Buying advice for Pepsi 16750 or 16710

[superflyback]

I'm finally in a position to start the hunt for my vintage Pepsi in earnest. Basically I've narrowed it down to two options.

The brass ring is a matte dial 16750, ideally from 1982 (the year I was born), which I know is a long shot to get with original parts in good condition. The consolation prize would be a 16710 GMT II in new or excellent condition. I know these are very different watches but my thinking is that because I love the look of the matte 16750 I could accept a reasonably wide range of wear, but if that proves too difficult or expensive* to track down, a 16710 in excellent condition is also gorgeous and I could provide 100% of the wear and tear myself.

I've looked at dozens of sites and thousands of these two models over the last decade of wishful thinking, but now that it's actually within reach I'm realizing the list of places/sellers I actually trust is very short, especially online, where I'd be buying sight unseen. I've got a decent short list of things to look for and watch out for when examining the watch itself, but I wanted to ask the experts here if you have recs of sellers who specialize in these models more than others, or brick-and-mortar shops that I could keep an eye on.

I live in NYC and have found that without a deep and expensive relationship with the shops here, getting on a waitlist is not really an option, and the prices are higher here than most places. I am willing to travel, however - in 2016 I bought my BLNR in New Orleans effortlessly at MSRP after searching for months in NYC, so I saved who knows how much time and money by making the trip.

Any expertise and advice is much appreciated!

*FWIW my budget is flexible since this will be the first and last Pepsi I will own, but there is probably a line on the 16750 where I'd be anxious spending on what will be a daily driver for me.

[Dan S]

I don't know if I would worry to much about sellers specializing in a particular reference. You can find great watches in many places, and if you narrow your search too much, you will miss out on good opportunities. As for sellers, a long list of firsthand recommendations from members are in this thread.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=180461

That said, if you can pry a pristine 16750 with full-set out of JP's hands, you should go for it. :-)

[superflyback]

Originally Posted by Dan S

A long list of firsthand recommendations from members are in this thread.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=180461

I'll give it a read, thank you!

[TuRo]

No contest for me if you want a quickset tritium (otherwise a 1675) a 16750 plexi matte would be 1st, WGS plexi 16750 next and high-case coke 16760 last.... 16710 thereafter...All are easy to find tbh, they are not rare pieces like a 6542. Having said that much more potential elephant traps/peril than buying a modern BLNR or BLRO.

If you go high profile vintage dealer or prominent seller route, expect to pay 15-20% more than doing (not inconsiderable) homework and finding one at a non-specialist/auction/private seller etc,

But that is the premium for their thousands of hrs expertise and they'll make sure you get correct caseback, ensure non-relume, correct clasp and endlinks, orig crown and plexi/acrylic (hopefully) and give forensic punch paper checking, all the boxes tags, seals, calenders, translation and other gubbins and various ephemera being bang on....so arguably a small price to pay for a safe purchase if a newbie.

[rmagoo57]

Angelcitytime and mvvwatches are 2 websites I ogle 5 digit Rolex watches. Give them a peek.

[GrailTime]

Personally, i would go the 16710 with the no holes case from the mid 2000s.

Not sure how important it is, but i would go for the full set - box, papers etc, thus guaranteeing you maximum value retention.

One thing to watch out for, many GMTs will have had their bezels switched.
My feeling is that sellers will do that to turn the less attractive all black bezel into the Pepsi or Coke.
Get one with papers to make sure you are getting one with the right match...

16710A - Coke Bezel (red/black)
16710B - Pepsi Bezel (red/blue)
16710N - All Black Bezel

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=319512

[Dan Pierce]

I suggest a 16710 from 2000-2002 w/ lug holes & SELS, which gives you the best of vintage/ modern in one watch.
dP

[superflyback]

Originally Posted by TuRo

No contest for me if you want a quickset tritium (otherwise a 1675) a 16750 plexi matte would be 1st, WGS plexi 16750 next and high-case coke 16760 last.... 16710 thereafter...All are easy to find tbh, they are not rare pieces like a 6542. Having said that much more potential elephant traps/peril than buying a modern BLNR or BLRO.

If you go high profile vintage dealer or prominent seller route, expect to pay 15-20% more than doing (not inconsiderable) homework and finding one at a non-specialist/auction/private seller etc,

But that is the premium for their thousands of hrs expertise and they'll make sure you get correct caseback, ensure non-relume, correct clasp and endlinks, orig crown and plexi/acrylic (hopefully) and give forensic punch paper checking, all the boxes tags, seals, calenders, translation and other gubbins and various ephemera being bang on....so arguably a small price to pay for a safe purchase if a newbie.

Thanks for this! That's my thinking too, for a first time vintage buyer I think the trade-off is worth it.

[superflyback]

Originally Posted by gaffs

Personally, i would go the 16710 with the no holes case from the mid 2000s.

Not sure how important it is, but i would go for the full set - box, papers etc, thus guaranteeing you maximum value retention.

One thing to watch out for, many GMTs will have had their bezels switched.
My feeling is that sellers will do that to turn the less attractive all black bezel into the Pepsi or Coke.
Get one with papers to make sure you are getting one with the right match...

16710A - Coke Bezel (red/black)
16710B - Pepsi Bezel (red/blue)
16710N - All Black Bezel

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=319512

Very helpful, thanks!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Second this - Angela from Angelcitytime is a very picky collector herself when it comes to NOS and LNOS 5 digit pieces. Some of the finest examples I've come across have been from her.

By the way, both fantastic references! I'm also a huge sucker for matte dials...

[Laserflorida]

Talk to springer. Just posted a really nice matte dial 16750 on instagram. I bought a ton from him.
Springerjfp on instagram

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I suggest a 16710 from 2000-2002 w/ lug holes & SELS, which gives you the best of vintage/ modern in one watch.
dP

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by TuRo

No contest for me if you want a quickset tritium (otherwise a 1675) a 16750 plexi matte would be 1st, WGS plexi 16750 next and high-case coke 16760 last.... 16710 thereafter...All are easy to find tbh, they are not rare pieces like a 6542. Having said that much more potential elephant traps/peril than buying a modern BLNR or BLRO.

If you go high profile vintage dealer or prominent seller route, expect to pay 15-20% more than doing (not inconsiderable) homework and finding one at a non-specialist/auction/private seller etc,

But that is the premium for their thousands of hrs expertise and they'll make sure you get correct caseback, ensure non-relume, correct clasp and endlinks, orig crown and plexi/acrylic (hopefully) and give forensic punch paper checking, all the boxes tags, seals, calenders, translation and other gubbins and various ephemera being bang on....so arguably a small price to pay for a safe purchase if a newbie.

Paul's on point again.

[swaini3]

I'd wait for an all correct, decent cased 16750 matte dial. They should not be impossible to find with some patience. Box n papers is a plus but not a must.
Doing your homework is a must regardless who you're buying from.
Good luck.

[brand_c]

Jacek from TropicalWatch or Curtis from Grey&Patina come to mind when it comes to 4 or 5 digit - they are well liked in the industry

Concur that AngelCityTime and MVV watches have some really nice GMT inventories as of late - these newer dealers seem to have plenty of good feedback too

[indianmachine]

16750 matte will give you true vintage vibes if that's what you're looking for. Be patient and find a good one, they're out there!

[superflyback]

Quick update, thank you everyone for the encouragement and advice!

Although I would have thought it was too good to be true, I actually got a DM from @springer the day I posted this thread and he was just about to list an absolutely stunning and correct matte dial 16750 (from 1983, not '82, but I'm willing to let it slide ). The stars aligned and I was able to snag it, and it just arrived this morning.

Holy cow, what a feeling to get a watch I've been dreaming about for a decade, especially since I was gearing up for another several months of searching. Thank you Springer! What am I going to do now that my grail watch is on my wrist? Go have fun I guess. But first I have to break the news to my Speedmaster.

[joli160]

Beautiful watch, job well done.
Bought from the GMT expert around here