Faded Pepsi bezel inserts circa 2000

[Thuilln]

Anyone knows if this guy’s claim is of any value (regarding the on-purpose fading from Rolex)?

https://www.fratellowatches.com/role...ndayz-week-36/

I’m asking because my A serial from 2000 has got the exact same faded bezel insert as the one we see on these pictures. I bought the watch from the original owner, who rarely wore it in over 15 years, and I thought it was odd that the red portion of the bezel has faded so much while the blue part remained crisp and dark.

Cheers

Nick

[Cubdrick]

I have a K-series 16710 purchased new from an AD in 2004. I do not suspect artificial fading on mine and only slight discolorization in the past 14 years. Wish I could still buy a new GMT for $4250!

[henrylee]

I think 15 years is enough time to fade the pink portion of the bezel.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by henrylee

I think 15 years is enough time to fade the pink portion of the bezel.

Yes, but the guy I bought it from rarely wore it. I doubt he left it in direct sunshine or any light source for those many, many years it wasn’t worn... hence my curiosity when I read that article from Fratello.

[Old Expat Beast]

"Besides that often people replaced the Pepsi bezel from these watches over time. They got remarks from bystanders that their bezel looked old and discolored."

That just sounds made up. What "bystanders" are going to comment on a faded red portion of a bezel?

[floris]

I used to have a GMT II with a black bezel. Overtime I purchased 2 Pepsi inserts at an AD in Amsterdam. The first one was bright colored and the second one was faded. They were selling both at the time.

[RastabanStar]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

"Besides that often people replaced the Pepsi bezel from these watches over time. They got remarks from bystanders that their bezel looked old and discolored."

That just sounds made up. What "bystanders" are going to comment on a faded red portion of a bezel?

I was having dinner with a friend who I hadn't seen for a while who looked at my wrist asked "Is that a Rolex?" I said yeah and held my 16710 Pepsi up for him to see. His response:

"I thought it would be nicer. It looks faded?"

I said that it's a tool watch designed for daily wear, to which he responded:

"What does that mean? That only tools wear them?"

We laughed and went on to the next topic. But to your point, I can't image a random bystander would notice or criticize my bezel.

[springer]

My guess is the author has been somewhere soaking up too much "artificial light" or drinking too much artificial alcohol. Total nonsense.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by floris

I used to have a GMT II with a black bezel. Overtime I purchased 2 Pepsi inserts at an AD in Amsterdam. The first one was bright colored and the second one was faded. They were selling both at the time.

Now that’s interesting. Thanks for your input.