Fun data point for Coke bezels: I have a recent one from an RSC (I took it out of the plastic myself) that has that merlot red and I have an older serif coke that is more cherry red. I left the new Coke Bezel out in the direct sun for about 10 months and it now has the exact same cherry red as my older serif insert
You had me at Anti Social Club! Really interesting episode, even for someone who doesn't own a GMT like myself. The minutiae of this hobby is so much fun to delve into, as compared to for example, seeing the 15th video talking about the new releases that basically say the same thing. The best part is at the end when you talk about the hunt which is such an integral part of this hobby. So guys...make sure to watch this one all the way.
Thanks Michael! Yeah I'm wearing one of my hype-beast shirts from back in my Jordan/Yeezy days 🤦 Yeah I love making these videos too, but it's by far the worst performing video in the last 3 months, you know? Not that it's all about views, but these niche videos don't have the widespread appeal. But yeah I agree, I don't think I can do another "Rolex novelties"video either.
Question- I’m considering buying a 1999 16700 GMT master, it has a Pepsi bezel but no paperwork. How can I tell if this is original to the watch or did it come with factory black
5:26 Thanks for mention! Great video - I could listen to talk of inserts all day. I have no idea why, but I find these little anodized disks so interesting! I like that you go into the color of the back of the bezel inserts, and the theory of which color is the base color and which is added. I seem to remember seeing a thread in which, when it comes to the older GMTs, it depends on the period. (If I remember correctly, Pepsi inserts from certain periods were blue on the back, while others from different years were red.) Anyway, it was really confusing, so I'd like to assume that the 16710's are a little more cut and dry. 19:53 That's so true. The insert hunt is a blast. Experimenting with the inserts is something I'd like to do: I'd like to put a Crimson Coke (Maroon as you called it in the video) in the window in direct sunlight all summer and see what, if anything, happens. Anyway, the GMT is by far the most fun of any Rolex.
By far the most fun. As much as I love the Subs and such, I can't help but find them boring now. I change my bezel/strap/bracelet combo every other day (and that's down from twice daily!).
I have seen a few of the "fishhook" bezels that you were talking about. Are these original dials in your opinion or just a cheap aftermarket bezel they throw on them?
Very informative video! Although I think Rolex may be clamping down on allowing owners to just swap to whatever bezel colour they prefer via the RSC, certainly in the UK it appears. I had heard that you could just walk in and request a bezel swap, but I've just called Rolex St James Park (UK) and advised that I had a 2006 16710 that states 16710BLRO on the hang tag, but is currently fitted with a black insert, I asked if I could replace with a coke insert and keep the black insert; they advised that they could swap it to a Pepsi (what it's supposed to have) (but they keep the black), but that changing to a coke insert was not an option. I'm going to go to RSC direct and ask the question again at some point, as I suspect I may get a different response if I'm there in person?
I think there are two types of watch-hobbyist, categorized by the source of the enjoyment. There’s the watch-collector, whose primary enjoyment is researching and hunting the next acquisition. This person knows his watches in great detail, bores quickly with the watch itself (unless it has multiple changeable parts) and has a high churn-rate. Then there’s the watch-owner, who doesn’t research his next acquisition with great depth, whose pleasure derives from possessing the watch itself (which tends to remain stable for his life-time), and who rarely sells his watch. Well, perhaps it’s a spectrum, and those are the two extremes.
Red oxidises more easily than other colours. Thats why red cars of the past used to fade (before lacquer/clear coats were applied). This is why the red of the Pepsi and coke fade before the blue. Mine has done just that.
Great Video abtut your Passion for the rolex gmt. I can fully understand trat you lobe different Bezel.I just trink abputzt buying an old GMT Fromm the year 2000-2006. which bezel would you Go, Coke Or black?
I found this video very informative. I recently bought a like-new 16710 Pepsi A series (1999) & did not notice that the font was actually Fat Font Serif until after I watched your video. I assumed that all fonts were standard. Is the FAT FONT SERIF relatively rare?
hey Dr. Rolex, PhD, fantastic knowledge and great video. I am in the market for a 16710 Y series (mid 2002) what font should the coke bezel be like? Thank you for your advice!
Hey man, I really appreciate that! I actually got a dream job buying and selling watches for Wrist Aficionado, so I'll be making videos for their channel now. Look out for the first one to drop this Friday! I'll make an announcement video on my channel too.
Great video Doc! Love the format. Quick question, I've felt a hard lump growing on my chest for the last 3 weeks. Feel fine now but my family has a history of leukemia. Any suggestions? Again, awesome vid!
Any thoughts on the Swiss made non genuine inserts that many claim are indistinguishable side by side with the RSC ones? Also, seems there are several sizes floating around that only vary by 10ths of a mm. Do you have the exact size (ID and OD) for the 16710 part?
Damn! I wanted to know about the fish hook 2’s because I’ve just bought one today and I’m not sure if the bezel is real or not because of the way the 2’s look
The most comprehensive deep dive into the iconic steel gmt bezels inserts yet in YT. Well done Doc. You must have spent quite a number of hours scouring the net to gain this knowledge which is why this gmt watch is so fun with so many combo with just one watch as you rightly pointed out for watch enthusiasts like us. I am on the hunt for a proper bezel remover instead of using a blunt knife so to prevent damaging the watch case for frequent bezel changeover. Also can now start hunting for those bezel inserts variation.
Thanks man! I appreciate that. Honestly I got most of this info from shopping for GMTs and bezel inserts for so long. Hey, if you find a proper (preferably hard plastic) bezel remover, please lmk, my email is on my channel homepage, but it's drrolexphd@gmail.com. I just put gorilla tape (which is SUPER thick) on the end of a swiss army knife bottle opener, and it works like a charm, never scratches. But I'm always looking for something better.
@@DrRolexPhD IDK - supposedly the new Omega Seamaster for James Bond was created to look “tropical” but not fade over time, some type of anodized aluminum. Don’t know if Tudor had something similar in spec, but time will tell.
@@stewartlogan9894 that's a good point. Idk how modern technology affects these things. That's why I wanna know if these current replacement bezels from RSC are actually MADE currently, or were they made in bulk back when the watch was made, and once they run out, they're out? Idk but it would affect the patina-potential I'd imagine.
I would love a GMT but can't decide between the Batman or Pepsi. Is there something more than color that can help me decide? I would plan to purchase new from my AD.
Honestly between those two, I don't think there's much else to consider besides color. Personally I'd go with the Batman, but I'd choose the 16710 over both of them.
Great video, I have the 16710 2002 with Coke fat fonts serif, Coke thin maroon, Pepsi thin and Black thin - all sans serif = learned something new today
No, I'm talking about the blue not fading like red, it's not because of base colour being blue, it's the whole pigment of the red, red is by far the worst of all the colours to defend from uv bleaching, just notice in the world around us how reds get faded away compared to other colours.
Great vid. Very informative. One suggestion. On your audio mix, back down on the background music. It’s way too loud at some points. Should be a quarter as loud.
Please, do NOT use a metal screwdriver, or anything metal, to remove the bezel. There are plenty of plastic pry bars (IFixIt makes a great one) - they work just as well and no risk of damage to the case.
Hey Frank, yeah I think I'll do that. I've made a video in the past called "Buying your First Rolex" but it's not specific to vintage. I'll add it to my list of video to-do's.
Nice video! Thanks! I guess I was wrong about Goldberg, I am happy for him! Enjoy you watch doc and Remember folks it is all about fun, not making money.
Very informative video! I’ve got an oddball Pepsi bezel that looks to be original to my E serial 16700. It’s fat font serif, except the “2” is sans serif. (12,20,22,4, and 14 all serif). Just wondering if anyone else has come across this, and how rare (fake?) it might be? Subscribed!
Please do a vid on hooked 2s! I have hooked 2s on my 17650 and the AD and 2 other shops all say it’s genuine! Would love to know more about authentic hooked 2s
@@LOl-po8fp I took it to two resellers and my local AD. The dealers both said it’s real and the AD took the bezel off and said it’s real! You can usually tell by the colour on the back. Mine is blue on the back. Red is fine also. Most fakers don’t bother with the colour on the back. My watch is a transitional watch. It has a glossy dial with the white gold markers but it doesn’t say “oyster perpetual date” it just says “oyster perpetual” which means the dial is transitional. On these models they were trying out a few different fonts, colours and finishes. So I just have one of the transitional models and you might too. Both dealers said that some people will think it’s fake but it just gives the watch more character and actually, more rarity!
@@LOl-po8fp I’d love to see a photo to compare them! Yes my bezel and the rest of the watch was confirmed to be genuine. These models were transitional and they were experimenting with fonts, colours and finishes. If anything they make our watches more rare!
Hi Dr. Rolex, thanks so much for this video. It's help me to become a lot more observant when it comes to these details especially after spending a few weeks researching 16700's and 16710's as my first GMT purchase. Based on the market for these bezels however, one thing concerns me, is there a way to spot a fake on eBay? I would assume that someone has figured out that there is a market and if you have the tools to machine a super fake, then they must be able to produce fakes at this point. Any ideas on where to get started if I'm looking for a newish Pepsi Bezel?
Fun data point for Coke bezels: I have a recent one from an RSC (I took it out of the plastic myself) that has that merlot red and I have an older serif coke that is more cherry red. I left the new Coke Bezel out in the direct sun for about 10 months and it now has the exact same cherry red as my older serif insert
You had me at Anti Social Club! Really interesting episode, even for someone who doesn't own a GMT like myself. The minutiae of this hobby is so much fun to delve into, as compared to for example, seeing the 15th video talking about the new releases that basically say the same thing. The best part is at the end when you talk about the hunt which is such an integral part of this hobby. So guys...make sure to watch this one all the way.
Thanks Michael! Yeah I'm wearing one of my hype-beast shirts from back in my Jordan/Yeezy days 🤦
Yeah I love making these videos too, but it's by far the worst performing video in the last 3 months, you know? Not that it's all about views, but these niche videos don't have the widespread appeal. But yeah I agree, I don't think I can do another "Rolex novelties"video either.
Love the channel and appreciate the breakdown on all the varieties of bezels
Excellent analysis, very helpful
Question- I’m considering buying a 1999 16700 GMT master, it has a Pepsi bezel but no paperwork. How can I tell if this is original to the watch or did it come with factory black
Hi! I have just came across this interesting video, I have just bought a GMT 16710 and changing the bezel is something amazing!
You notice the red goes into 8 in 18 on the RSC version and newer models which is also dates the bezel.
5:26 Thanks for mention! Great video - I could listen to talk of inserts all day. I have no idea why, but I find these little anodized disks so interesting!
I like that you go into the color of the back of the bezel inserts, and the theory of which color is the base color and which is added. I seem to remember seeing a thread in which, when it comes to the older GMTs, it depends on the period. (If I remember correctly, Pepsi inserts from certain periods were blue on the back, while others from different years were red.) Anyway, it was really confusing, so I'd like to assume that the 16710's are a little more cut and dry.
19:53 That's so true. The insert hunt is a blast. Experimenting with the inserts is something I'd like to do: I'd like to put a Crimson Coke (Maroon as you called it in the video) in the window in direct sunlight all summer and see what, if anything, happens. Anyway, the GMT is by far the most fun of any Rolex.
By far the most fun. As much as I love the Subs and such, I can't help but find them boring now. I change my bezel/strap/bracelet combo every other day (and that's down from twice daily!).
Were there any differences with the 16700 ?
I have seen a few of the "fishhook" bezels that you were talking about. Are these original dials in your opinion or just a cheap aftermarket bezel they throw on them?
Very informative video! Although I think Rolex may be clamping down on allowing owners to just swap to whatever bezel colour they prefer via the RSC, certainly in the UK it appears. I had heard that you could just walk in and request a bezel swap, but I've just called Rolex St James Park (UK) and advised that I had a 2006 16710 that states 16710BLRO on the hang tag, but is currently fitted with a black insert, I asked if I could replace with a coke insert and keep the black insert; they advised that they could swap it to a Pepsi (what it's supposed to have) (but they keep the black), but that changing to a coke insert was not an option.
I'm going to go to RSC direct and ask the question again at some point, as I suspect I may get a different response if I'm there in person?
A deep dive worthy of Austin Daniels, actually even more in depth I think.
Thanks Nicholas!
Yeah I think Austin will like this one.
I think there are two types of watch-hobbyist, categorized by the source of the enjoyment.
There’s the watch-collector, whose primary enjoyment is researching and hunting the next acquisition. This person knows his watches in great detail, bores quickly with the watch itself (unless it has multiple changeable parts) and has a high churn-rate.
Then there’s the watch-owner, who doesn’t research his next acquisition with great depth, whose pleasure derives from possessing the watch itself (which tends to remain stable for his life-time), and who rarely sells his watch.
Well, perhaps it’s a spectrum, and those are the two extremes.
Great breakdown. Did the newer bezels ( thin font) fade less?
Did you buy the Jubilee bracelet at RSC?
Red oxidises more easily than other colours. Thats why red cars of the past used to fade (before lacquer/clear coats were applied). This is why the red of the Pepsi and coke fade before the blue. Mine has done just that.
Hi what colour is the reverse side of a coke bezel ! Like to also know how you can tell if it’s been replaced with a service bezel
Great Video abtut your Passion for the rolex gmt. I can fully understand trat you lobe different Bezel.I just trink abputzt buying an old GMT Fromm the year 2000-2006. which bezel would you Go, Coke Or black?
I found this video very informative. I recently bought a like-new 16710 Pepsi A series (1999) & did not notice that the font was actually Fat Font Serif until after I watched your video. I assumed that all fonts were standard. Is the FAT FONT SERIF relatively rare?
Great video-Austin would be proud 😎!
Thank you! Yeah I think so too lol
hey Dr. Rolex, PhD, fantastic knowledge and great video. I am in the market for a 16710 Y series (mid 2002) what font should the coke bezel be like? Thank you for your advice!
Solid info ! Preach on brother ❤
Hey, hope you will have a video soon again. It's been awhile since you posted.
Hey man, I really appreciate that!
I actually got a dream job buying and selling watches for Wrist Aficionado, so I'll be making videos for their channel now. Look out for the first one to drop this Friday! I'll make an announcement video on my channel too.
@@DrRolexPhD that's great! Getting a dream job is one of the best.
Great video man 👏
Great video Doc! Love the format. Quick question, I've felt a hard lump growing on my chest for the last 3 weeks. Feel fine now but my family has a history of leukemia. Any suggestions? Again, awesome vid!
Lol bro I just saw this
Dr Rolex come back
Great video, tons of useful information, thank you!
Thanks Paul, my pleasure!
Amazing video that really helps us nerdy GMT collectors! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, my pleasure!
What happened to your channel? No more videos? Too bad, really enjoyed the content.
Any thoughts on the Swiss made non genuine inserts that many claim are indistinguishable side by side with the RSC ones? Also, seems there are several sizes floating around that only vary by 10ths of a mm. Do you have the exact size (ID and OD) for the 16710 part?
What happened to this hunk?
Damn! I wanted to know about the fish hook 2’s because I’ve just bought one today and I’m not sure if the bezel is real or not because of the way the 2’s look
The most comprehensive deep dive into the iconic steel gmt bezels inserts yet in YT. Well done Doc. You must have spent quite a number of hours scouring the net to gain this knowledge which is why this gmt watch is so fun with so many combo with just one watch as you rightly pointed out for watch enthusiasts like us. I am on the hunt for a proper bezel remover instead of using a blunt knife so to prevent damaging the watch case for frequent bezel changeover. Also can now start hunting for those bezel inserts variation.
Thanks man! I appreciate that.
Honestly I got most of this info from shopping for GMTs and bezel inserts for so long.
Hey, if you find a proper (preferably hard plastic) bezel remover, please lmk, my email is on my channel homepage, but it's drrolexphd@gmail.com. I just put gorilla tape (which is SUPER thick) on the end of a swiss army knife bottle opener, and it works like a charm, never scratches. But I'm always looking for something better.
3-28-23. ---- pretty sure I have seen you recently in an advertisement commercial . congrats . good luck with those projects . ~. JDS/CT
Nice to geek out on this. I’m hoping my Tudor GMT gets some nice fade over time, similar to the Pepsi bezels of old.
Yeah I hope so too, that would be cool. I don't see why they wouldn't, though, right?
@@DrRolexPhD IDK - supposedly the new Omega Seamaster for James Bond was created to look “tropical” but not fade over time, some type of anodized aluminum. Don’t know if Tudor had something similar in spec, but time will tell.
@@stewartlogan9894 that's a good point. Idk how modern technology affects these things. That's why I wanna know if these current replacement bezels from RSC are actually MADE currently, or were they made in bulk back when the watch was made, and once they run out, they're out? Idk but it would affect the patina-potential I'd imagine.
Wow ! Thank you so much for sharing great information & great content 🔥
My pleasure!
Is there anyway to get in touch with you I live in NYC??
I would love a GMT but can't decide between the Batman or Pepsi. Is there something more than color that can help me decide? I would plan to purchase new from my AD.
Honestly between those two, I don't think there's much else to consider besides color. Personally I'd go with the Batman, but I'd choose the 16710 over both of them.
@@DrRolexPhD Thank you.
Thanks for the content very informative good learning experience
My pleasure!
Great video, I have the 16710 2002 with Coke fat fonts serif, Coke thin maroon, Pepsi thin and Black thin - all sans serif = learned something new today
Thanks man! Haha, awesome. That's a nice collection there. How do you change the bezel/how often?
@@DrRolexPhD Seen your video for how to change but not done yet - little bit scary - but will try my first soon
No, I'm talking about the blue not fading like red, it's not because of base colour being blue, it's the whole pigment of the red, red is by far the worst of all the colours to defend from uv bleaching, just notice in the world around us how reds get faded away compared to other colours.
Where are you?? Need more videos!!!
Great vid. Very informative. One suggestion. On your audio mix, back down on the background music. It’s way too loud at some points. Should be a quarter as loud.
Please, do NOT use a metal screwdriver, or anything metal, to remove the bezel. There are plenty of plastic pry bars (IFixIt makes a great one) - they work just as well and no risk of damage to the case.
This is good advice. I managed to gouge a lug when using a caseback knife to try and pry a bezel off. Even taped the knife too. Never again.
I wish I had this watch from 1983 my birth year, but I’m afraid of buying vintage. Can you make a video on how to safely buy a vintage piece please
Hey Frank, yeah I think I'll do that. I've made a video in the past called "Buying your First Rolex" but it's not specific to vintage.
I'll add it to my list of video to-do's.
Nice video! Thanks!
I guess I was wrong about Goldberg, I am happy for him!
Enjoy you watch doc and Remember folks it is all about fun, not making money.
Amen brother, thanks!
@elytpg brought me here. Cheers mate. Wish u a great year. psalm 23 - Jeff majors
03:28 why dont the little serifs count? As far as my knowledge(and accooring to other youtubers), they do count. Great vid by the way.
I'm about to buy a 97 16710 coke. Box papers unpolished. Fat font I can't wait till saturday
Nice!! Sounds like my kind of watch!
Hey it’s been a year where you been?
Very informative video! I’ve got an oddball Pepsi bezel that looks to be original to my E serial 16700. It’s fat font serif, except the “2” is sans serif. (12,20,22,4, and 14 all serif).
Just wondering if anyone else has come across this, and how rare (fake?) it might be?
Subscribed!
It’s not Fake. There use to have a Super fat font Serif and Fat font serif, which you have. 🫡
Ely sent me . Subbed !!!!! ❤️
Thanks man. The people's guy!
Ely the people guy , say word !
Please do a vid on hooked 2s! I have hooked 2s on my 17650 and the AD and 2 other shops all say it’s genuine! Would love to know more about authentic hooked 2s
Did you ever find out? I also have a hooked 2s
@@LOl-po8fp I took it to two resellers and my local AD. The dealers both said it’s real and the AD took the bezel off and said it’s real!
You can usually tell by the colour on the back. Mine is blue on the back. Red is fine also. Most fakers don’t bother with the colour on the back.
My watch is a transitional watch. It has a glossy dial with the white gold markers but it doesn’t say “oyster perpetual date” it just says “oyster perpetual” which means the dial is transitional.
On these models they were trying out a few different fonts, colours and finishes. So I just have one of the transitional models and you might too.
Both dealers said that some people will think it’s fake but it just gives the watch more character and actually, more rarity!
@@LOl-po8fp I’d love to see a photo to compare them!
Yes my bezel and the rest of the watch was confirmed to be genuine. These models were transitional and they were experimenting with fonts, colours and finishes. If anything they make our watches more rare!
@@trade2133 what is a good email? I’ll send pictures. I do have concerns it may be aftermarket. Mine is also 16710
Hi Dr. Rolex, thanks so much for this video. It's help me to become a lot more observant when it comes to these details especially after spending a few weeks researching 16700's and 16710's as my first GMT purchase. Based on the market for these bezels however, one thing concerns me, is there a way to spot a fake on eBay? I would assume that someone has figured out that there is a market and if you have the tools to machine a super fake, then they must be able to produce fakes at this point. Any ideas on where to get started if I'm looking for a newish Pepsi Bezel?
played against you in geoguessr just now, gg
Looks like this channel is dead just like the watch market 😂
Man what happened to your videos come back talk about watches
Ely the people guy , say word !