think the goodwill can return. And here's a pic of my Dad's watch. He certainly has a story behind it.

[Thedumbfox]

TimeLord2, I didn't know any of that. It is helpful to have all that background. I'll confess ignorance, I didn't understand that level of thoroughness was important--I was trying not to write a novel in my first question, but I see now that a longer post would have been better.

A thank you is certainly in order to all that helped with introducing me to the GMT Master world and helping me understand its history. Again, I understand now that if I am considering selling something, this is not the place for it.

The GMT Master II is below, I believe it is an early 90's model (so not very vintage). Likewise, he gave me a Rolex pocket watch he always liked.