4-digit or 6-digit GMTs — which stands out the most

[rgwarden]

Are you kidding? The 4 digit destroys the 6 all day long.

[Harmon Rabb]

In my opinion vintage Rolex is more of a connoisseur choice. It could be a watch that’s been in the family for over 50 years or bought recently second hand. I would keep the 1675. I bought one myself many years ago and it’s very comfortable to wear. If I would go for another GMT it would be a five reference, not the latest ones with ceramic bezel. The older versions are more tool watches and the newer ones more of a jewelry. Nothing wrong with that. That’s the way fashion has moved on. There are choices for everyone’s taste these days.

On the other hand. The newer GMT:s are still in production and if something happens there are new parts that fits directly from Rolex. Owning a vintage watch demands more from the owner when it comes to maintenance if the owner want to keep the watch providence intact.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by Andad

Your choice Steve.

They both have about the same ‘attraction’.

Exactly this. To most, a Rolex is a Rolex is a Rolex. I would keep the one you prefer. If you like both equally, then keep both (or flip a coin).

[Swearengen]

Controversial answer - 5 digit followed by the 4 digit

[Watcheroo]

I’d keep both of those beauties. Rotate every 6 months to still feel like a one watch guy, maybe?

[travisb]

6 digit is more noticeable due to the more pronounced size, PCLs, shiny ceramic bezel and larger bezel font.
However, either will catch the eye of a collector.

[Submariner_5513]

4 digits just have so much charm compared to a modern piece. You can’t go wrong here but my vote (as someone who nearly daily wears a 5513) is the 4 digit 1675. Best of luck with your decision!


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[cmc_tht]

1675 for sure, let alone your pepsi is in great condition

[NachoNeal]

For a one and only, I'd go with the four digit.
Stands out just a little less and is so much more classic.

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

Controversial answer - 5 digit followed by the 4 digit

Interesting analysis! Why? What do you like more about the 5-digits?


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Watcheroo

I’d keep both of those beauties. Rotate every 6 months to still feel like a one watch guy, maybe?

Hahah! Well, there is that! I don’t value the watches that highly that I would keep both, though. I like a nice watch, but I have no desire to have 3 holidays sat in a draw doing nothing!


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[cwilson13]

If you only want to keep one of those two, keep the 1675.
More history, more charm, just cooler. Period.
Nether really brings any more attention than the other (IMHO).
The one draw back is with its age and bracelet, it’s less durable.
Keep the 1675 and buy a Gshock for yard work.

[Joearch]

Red/blue bezel makes the 1675 more visible just due to the colors.

[ADINVA]

Best of both worlds: 16750 Matt Dial

[Porschen]

95% of the time I’m alternating between my 124060 and my 126710; Two people have commented on the GMT, nobody has done so with the Sub. Moral of the story, most people don’t notice what you’re wearing. Keep the one you like more ��

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by cwilson13

If you only want to keep one of those two, keep the 1675.
More history, more charm, just cooler. Period.
Nether really brings any more attention than the other (IMHO).
The one draw back is with its age and bracelet, it’s less durable.
Keep the 1675 and buy a Gshock for yard work.

Haha! My life is a bit more messy than just yard work! Today I plugged a puncture on the range river 50 miles out of town on a dirt road! My watch has to keep up with me!

I’ve never had any issues with oyster bracelets (SEL or other) — though the latter clearly a stronger bracelet and clasp, I’ve never had any issues with them.

In real terms, I don’t know that the 3186 is actually any more robust than the 1575(gmt) — though it does have a solid beige and kif shock absorbers. The 1575(gmt) has been bullet proof for hard-core action for the last 70 years.


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Porschen

95% of the time I’m alternating between my 124060 and my 126710; Two people have commented on the GMT, nobody has done so with the Sub. Moral of the story, most people don’t notice what you’re wearing. Keep the one you like more ��

That’s interesting — I wonder why the GMTs attract more attention! The PCLS?


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[Porschen]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

That’s interesting — I wonder why the GMTs attract more attention! The PCLS?


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The combination of PCLs and the bezel make it more flashy than the Sub for sure. But even with those factors, very few people notice, which is fine with me.

[Uned]

I love both of them.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

I have never really been worried about theft, so this post is not grounded in such a concern. However, I was wondering which you thought ‘stand out’ the most between the two references?

I was wondering whether or not people actually recognise a 1675 anymore — especially since the 6-digits have been out nearly 15 years now!

I currently own both, so one has to go (I am a one watch guy). Functionality aside, which do you think makes the biggest statement (I want to go with the opposite).

Here are some (not terribly good) photos:







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My dream watch is a 1980-1983 (pre-gold surrounds) 16750, precisely because it's basically a 1675.

[minute_man]

6digit

Now a one watch guy (possibly several in 1)

Originally Posted by Scholar

My dream watch is a 1980-1983 (pre-gold surrounds) 16750, precisely because it's basically a 1675.

I'd JUMP on one of those if they had the jumping hour hand...

[Ftech1]

Keep the 1675

[shedlock2000]

Strong support for the 4-digit here! It’s strange that functionality is losing out to aesthetics. Perhaps there’s something to be learned from that in and of itself!


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[Scholar]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

Strong support for the 4-digit here! It’s strange that functionality is losing out to aesthetics. Perhaps there’s something to be learned from that in and of itself!


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As much as I hope you keep the 4-digit, if you ever do want to offload it, consider this younger guy who grew up on Magnum, P.I. and would have loved to have picked up this watch given the chance.

[fishingbear]

Keep both Steve. They are beautiful references and make a really cool 2 watch collection combining past and modern history and technology.
That 1675….

[RFC]

By far, the 1675 is more subdued and less likely to call out for attention. But then again, if both references have the Pepsi bezel they are instantly recognizable. Closer call if the newer model has the black bezel.

[Stan Cooper]

I know you said "functionality aside" and it's a choice between the two you already have (1675 and 116710), but I really like the 5-digit 16710 because of its jump hour hand, sapphire crystal, and versatility with a choice of bezel inserts. the 16710 closely resembles the 1675, but with a black bezel insert it's less noticeable than a 1675 with a pepsi bezel and has the benefit of 6-digit model functionality.

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

I know you said "functionality aside" and it's a choice between the two you already have (1675 and 116710), but I really like the 5-digit 16710 because of its jump hour hand, sapphire crystal, and versatility with a choice of bezel inserts. the 16710 closely resembles the 1675, but with a black bezel insert it's less noticeable than a 1675 with a pepsi bezel and has the benefit of 6-digit model functionality.

I’ve owned a 16710LN before. They’re a lovely watch, but one of the reasons you like it (the sapphire crystal) is one of the reasons I don’t! Rolex also altered the bezel dimensions to make it narrower and the lume size was reduced to permit a gold plot surround (reducing the functionality of the lume). These changes were disappointing to me, and I find tge he resultant aesthetic less warm and welcoming —though you’re spot on with the functionality: the jumping hour makes it a superior traveller’s gmt.


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

Keep both Steve. They are beautiful references and make a really cool 2 watch collection combining past and modern history and technology.
That 1675….

Haha! Yeah, tgey would make a good collection! Sadly, I’m a one watch guy! Having a $12k watch sitting in a draw somewhere constitutes several world holidays that I’m unwilling to sacrifice!


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[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by Scholar

As much as I hope you keep the 4-digit, if you ever do want to offload it, consider this younger guy who grew up on Magnum, P.I. and would have loved to have picked up this watch given the chance.

I shall!


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