The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Reference Library

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 19 December 2017, 04:44 AM   #61
Boman
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Real Name: Mister B
Location: Denmark
Posts: 18
thanks for sharing
Boman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 June 2018, 03:03 AM   #62
SeeitBuyit
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FL
Watch: Breguet Hora Mundi
Posts: 133
Thanks springer, most informative and appreciated.
SeeitBuyit is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 June 2018, 11:49 PM   #63
CAJUNSTEVE
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: LOUISIANA
Posts: 3
Excellent, thanks for sharing!
CAJUNSTEVE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 June 2018, 02:09 PM   #64
Steve in SoCal
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 78
I have buying a GMT from Springer as part of my 5 year plan


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Steve in SoCal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 July 2018, 09:40 AM   #65
HarryLime
"TRF" Member
 
HarryLime's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: NY
Posts: 676
Can anyone tell me what year the blueback inserts first appeared? They were never standard issue for 1675s, correct? Only as service, and then later standard issue for 16750. Do I have that right?
HarryLime is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 July 2018, 10:34 AM   #66
springer
2024 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,157
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryLime View Post
Can anyone tell me what year the blueback inserts first appeared? They were never standard issue for 1675s, correct? Only as service, and then later standard issue for 16750. Do I have that right?
GMT 1675s all had red backs with red backs continuing through the end of the matte-dialed 16750s. It might be possible to find late 16750 mattes with blue backs - I can't say for sure - but, based on my experience, 1984 seems to be the time frame for the arrival of the blue backs with some time for transition between the two.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 October 2018, 02:30 AM   #67
opzxkl
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: TRF
Posts: 32
Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
GMT 1675s all had red backs with red backs continuing through the end of the matte-dialed 16750s. It might be possible to find late 16750 mattes with blue backs - I can't say for sure - but, based on my experience, 1984 seems to be the time frame for the arrival of the blue backs with some time for transition between the two.
Slightly heartbroken now after taking out the insert on my 1675 and seeing a blue back. Lol.
opzxkl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 October 2018, 02:51 AM   #68
jaisonline
2024 Pledge Member
 
jaisonline's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: USA
Watch: 5 digit models
Posts: 1,515
great thread. thanks for creating it and sharing your knowledge

do replacement 16170 and 16170 inserts from a RSC or from ADs w/ a Rolex parts account come with a little scan code on the back? code looks like a smaller version of this package's code i found on google.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg s-l1600.jpg (18.9 KB, 720 views)
jaisonline is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 October 2018, 03:09 AM   #69
Gmt21
"TRF" Member
 
Gmt21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Frank
Location: Earth
Watch: Rolex 1665
Posts: 295
What’s remarkable is that some of the true fat font blue backs are so close to their red back cousins. Darn hard to tell without flipping them around. I wonder if anyone has done a detailed study comparison of red back to blue back fat font inserts ? I didn’t find one searching the site.
Gmt21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 October 2018, 10:46 AM   #70
037
2024 Pledge Member
 
037's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 6,171
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaisonline View Post
great thread. thanks for creating it and sharing your knowledge

do replacement 16170 and 16170 inserts from a RSC or from ADs w/ a Rolex parts account come with a little scan code on the back? code looks like a smaller version of this package's code i found on google.
Yes.
037 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 October 2018, 10:51 AM   #71
jaisonline
2024 Pledge Member
 
jaisonline's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: USA
Watch: 5 digit models
Posts: 1,515
Quote:
Originally Posted by 037 View Post
Yes.
many thanks.
jaisonline is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 November 2018, 09:17 PM   #72
Yaz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: GVA
Watch: Rolex 16710
Posts: 1,630
Just want to thank you guys a lot for the post and information shared !!
Very instructive and interesting.
.
Yaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 November 2018, 11:14 PM   #73
Jon Daniel
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Real Name: Jon Daniel
Location: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Watch: Rolex, Patek
Posts: 8
I need a cool pre-used Rolex with blue black inserts
Jon Daniel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 November 2018, 10:00 AM   #74
Danj338
"TRF" Member
 
Danj338's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Midwest
Posts: 184
Thanks for the info Springer.
Danj338 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 November 2018, 09:45 AM   #75
oscarabc
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1
Hi! My first post on this great forum :)

Thanks for a really great and informative post!

I just bought my first rolex, a 16710 from 2004. Really happy about it. Didn't know about these aftermarket insert thought.
Mine has a coke, and my conclusion is that it must be a aftermarket insert, correct? The 2's are hooked.
But I went by my AD and looked at a pepsi insert and it doesn't have the hooked 2's. But still I belive it is regarded as a service insert and not original/genuine anyway...?
Might need to dive deep and look for a original pepsi insert I guess
Attached Images
File Type: jpg GMT coke.JPG (43.8 KB, 682 views)
File Type: jpg GMT Pepsi.JPG (38.9 KB, 686 views)
oscarabc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 April 2019, 04:00 AM   #76
bazin
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: N/A
Posts: 271
Picture of my in 1978 personally purchased, serial nr. 5.3XX.XXX 1675 with it's original insert (watch has cpl original parts, never anything changed, I have all doc's and purchase invoice of $ 525,-).

bazin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 April 2019, 08:08 PM   #77
strafer_kid
"TRF" Member
 
strafer_kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Kenny
Location: northern ireland
Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs
Posts: 5,127
Quote:
Originally Posted by oscarabc View Post
Hi! My first post on this great forum :)

Thanks for a really great and informative post!

I just bought my first rolex, a 16710 from 2004. Really happy about it. Didn't know about these aftermarket insert thought.
Mine has a coke, and my conclusion is that it must be a aftermarket insert, correct? The 2's are hooked.
But I went by my AD and looked at a pepsi insert and it doesn't have the hooked 2's. But still I belive it is regarded as a service insert and not original/genuine anyway...?
Might need to dive deep and look for a original pepsi insert I guess
GMT 16710 is a great choice for your first watch - superb in every way. Enjoy!
strafer_kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 April 2019, 09:18 PM   #78
konniekat
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: New Jersey
Watch: TT Date 69173
Posts: 148
Interesting
konniekat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 April 2019, 09:47 PM   #79
jaisonline
2024 Pledge Member
 
jaisonline's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: USA
Watch: 5 digit models
Posts: 1,515
FYI...

Some folks are buying legit 16610 and 16710 inserts on the secondary market (sealed in the Rolex blister, loose, used, new w/o the blister) and the fit seems to be off. The insert just don’t fit into the bezel no matter how much you push with your thumbs (ouch). Sometimes you need extra help like carefully using good plastic pliers. I was able to get many of my inserts to work with ample electrical tape wrapped around my rectangular metal pliers.

Obviously this can make some people to think the insert might be a reproduction despite looking perfect (colors, numbers, rear bezel lips, etc...). Apparently like dial fonts, Rolex does make subtle changes with inserts (not just the front #s).

Take a look at this 2014 topic that helped me. Some really good info in it. In summary, some inserts especially the 16710 Red/ Black seems or be harder to install (mine was new in the blister). I also found new / sealed Root Beers to be difficult.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=350894

Good luck. Special thanks to @Jocke and @Rikki posting in the topic linked above.
jaisonline is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 April 2019, 09:41 AM   #80
TimeLord2
2024 Pledge Member
 
TimeLord2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Valencia, CA
Watch: GMT Master 1675/3
Posts: 2,030
Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
The info here is not for GMT II models with the sapphire crystal - but for the acrylic crystal model inserts found on the GMT 1675 and 16750. Your insert looks fine based on the pic, which, to me, looks like a later GMT 16710 insert.

The crystal is aftermarket...sorry. . . but, many of the watches have aftermarket crystals.
Clearly, you are the expert in this matter Springer. I am curious what you think of this listing which advertises this insert as 100% original https://www.chrono-shop.net/en/1297-...750-brown.html. I have no interest in purchasing it but it looks like it could be another type of reproduction to add to your set. The fonts look quite small but correct What sticks out to me are the alignment issues with the numbers. Numbers to the left of 12:00 are aligned to the outer edge of the insert, while those on the right are aligned to the inner edge of the insert. I find it hard to believe this is legit and could pass quality control given real examples I have seen—even when compared to the pictures directly below where it says 1000% Guaranteed Genuine!
TimeLord2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 April 2019, 11:43 PM   #81
prlwatch
"TRF" Member
 
prlwatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: CA
Watch: 16710 BLRO w/3186
Posts: 120
Do any of you know about an all red bezel insert? I first saw one on a Real McCoy's Chuck Yeager GMT Master (so maybe not Rolex OEM), but also here:
https://www.chrono-shop.net/en/4218-...-original.html

Is this just a strangely faded brown and gold bezel insert, or did Rolex actually make all red inserts? I surely do want one.
prlwatch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 April 2019, 12:08 PM   #82
BigBlue1
2024 Pledge Member
 
BigBlue1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Real Name: Webmaster
Location: Space
Watch: it pal !
Posts: 2,954
I sent you a PM John. Please see.

Thank you.
__________________
" Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford".
Cindy Crawford

Hypochondria is the only disease I haven't got
RIP Mikey
BigBlue1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 July 2019, 12:38 AM   #83
DSplash
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Paris
Posts: 258
Thanks a lot for this extremely useful work!



I’m interested in buying this insert that looked legit to my eyes accordingly to everything I’ve read here but I was told by someone more knowledgeable that it was not good...Any opinions?


Thanks!


Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk
DSplash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2020, 12:55 PM   #84
chai2911
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Penang
Posts: 22
Rolex 1675/16750 Black Bezel Insert

Hi Everyone, can anyone help to check whether this bezel is genuine or not?

Thank you.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 6e468618-57a4-45a4-8e2e-8ef409f65d44.jpg (20.1 KB, 339 views)
chai2911 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2020, 03:04 PM   #85
TimeLord2
2024 Pledge Member
 
TimeLord2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Valencia, CA
Watch: GMT Master 1675/3
Posts: 2,030
Quote:
Originally Posted by chai2911 View Post
Hi Everyone, can anyone help to check whether this bezel is genuine or not?

Thank you.
This thread is 8 months old from the last comment but much older in reality but after reading this freaking awesome article prepared by Springer I'm going to say, while your insert does look original It does look artificially aged and even sanded to enhance the patina.
Hopefully someone my come along and actually comment on your insert. However, If you really want to get the job done create a new thread. Here is a sample title and be prepared to provide better pictures and include a picture of the backside.

"Is this insert real or fake? I'm about to pull the trigger!"
TimeLord2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2020, 04:08 PM   #86
springer
2024 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,157
Quote:
Originally Posted by chai2911 View Post
Hi Everyone, can anyone help to check whether this bezel is genuine or not?

Thank you.
The insert is genuine but it's been hit with the buffing wheel way too many times giving it the gradient fade effect. It wouldn't surprise me either than some type of bleaching solution has also been used on it.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2020, 05:34 PM   #87
chai2911
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Penang
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
The insert is genuine but it's been hit with the buffing wheel way too many times giving it the gradient fade effect. It wouldn't surprise me either than some type of bleaching solution has also been used on it.
Thanks for the reply. Can it be fit with Rolex 16750?

Thank you.
chai2911 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2020, 05:34 PM   #88
chai2911
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Penang
Posts: 22
Can it be fit with Rolex 16750?
chai2911 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 January 2023, 03:39 AM   #89
shammad10
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 797
Awesome thread, really enjoyed that. Thanks Springer.

TRF really is such a good resource for those of us looking to learn.
shammad10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
bezel , insert


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.