GMT red bezel fading

[AriC]

Hey all.

Is this a known issue?

What to do?

Best from

Ari

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[Dompropat]

For the aluminum bezel, yes. You can replace it if you want a fresh one, but I would wait until a service.

[harvey]

1. Yes.

2a. If you like it, do nothing.
2b. If you don't like it, buy another insert.

[Lex_Ordo]

When it first happened to my 16710, the red looked somewhat Salmon in color. I was quite displeased with this. It went into service and was replaced, and I subsequently found out this was a very well known issue and common in the more tropical climates with the red on the GMT Bezel insert.

Guess I didn't get the memo! And I don't even live in a Tropical climate. WTF?

This led me towards selling it and looking very seriously at the New Ceramic bezel that had just been released along with the entirely new case and bracelet of the GMT. Circa 2007.

My AD talked me out of it, and I still have the 16710 reference. Now it is relegated to a work watch, and although I try to take care of it, it gets the crap beat out of it quite often.

Not to worry... I did end up with a New BLNR, and couldn't be happier with it. Hence why the 16710 is relegated to work detail.

One old style and now, one New style.

[Fujiman]

Well, you're beating the hell out of a watch that could be sold between $7,000-10,000. Not wise in my world.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by Fujiman

Well, you're beating the hell out of a watch that could be sold between $7,000-10,000. Not wise in my world.

Good thing he doesn’t live in your world. Why bother buying the watch if you aren’t going to wear it?


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[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Heff

Good thing he doesn’t live in your world. Why bother buying the watch if you aren’t going to wear it?


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Wearing it and beating it are Two FAR different things.

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

Wearing it and beating it are Two FAR different things.

Huh? Most of the fading is due to sunlight.

If you call that “beating,” well... you’re clearly someone who's watches wear them instead of the reverse.

[Likestheshiny]

Well, you're beating the hell out of a watch that could be sold between $7,000-10,000. Not wise in my world.

I'm confused. Where does he say he's being rough with the watch?

[Lex_Ordo]

My 16710 GMT gets banged around somewhat, in addition to the UV damage. Before my GMT, I wore a Tudor Sub for 20+ years.
Rolex and Tudor watches are built very tough. I know!
These watches are absolute quality, through and through.
I work outdoors, and I've either worn my Tudor or my GMT 16710. They go to service and come back looking New.
Don't be afraid to wear your watches. They are made to be worn.

With that said... I did buy two other Rolex, a 116710 and 116334. I wear these when I am not working.

[Lex_Ordo]

As for what the watches are worth...
I know what I have.
Don't be afraid to wear your watches. They are very tough and nothing you do to them can't be fixed at a RSC.

[Fujiman]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

I'm confused. Where does he say he's being rough with the watch?

Go back and read this:

"Now it is relegated to a work watch, and although I try to take care of it, it gets the crap beat out of it quite often."

Reading comprehension is fundamental.

[padi56]

Depending on most things today if exposed to UV light they will fade in time,the red/blue inserts seem to fade after many years of wearing.But very easy and quite cheap to replace around $75 from Rolex you can even DIY. But scratch a ceramic its back to Rolex and costly to replace .

[omitohud]

Some people like wearing brand spanking new watches, some like the look of vintage. It’s a matter of preference. But know this, when you want naturally and nice looking faded parts in Rolex, expect to pay a premium.


I blame it on autoconnect.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by Fujiman

Well, you're beating the hell out of a watch that could be sold between $7,000-10,000. Not wise in my world.

No offense, but there’re made to be worn. My 16710 has born brand new to wear to death, but after service it’s back looking sharp. P serial. Normal tuff wear is what I bought it for. My first and not going anywhere. Maybe the same for Lex Ordo

Originally Posted by Heff

Good thing he doesn’t live in your world. Why bother buying the watch if you aren’t going to wear it?


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He’s bingo fuel

[Onikage]

I try to keep mine out of prolonged direct sunlight... God knows why as it's a matter of 35 quid to replace. I'm keeping it as minty as possible though, and the clasp blades are still stiff in the middle.. a faded insert would look odd. My logic anyway.

[DavidUK]

I like the faded look, shows that it (and you) have lived a life and not been snuggled up in cotton wool.

[N5XTC]

Originally Posted by Heff

Good thing he doesn’t live in your world. Why bother buying the watch if you aren’t going to wear it?


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there is a difference between wearing it and beating the hell out of it. if you want to beat the hell out of a watch, buy a Patek, Timex or Casio.

[N5XTC]

p.s. does it not hurt the value to replace the bezel? i met a guy at the museum today with a 1978 sub and told him NEVER to have it polished.

[Likestheshiny]

Go back and read this:
"Now it is relegated to a work watch, and although I try to take care of it, it gets the crap beat out of it quite often."
Reading comprehension is fundamental.

Ah, that's what you mean. I just assumed your original comment was responding to the Op and actually had something to do with the thread topic.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by N5XTC

there is a difference between wearing it and beating the hell out of it. if you want to beat the hell out of a watch, buy a Patek, Timex or Casio.

Lol. I have been wanting to expand into Patek, but I just don’t feel as though they are built as solid as Rolex. Maybe I am wrong.


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[Rolex_geek]

Originally Posted by N5XTC

p.s. does it not hurt the value to replace the bezel? i met a guy at the museum today with a 1978 sub and told him NEVER to have it polished.

Faded inserts (patina) on a aluminum insert GMT are highly prized by collectors. Even if you replace the insert always keep the faded original.

[Uhtred59]

So for the OP's question, it is more the nature of the aluminum medium not an issue.

[IronRiceBowl]

If you don't like it, replace it. However, faded bezels are often highly sought after and attractive to many people.

[Fujiman]

Originally Posted by IronRiceBowl

If you don't like it, replace it. However, faded bezels are often highly sought after and attractive to many people.

Why?

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by N5XTC

there is a difference between wearing it and beating the hell out of it. if you want to beat the hell out of a watch, buy a Patek, Timex or Casio.

Thank You,At least someone has some sense left.

[IronRiceBowl]

Originally Posted by Fujiman

Why?

Why are they attractive? I can only speak personally, but the reason why I prefer tritium dials, aluminium bezels, and original dials, hands, cases, etc., is the uniqueness of each piece. Patina through use, not abuse, is what in my mind continues to help present watches as tools and not status symbols, which is how I choose to view them. Ceramic and superluminova maintain the 'pristine' status symbol-esque marketing that Rolex has shifted to, which just doesn't appeal to me personally.

[dlt]

I recently picked up a ref 16700 from Aug 1997. The bezel has developed a patina sporting a lighter blue and pink combo. The watch is otherwise virtually pristine to the point where the sticker on the case back remains intact. My guess is that this watch may have sat on display under sunlight or strong light indoors for a long time causing the fading but yet is virtually brand new.

I was quite set on a more vibrant colored bezel but the faded look is growing in me for sure.


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[Gtecko]

I agree that some faded insert don't look nice at all. I have a nice faded salmon colored insert circa 2005, keeping it as the vintage look however I do love the bright color of the newer insert and ppl are right, if you know your AD you can get it for very cheap, though make sure to ask to retain the vintage one, ppl are the site are always looking for a nice faded insert to add to their collection