Urgent advice needed please.

[GolfPunk]

I have an opportunity to purchase this 1972 GMT Pepsi but I need the experts to provide me with opinions. The watch comes with service papers including last service done by Rolex in November 2016 but it looks like the dial and hands plus the bezel have been replaced.

What range of numbers should the serial number be to confirm 1972?

The serial number on this one starts 290**** is this correct.

Does it look over polished and Any idea on current values??

[Quicksilver]

I'm not sure about value or serial numbers but the dial ("Swiss" with no "T" designations), bezel and hands look like service replacements. And that's fine as long as you are aware of that and its reflected in the price. Still a very handsome piece.

[mato123]

According to one source 290 serial points to 1971, according to another it's 1972, so you're about right.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

I'm not sure about value or serial numbers but the dial ("Swiss" with no "T" designations), bezel and hands look like service replacements. And that's fine as long as you are aware of that and its reflected in the price. Still a very handsome piece.

Yes as above I am aware of the replacement service parts. Thanks 👍

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by mato123

According to one source 290 serial points to 1971, according to another it's 1972, so you're about right.

Thanks. 1972 is my birth year so I need this to be accurate.

[mato123]

Looks freshly polished probably during the last service at Rolex. If it was polished by manufacturer it wouldn't bother me that much. When it comes to price it's hard to comment, some asking prices are crazy on these 5 digit GMTs.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by mato123

Looks freshly polished probably during the last service at Rolex. If it was polished by manufacturer it wouldn't bother me that much. When it comes to price it's hard to comment, some asking prices are crazy on these 5 digit GMTs.

This is a 4 digit 1675

[mato123]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

This is a 4 digit 1675

OK, thanks for correction.

[Mystro]

I can see that someone didnt know how to properly remove the bracelet from the head as there is spring bar marks on the front of the lugs.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by mato123

OK, thanks for correction.

I wasn’t being picky, i corrected just in case it changes your opinion on the watch at all.

[mato123]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

I wasn’t being picky, i corrected just in case it changes your opinion on the watch at all.

No worries, I know what you meant. My opinion doesn't change - as stated if polishing and parts replacement was done by Rolex I don't see an issue. But really hard to comment on price. If you check chrono24 for the price idea you'll see that prices vary significantly on these watches.

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by mato123

No worries, I know what you meant. My opinion doesn't change - as stated if polishing and parts replacement was done by Rolex I don't see an issue. But really hard to comment on price. If you check chrono24 for the price idea you'll see that prices vary significantly on these watches.

That’s very true and this deal is at £6100 so it seems to be a good deal compared to others but of course it’s got the replacement not original parts.

[dbhak22]

To answer your question about whether or not the case is over polished, I would say no. It certainly has been polished but I wouldn't categorize this as "over polished".

[Donaldkrama]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

That’s very true and this deal is at £6100 so it seems to be a good deal compared to others but of course it’s got the replacement not original parts.

True

[mato123]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

That’s very true and this deal is at £6100 so it seems to be a good deal compared to others but of course it’s got the replacement not original parts.

Let me put it this way - if I was shopping for a vintage GMT Master from my birth year I think I can see me spending that amount of money for this particular watch.

[mato123]

Originally Posted by dbhak22

To answer your question about whether or not the case is over polished, I would say no. It certainly has been polished but I wouldn't categorize this as "over polished".

I agree and I believe it's because it was polished by a pro at Rolex to their standards.

[donq]

At least the lume will work!

[GolfPunk]

It seems that this is priced at £6100 as opposed to £10000 because it has the replacement parts, I’ll await a few more replies from experts before committing tomorrow.

[mjclark32]

I don't know much about vintage so I'll just recommend reaching out to Springer (usually hangs in the vintage section), he's a wealth of info especially in regards to GMT's. Best of luck

[GB-man]

You'll get more traction in the vintage section. Springer knows GMTs from top to bottom.

[FTX I]

Great looking watch that's all I can add.

[Likestheshiny]

If this is a watch you actually want to own and wear, and the replacement parts don't bother you, then that seems like a solid price for a nice watch. You're getting a meaningful "discount" because of those replacement parts, which is actually better if you don't mind them.

[Nairn1980]

Hello mate, good to see your post on here.

I was looking at this same particular watch and was very taken by it. However I was concerned by the condition of bracelet, and non original parts. Also non original box, no papers etc.

However it does look lovely.

I’d say £6k is a decent price all things considered but factor in future work (bracelet) and lack of originality.

[RonSwanson]

Since this is a birth year watch, and not an investment, I personally would view the service dial and hands as a bonus. it's the best of both worlds for a watch you plan to keep. It's the correct year (same as you) it's more affordable than a completely original piece, and it glows! good luck!

[Nairn1980]

Can it be confirmed that the Watch is actually a 1972 and not just circa?
I’m sure the OP would be upset to buy a birth year and it ends up being a year out lol and with lack of any papers it’s hard to confirm I’d assume?

[SL BRABUS]

It may have replacement service parts..... But overall it look good to me....

[henry333]

Looks great for that yr . Besides the replacement parts it's looks great

[GolfPunk]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Can it be confirmed that the Watch is actually a 1972 and not just circa?
I’m sure the OP would be upset to buy a birth year and it ends up being a year out lol and with lack of any papers it’s hard to confirm I’d assume?

Am I right in saying..up until 1972, the manufacture month/year were engraved in the inside of the caseback (or have I dreamt that?).

[mannyv11]

it is impossible to find out the exact age of the watch unless you have the original receipt from purchase. Serial number charts are just a range impossible to get it right 100%

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by GolfPunk

Am I right in saying..up until 1972, the manufacture month/year were engraved in the inside of the caseback (or have I dreamt that?).

I’ve never heard this but I’m no expert