I Bastardized my GMT

[4BostonB]

If you want to talk about bastardizing a GMT ... at least you can easily swap back to the factory look! It's about a year since I had this work done and I couldn't be happier:

Originally Posted by 4BostonB

Thanks everyone for the responses! I ended up getting the bracelet polished at RolliWorks. The turnaround time was about a week and the watch looks phenomenal. Michael is the owner, and they ended up leaving the fliplock with the crown polished, which really looks great.

The watch looks a lot more cohesive now - and it matches the original heritage of the GMT. I can't recommend Michael and his services enough - the bracelet truly looks like it came this way from the factory.

Obligatory pics:

[F17RUK]

Originally Posted by psv

That's what I did with my Pepsi/BLRO as soon as I got it.

Any pics?

[mand2240]

@SS Oyster, @BDon13, @newu5er, @blada4life, @SweepingSH, and @steve099 -

I figured I'd answer your questions in one post rather than individual replies.

Sourcing 97200s has become quite a pain. It's my understanding that you can get one from an AD as long as you have a Sub. It just might take a little white lie - i.e. I bought it without the bracelet. I don't own a Sub so this was not an option for me.

I actually found mine on a Facebook group. I was pretty dead set on finding a new bracelet (mine still had all of the stickers), so I knew I was going to pay a premium. They pop up in the FS section on here every so often, but they go fast. I have seen prices for used 97200s as low as $1750 and new ones all the way up to $3000. I paid over 2k for this one.

[mand2240]

Originally Posted by mario1971

As I understand, the same 97200 oyster bracelet fits both Batman 116710 and 126710?

Yes, it does fit both. It will fit a 116710 without any issues. On the 126710 you have to be sure to use the springbars from the gmt rather than the ones that came on the Sub. They changed the lugs very slightly moving from the 116710 to the 126710.

[mand2240]

Originally Posted by time_and_cars

Pointless... I you want a oyster bracelet go and buy the old GMT

3 reasons to not go that route..

- Polished center links
- No glidelock
- Updated movement

[bpowell71]

Oyster is the best look IMHO, but it is nice to have the Jubilee to switch back for a different look.

[Heimdall]

I did the same and extremely happy. Not so shiny and glidelock.

[csfischer20]

I dig it. I think the one thing a GMT is missing is the glidelock.

[Geckobros]

Doesn't look bad at all. Your watch your choice amigo.

[mario1971]

Originally Posted by mand2240

Yes, it does fit both. It will fit a 116710 without any issues. On the 126710 you have to be sure to use the springbars from the gmt rather than the ones that came on the Sub. They changed the lugs very slightly moving from the 116710 to the 126710.

Thanks for the full info.

[newu5er]

Originally Posted by mand2240

@SS Oyster, @BDon13, @newu5er, @blada4life, @SweepingSH, and @steve099 -

I figured I'd answer your questions in one post rather than individual replies.

Sourcing 97200s has become quite a pain. It's my understanding that you can get one from an AD as long as you have a Sub. It just might take a little white lie - i.e. I bought it without the bracelet. I don't own a Sub so this was not an option for me.

I actually found mine on a Facebook group. I was pretty dead set on finding a new bracelet (mine still had all of the stickers), so I knew I was going to pay a premium. They pop up in the FS section on here every so often, but they go fast. I have seen prices for used 97200s as low as $1750 and new ones all the way up to $3000. I paid over 2k for this one.

Awesome man. Thanks for the info. It's a shame they don't get you the option to get it like that.

[Rebel]

Looks great to me. I like.

[Bladeshot]

Nice job, brother. Me too. I prefer glidelock, and using the pins from the jubilee, the 97200 fits. Now, it’s not perfect, as the pins are smaller diameter. But it works.

[Andrejb]

Nice




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[Rori]

You can say goodbye to scratches :-)
Now if you ask me, it's either Jubilee or Brushed. I would skip the PCL altogether.

[Macnavara]

Looks miles better but did you have to use the jubilee spring bars.
I did the same but the bracelet didnt feel 100% secure because i had to use the thiner spring bars....gutted.
Just hope one day rolex makes an specific oyster bracelet that you can buy and swap out like the old days

[KeithP]

Trigger the purists? I’m one, and this is the way the watch should be in first place! Nice job

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Easy mod and still oem. Good stuff, enjoy

Not quite OEM ... I wish Rolex offered this way, but because they don’t, the springbars have to be swapped from jubilee into the Oyster sub bracelet to fit the holes in the GMT case. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read, the GMT springbar diameter is smaller than the Oyster endlink bore, making them a bit “loose”. This would bother me in that it will eventually create extra wear on the springbars, case and end links. Maybe worse, it could become a mode of failure, which could result in watch damage from a fall or worse loss (think failure in or over the ocean).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GMT Aviator]

I did this mod to my LN about 4 years ago and had to use the spring bars that came from the original PCL GMT bracelet to get the fit, which is snug and rattle free. I prefer the brushed look for sure but have to be honest, the clasp cover on the glidelock could do with being shorter and less ungainly.

[Deep18]

Absolutely love it.

[mand2240]

Originally Posted by Macnavara

Looks miles better but did you have to use the jubilee spring bars.
I did the same but the bracelet didnt feel 100% secure because i had to use the thiner spring bars....gutted.
Just hope one day rolex makes an specific oyster bracelet that you can buy and swap out like the old days

I did use the jubilee spring bars. I was ready for a little bit of play when I got everything in place but I was actually pleasantly surprised at how secure it feels. I have no reservations putting this watch through its paces.

[mand2240]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Not quite OEM ... I wish Rolex offered this way, but because they don’t, the springbars have to be swapped from jubilee into the Oyster sub bracelet to fit the holes in the GMT case. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read, the GMT springbar diameter is smaller than the Oyster endlink bore, making them a bit “loose”. This would bother me in that it will eventually create extra wear on the springbars, case and end links. Maybe worse, it could become a mode of failure, which could result in watch damage from a fall or worse loss (think failure in or over the ocean).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I get where you are coming from. I was actually mentally prepared to encounter that "loose" feeling but when I attached the bracelet I was very happy with the fit. There is little to no play. I can see how the smaller diameter spring bar could potentially wear more aggressive. I might have to set myself a recurring annual reminder to switch out the spring bars just for peace of mind.

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by mand2240

I did use the jubilee spring bars. I was ready for a little bit of play when I got everything in place but I was actually pleasantly surprised at how secure it feels. I have no reservations putting this watch through its paces.

Cool

[Rolexfellow]

Originally Posted by mand2240

Well it finally happened. I swapped out the jubilee on my 126710 out for a 97200 oyster bracelet off of a Sub. I have created my ideal watch! I’m sure this will trigger the purists, but this was my plan from day one (I would still have done this if I had a 116710 to gain the glide lock and lose the PCLs). I love the jubilee and have to admit it’s a bit more comfortable, but the stealth look of the oyster fits my current lifestyle a little bit better.

Nobody cares...its your watch..do with it as you will...

[rod727]

That is perfect.......

[DaVinci Watches]

Awesome! I much prefer the Oyster on the Batman!

[bigd5506]

Perfect!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[watchEB]

I did the same thing! Looks so much better!

[AJMarcus]

I think that reference looks best on the oyster. Looks good.

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by mand2240

I did use the jubilee spring bars. I was ready for a little bit of play when I got everything in place but I was actually pleasantly surprised at how secure it feels. I have no reservations putting this watch through its paces.