GMT Master Ref 16700 "Swiss Made"

[GoldnGuns]

Hello. I am brand new to the forum, but I hope that someone here can provide an answer to my query. I am considering purchasing a pre-owned 1999 GMT Master. Upon close external inspection of the watch, almost everything checks out... serial number, bracelet code, warranty card, etc., are all correct and matching. Likewise, the dial appears to be an authentic Rolex, but it shows "Swiss Made" in the 6 0'clock position. My research of Ref 16700 has revealed only dials showing "Swiss" or "Swiss T < 25"... not "Swiss Made," as this specimen shows (picture). I know that the bezel insert has been changed, since the "Coke" combination was not offered until the 16710; that does not concern me, but the dial does. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Old Expat Beast]

Does the warranty card have a 1999 sale date on it, or are you going by the serial number? I believe there were a few tail-end 16700s with Swiss Made on the dial.

The Coke bezel, by the way, was introduced with the 16760 in 1983 and continued with the 16710 from 1989 onwards, But yes, the 16700 was never supplied with the Coke as standard. Only Pepsi and Black.

Do you have a photo that shows all five letters of ROLEX on the dial?

[GoldnGuns]

Thanks for the reply, and yes, thanks for the clarification regarding the "Coke" bezel references and dates. The sale date is shown as 02-FEB-2000; the serial number is A36XXXX. I understand that that serial number would generally indicate early 1999 production, but I may be wrong. The clasp shows X5, which I also understand refers to May-1999 production... assuming that the bracelet and clasp are original.

I have attached another picture, as requested.

[Old Expat Beast]

The bracelets can be a year or two older than the watch head itself, that's no problem. I have an A8 serial 16710, sold in August 2000, with Swiss Made, and AB3 clasp (March 2000), which is all definitely legit (was serviced by Rolex).

I think you're probably OK with this one, but it would have been one of the very first Swiss Made dials and one of the very last 16700s. I thought the ROLEX on your dial might have been a little thick, but I now think that might just be the photo. Here's a pic of mine.

[Baileychoe]

is it me or the GMT symbol looks little too spaced out. It seems little different from others.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by Baileychoe

is it me or the GMT symbol looks little too spaced out. It seems little different from others.

Seems like it to me, too.

[GoldnGuns]

****UPDATE****

I took the watch to one independent jeweler and three Rolex ADs. All four visually authenticated the watch, and one of the ADs opened the case, authenticated the movement (did not fully disassemble), and provided an insurance appraisal. Each AD also noted that the bezel insert was a replacement, but was likely an authentic Rolex as well.This is a great result, but I am still curious to find/see other 16700s that show "Swiss Made" on the dial. I have found a few pictures online, but obviously there is no way to authenticate a picture.

This may be asked and answered elsewhere on this forum (if so, please forgive me and provide a link), but since there were seemingly many fewer "Swiss Made" 16700 manufactured, should they be considered more collectible or valuable than the "Swiss" or "Swiss < 25" variants?

Thanks!

[avantis]

I am in possesion of a 16700 A4....serial with a "swiss made" dial
There is a bit more information surfacing about the existence and rarity of this 16700 variant
Anyone with the same watch and more info? thanks!

[CLR]

Originally Posted by avantis

I am in possesion of a 16700 A4....serial with a "swiss made" dial
There is a bit more information surfacing about the existence and rarity of this 16700 variant
Anyone with the same watch and more info? thanks!

Hey all...i too just bought a 16700 1999 A44 serial 16700 with the "Swiss Made" dial =)