1991 Gmt Master-ii

[ragtime]

Hello all, this is my first post here, and I’d love a bit of feedback or help. I just bought this watch today from a reputable jeweller with a full 2 year guarantee. As you can see its a used 1991 Gmt Master, in, what looks to me, good condition.

The only thing wrong I can see is that the date magnification seems exceptionally small. What do others think?

Should I live with it? Am I being paranoid, or have I even bought a fake?

[jcatt]

Magnification looks off, as you said.
Can you get an AD to authenticate? That would be a good first step. It could just be an aftermarket crystal, which is an easy thing to get replaced with genuine.
JCATT

[NKflyer]

I agree with jcatt... Looks like it has an aftermarket (generic non-Rolex) crystal and I also think the bezel insert looks wonky, probably aftermarket too. The watch itself appears genuine although I wouldn't bet my life on it based on just one smallish photo.

[freefly]

Yep, looks like an aftermarket crystal and bezel insert from here.

[jcatt]

As an FYI, a genuine Rolex bezel insert is about $100 from any watchmaker with a Rolex parts account. Someone like Vanessa (highly reputable Rolex certified watchmaker based in California) can take care of that, as well as installing a genuine Rolex crystal for you. And since you have no service history for the watch, getting it served either from RSC or someone like Vanessa is a must-do. If shipping to California is difficult for you, as I am not sure where you are, you can most certainly find a good semi-local reference on this site:)
JCATT

[Thathorologist]

I have seen a GMT before on the wristbusters page on ig that had a poor date Magnification. The only explanation is that the glue that they use to attach the cyclops to the sapphire crystal is not glued properly or the crystal is simply an aftermarket because crystals do break or crack or scratch.
From all markings on dial, date font and everything I looked at Without a doubt it is authentic however I understand every time you look at your watch the date magnification is not familiar to your eyes so I recommend changing the crystal with Genuine Rolex Crystal.

All the best

[Runnin' Rebel]

25 year old watch would, at the first chance I bought, would be sent to Vanessa for a look over. Without even wearing it off in the mail it goes.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by jcatt

As an FYI, a genuine Rolex bezel insert is about $100 from any watchmaker with a Rolex parts account.

Yep, the crystal and insert can certainly be replaced with genuine parts and not break the bank. However, any service parts on watch should be taken into consideration when determining value and/or purchasing, IMO. While genuine replacement/service parts would be much more desirable than the current aftermarket bits, they would not be original, nor period-correct. If one wanted to source a period-correct insert and/or crystal, it could be a much more expensive endeavor, depending on the reference and age (especially if you want NOS parts).

Originally Posted by jcatt

If shipping to California is difficult for you, as I am not sure where you are, you can most certainly find a good semi-local reference on this site:)
JCATT

If the OP's location listed in accurate, I believe he is in the north of England. So, Rolex UK RSC is an option of course...though one would have to be OK with service parts being fitted.
That said, if it was purchased from a grey-dealer with a 2-year warranty, they might have serviced the watch themselves prior to the sale (worth checking/confirming).