BEST Rolex GMT Master? Vintage or Modern?

[@stueyx]

Vintage Rolex is NYC or London, full of character yet professional and for anyone who wants to make it. Modern Rolex is Dubai; superficial and tasteless and for anyone who wants to fake it.

[@curtbrown7718]

Britt, it’s great to see you plowing ever forward toward complete recovery! Your braveness is inspiring! Keep smiling, keep doing everything your healthcare team has planned for you, and keep on making your great content! Best!

[@JW_Haze]

Gringa dressed like rose gold gmt on a oyster flex strap! Looking 🔥 . Glad you’re healing.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Ahhh THANK YOU!

[@jacc1212]

great video Britt .... I am wearing my 16750 which I have owned and worn basically 24/7 since 1982. It was my dream watch when I was younger in the early days of 1675 - and still is today my all time favourite watch. It's on my wrist right now and it looks almost like the day I got it. All original, serviced regularly, the only change being the acrylic (crystal). I thoroughly enjoyed your video - from Montreal.

[@jamesb3557]

Love the aluminum bezel. A faded bezel and little patina is a thing of beauty. It’s earned. I know people may dig the new ceramic but I feel like it’s just so glossy and won’t change. Now that being said, I do like the weight and refinements of newer Rolex. But I’d go for the 16750 (would love to wear and spend some time with the 1675 as well)

[@sneakyscorpia]

I appreciate the robustness of ceramic but I don't really like the shine - I don't want my watches to draw unwanted attention. I like the almost "rough" and "dull" tones of the aluminium/steel bezels on my Seiko 62mas and slim turtle. Maybe in the future there can be a bit more muted/matte coloration method for ceramic :)

[@BrittPearceWatches]

I couldn’t agree more!!! I feel exactly the same about aluminium! That’s why I keep choosing modern tudor over Rolex! 😱

[@jamesb3557]

@@BrittPearceWatches that’s exactly why I’m going tudor BB58, (I am betting it will age / patina up nicely and will become a collectors watch in years to come, not that I’m going for that reason but it feels like it will age up nicely). Also, I would’ve picked one up in the last two months (BB58) but I’m kinda holding out for a jubilee release, with the new clasp.

[@jamesb3557]

@@sneakyscorpia agreed. I actually dig a few of the Rolex subs but the glossy bezels just look cheap to me. The designer in me thinks that a matte or satin finish would make it look much more luxurious

[@Rhal63]

Ceramic years just feels better. I was checking out a few from the 80s and the faded color aluminum and thin stamped deployment clasp just left me wanting more. Thanks Britt

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Man, ceramic is so pretty! I'm always torn on if I prefer aluminium or ceramic!

[@jamesb3557]

@@BrittPearceWatches this might sound silly, but here’s why I loved the faded patina bezels (they remind me of old soda cans when they get old and fade. That off blue and pink. You just can’t get that in a fresh watch and there is literally no chance you will find this happening to modern Rolex watches anymore. It’s the anthesis of what they are trying to achieve. Meanwhile, personally I love a rich patina and a tropical dial. Here’s hoping we see that in Tudor watches :)

[@DeanoTXR53]

I daily a 16710, it’s absolutely the best daily watch imaginable. It’s a looker and it’s tougher than I’d ever need, despite being 33 years old (I’m even taking it diving in a couple weeks). But if you just want the prettiest GMT, you can’t beat the matte dial models!

[@Cull_Obsidian]

If you can find a 16750 with the original matte dial BUY IT. I honestly believe it’s one of the last overlooked areas of Rolex vintage professional models. The only way you can tell the difference is the hand stack (GMT hand above the hour and vice versa). Way cheaper than a 1675 and better in almost every respect. Rolex used up their remaining 1675 dials until about 1983, with the vast vast majority being replaced upon service. In fact I’ve only seen half a dozen or so on Chrono24 at any one time. You do see them in the hyper-inflated “buy your birth year” watch places, but to find one that mint like in the video may be rare. Don’t ever pass on it! I’ve never seen another one

[@amouraviva]

I’d much rather Rolex have the option for the concealed deployment clasp on the jubilee bracelet for the new GMT’s, the current steel clasps are just scratch magnets! Jubilee bracelet hides minor scratches.

[@saymyname218]

It's like the Porsche 911 from 40/50 years ago and the new ones of today. When you gain something, you also lose something.

[@dsvillalva]

126719blro for me…white gold with the perfect matte blue dial not used on any other current model in their range. Meteorite dial is also nice, but too flashy for my tastes.

[@steveabplanalp1657]

Great topic. I love my mid 90s 16700. I had it serviced by a Rolex service centre and it runs good as new with classic charm.

[@Iexpedite1]

Is a bear catholic? I frequently use a similar joke. It has to do with my dog, “Bear” doing dirty jobs in the yard as opposed to the woods. Does a Bear poo in the yard? This is my favorite watch. I need to get on a list, but I think I will end up getting a Tudor GMT instead.

[@jessedavis7555]

I see a lot of vintage pieces but they are really expensive. I wouldn’t be able to tell if it’s all original without someone like Marco from Grand Caliber to tell me. Love the older ones but not the painted on number plots without the white gold around them.16750 ❤️ 1675🙏

[@MA89.]

Great clip Britt, I went through months of debating 1675/16750 vs 16710. I landed on 16710 simply down to the troubles of vintage dials which are a nightmare to validate are all authentic. I’d recommend 16710T, no holes case and comes with a solid end link bracelet, no rattle.

[@inCanada55]

It's that rattle on the 16750 and predecessors that give them their charm!

[@redcomet6327]

One thing I wish they brought back is the vintage FONT on the bezel. Why oh why did they ever have to move to (and still be stuck in) this ultra wide, square, boxy mess? It reminds me of the packaging off some sport cologne, it just looks like it's trying too hard to be macho, the textual equivalent of a lifted truck. I honestly wish I could move past it but once my brain made that connection I can't undo it. As an aside this is why the 1016 looks sooo much better for me than any of the newer explorer 1 references

[@drdesign6886]

It is a little sad to see a genuine tool watch first evolve to be the ultimate genuine tool watch and then evolve again into the ultimate ate price of luxury wrist jewellery (that happens to retain the original tool function - simply for character). I definitely struggle with ‘tool’ watches and ‘tool’ watch brands that are now just fancy jewellery trinkets - watches have always had a jewellery aspect to them, they were known as dress watches. The real tool watches today are being produced by Marathon, Doxa, Citizen, Sinn, Damasko. Could you imagine if Rolex or omega released a proper gods honest new tool watch at a price such a bit of design and engineering actually costs (again see Marathon and Damasko). It would be the most epic thing to ever happen in the Watch world. Obviously never happening - luxury watch jewellery is where the $$ is now.

[@ALLinHerMovements]

Just got my new 126710 BLRO after two years of waiting. It happens! It’s a great watch but I also prefer the size of the older models.

[@watchr0b]

I have a 16710 and have no desire to upgrade to the maxi case model. They just feel too far evolved from the original design, and too blingy. The 16710 was Rolex at its best, before it climbed so high on the luxury tree that it could no longer see its roots. That bracelet rattle people complain about? A reminder that you’re wearing an honest watch.

[@cos-9113]

Black bezel and the ceramic works great, but the ceramic in color just can’t match the beauty of the aluminum bezel GMT. And after trading the old for the maxi case, wish I hadn’t…

[@charlielondon722]

Old school all day long, or at least have all brushed steel bracelet option, my god Rolex is as bad as Ferrari, the customer has to please the company jeeez Louise, Britt♥️👍🐸

[@denisdaly1708]

Neither for me. I find much cheaper ones are way nicer, ,like Farer, Christopher Ward, Monta, Maen, so many.

[@Reclaimtherainbow_Gen9]

I agree, aluminum for the win. But I’ll age my Timex Pepsi Aluminum. Rolex a little to pricey for me😂

[@GeeBeeMike]

The 16710 is the best of the lot. Own four of them and worn them all as a long haul pilot. They are now retired and I wear the ceramic LN. In a nutshell, the modern ceramic is a more robust watch than the older 5 digits it replaces, but theres no denying that it’s lost those classic proportions and a lot of its charm along the way. If I had to chose between my 5 or 6 digit versions and could only keep one, it would be the 16710 5 digit hands down. Probably the best watch ever made.

[@AnotherDaveInParadise]

Style/design - Vintage. Contruction/materials - Modern.

[@stuartbrand5617]

Ok im going to add one more option. If Tudor can get their GMT thickness down from 14.5 to 12, would this now be a 4 horse race?

[@jamesb3557]

I’d hop in the Tudor is it gets a little slimmer, add a jubilee bracelet and the new clasp, (well that and the BB58).

[@xchazz86]

126710 if comfort factor matters, im waiting for a 126710 on the list from my ad.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Great video, Brittany, thank you 🙂👍. I prefer the new Pepsi and aluminum Subdate. But hey, they're all good imho.

[@shaunybenso]

“Does the pope shit in the woods” is how it goes Britt

[@jeffwenger5610]

Vintage for sure! The ceramic insert is ugly, not blue.

[@mrlong6267]

My favorite GMT is the one I’m wearing…my Tudor bbGMT with uncle seiko jubilee bracelet 😗

[@jamesblonde2271]

Wow, seeing them together the porky-ness of the new one is thrown into sharp relief, the aluminum bezel ones are much prettier. To me the pepsi gmt is the definative Rolex, people used to dive with them all the time, back in the 70's 80's

[@richardwarren2024]

Totally agree with you, Britt. The Rolex of the 20th century is aesthetically superior to what came after. It’s phenomenal tool watch after phenomenal tool watch, rather than the man jewelry of 21st century Rolex. I think this is why I prefer the aesthetics of Tudor over current Rolex models.

[@salemdxb]

getting GMT is not impossible .. its needs a good relationship where they know that you are not a flipper .. or a good history with the store... luckily managed to get the pepsi / batman and sprite lately

[@boombringer4078]

best?.........Vintage AND modern!! ............YAAAAS!!!!!

[@michellep2682]

I actually prefer the modern version. My issue is the old bracelets and not just the rattle. If you have a smaller wrist, you end up having to remove a permanent link. I did this on my 5513 just to get a decent fit. I had a 16710 and just wore it a bit loose. Currently have the 126710BLRO on jubilee.

[@multanemo]

Vintage all the way my wired-mouth watch maven.

[@dannyg6592]

You and I really are kindred spirits! I have also decided that I prefer the pre-ceramic Pepsi to the current model. And the 16710 is the one I want. I am sending healing thoughts you way and am very glad to see you are on the mend :)

[@jochenkey]

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT (ceramic)

[@LoveSerah]

every thing in the dial of the modern gmt is more symmetrical, neat. The older ones' were a bit out of position, i though like the older bezel, look shinier. I had friend had one, after so many years he said the red bezel would change color a bit to pinkish, which make it more stunning.

[@ericlattanzi7671]

Dear Goddess ! You Rock ! Keep up the Great work!

[@wayneralph3662]

Hello Britt, i bought my 1675 in 1968 when I was 22. It served me well in my flying career. I just had it overhauled at Rolex in Lisbon, PT. My Canadian home is on Vancouver Island. Thanks,, Wayne Ralph

[@TheGunDude]

1675 is my grail. I have a sub 16610 and while buying that I had the chance to buy a 16710 for about the same price and passed it up for the sub. I wanted the all black bezel to be versatile and the 300m water rating. Looking back I wish I would’ve made a different choice.

[@richardn.5854]

Having owned both a 16750 and a 126710, gotta say the 16710 has best of both worlds.

[@jasons46]

Spot on. I completely agree about the charm of the neo-vintage models. I would go for a 16750 because I already have a 16570 Explorer 2 with the same movement as the 16710. A 16750 with a gilt dial is on the list.

[@brownmcpherson5724]

I wore a GMT in the 90's and 2000's daily. And now I have a 126710 model on jubilee. I liked the older GMT but the new ones are far better made. For a daily watch I think the new model is a better choice. For collectors, the older ones are always interesting.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Now this is really well said! You really can’t argue with modern Rolex build quality!

[@jcoates8009]

It costs around £800 for a new strap to be fitted at Rolex HQ in St. James’s Square. I’ve done it on several times; I can’t recommend it enough. Always keep the original strap and enjoy a rare vintage model that feels (and sounds) like new.

[@jcoates8009]

Initially dodged the annoying rattle with Nato straps until I could afford a genuine steel replacement

[@chriselley2261]

My daily is the all-black 116710ln ceramic. Robust and not too flashy. Also have a pre-ceramic 16700 Pepsi in pristine unfaded like-new condition. Love it too, but know that I can’t wear it like the other without consequence. They’re both beautiful in their own way.

[@clintondoner1133]

I like the last one!!! The coke GMT!!!

[@alhusaini2916]

You have such a lovely voice frankly ❤

[@welcomewrist]

I recently purchased a Tudor Prince Date+Day 76200, and ever since then I've been addicted to vintage and older model watches. I have the Batgirl, and I'm contemplating adding a vintage GMT to go beside it. There is truely something charming about the older references.

[@danielmelendez9943]

16710 coke dial is the winner all day long. 40MM is a perfect size with aluminum bezel. Surely i would love 70hr power reserve but i settle for 48hr pwr reserve. Never polished and its my belived coke

[@HPVanDerVeer]

I love mine 20, purchased in 1997. I have brand new one also but I still wear the old one more. Really the perfect watch for me. I see very few of these Cokes in public; mostly Pepsi's.

[@danielmelendez9943]

@@HPVanDerVeer i was never a pepsi comorntyoe of guy.. lol. 😂

[@darkeye77]

Loved the Catholic bear joke so much. Never apologize.

[@salty5402]

Good content- appreciate a review of a model I knew little about in terms of it's current and historic references. Definitely still one of the most iconic watches from Rolex IMO.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

You’re sooo right! One of the icons of Rolex! And nothing beats the Pepsi for me! ❤️💙

[@nicolasthys1751]

Great & interesting review. I really dig the perfect mix of facts & goofyness 😂 I was looking to make up my mind between vintage & new model. This video helps a lot.

[@MrFloRolf]

I like modern things so I would get a modern GMT. I am hopefully going to pick up my first Rolex, the Explorer 1, in a couple of weeks and then I will also express my interest in the GMT. I am quite patient so I don't mind the wait :)

[@waynemarlow8157]

Hi Britt, I've got a 16710 with 2 additional bezels in Pepsi and Coke versions that I purchased new in 2002. Its one of the best 'anything' I've ever owned!

[@alexxo7546]

Love the Pepsi! Prefer the most recent ones. I’ve been waiting for a meteorite for four years, have been told it’ll arrive by next January 🫣 Best of luck for your recovery

[@TheBigWrist]

Your jaw may hurt but you look fabulous on camera! I love GMTs, but I just can't get behind the Mercedes hands, so I have Omega and Tissot GMTs.

[@clivepearce5357]

Met my future wife in 1988 and noticed her father’s 1968 Pepsi that his mother bought for him. Love at first sight ❤ and also the 1st Rolex I’d ever seen as I was pretty poor and living in rural Cornwall! So my sheer delight when my wife bought me a coke for my 30th birthday, 1998 for £1500, (300 discount). My business has done well so was able to buy my son a 2023 Pepsi for his 21st birthday, (2 year wait). It gave me even more pleasure but he doesn’t like it and has never worn it😢

[@inCanada55]

Great video Britt. Love your energy, your humour, and your knowledge; and you're seriously dreamy to look at (and listen to)! Wishing you continued success in your recovery. I own the transitional 16750, circa 1981 per 6.6M serial, with all-original components, including the fading-to-fuscia bezel, matte dial with patinaed lume plots and matching patinaed hand inserts, original dial and hands, and even the original F-code (1981) GMT-Jubilee 62510H/50/550 bracelet. Even the original box and booklet. Took some time to find this complete set, and to justifying the high cost as a wearable 'investment'. Recently overhauled by a Rolex AD, with specific instructions to leave all visible parts (dial, hands) original except for the acrylic crystal which could be changed. They complied with these instructions. I do like the look of the modern ceramic GMT-Master, but I'm not sure I'd wear one (assuming I could find a new one at all here in Canada, or pre-loved one for which crazy money isn't being asked) as I prefer the slimmer and lighter dimensions of the 16750, as well as the vintage look and feel (rattly bracelet and all). I also find the 16750 more of a tool watch and much less blingy than its modern ceramic cousin. Apart from scratches and other external signs of time-honoured wear, how would a ceramic bezel with modern Chromalight dial actually AGE? Would its anti-aging features make it less valuable, rather than more valuable (like a 25-year old 16750), assuming future value is something that's important to you? Britt, once again, great video!

[@OliverLamWatson]

Hey Brit, I was wondering your thoughts on dailying a vintage gmt. I’m keen to get a coke but not sure if it’s gonna be awkward with the crappy bracelet 😅

[@gregcapella5941]

THE WATCH GRINGA RULES !!!!!!!

[@steveb2042]

I have a 16710 from 1998, one of the very first with a Luminova dial. It is so comfortable and the sweat spot between new and vintage, with a jingly jangly rattly bracelet! Glad to see you are on the road to recovery......

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Oh you are sooo lucky to own one of these!!! That's incredibly special as well! :O

[@Gearsandco]

the Pepsi is good and all but since everyone want one I tend to turn away, the one I'm interested in is the 16710 Coke. I actually saw it on my coworkers wrist, his was a family heirloom and it belonged to his father, such a beauty, I would love to have one, but since they are reaching a very high price, I'm might be looking into the 16570 while you can find them under 6 or $7000.

[@mbsevans]

I know exactly where you’re coming from, I simply do not like the ceramic models, I love my 1998 16710 Coke faded bezel and all, of course the reason why I love it…well you will understand that if you watch my short overview of it on my channel here, if you’re re interested. Going to be putting another video together to overview all the goodies I have, Rolex paraphernalia mainly. Cheers.

[@bradcrafton4929]

I agree, this is the classic 5 digit vs 6 digit Rolex debate. I’m a dive watch guy so I had the same question between the 16610 and 126610. I decided on the 16610, loved it and then bought the 126610. They different enough to own both if you can swing it.

[@btmontres1423]

Agree with the 16710, maybe an early model with the drilled lug holes but with solid end links. Possible on an all black bezel insert, but don't know if it was ever done for a Pepsi. Love the lines and looks great on your wrist, but you know what, it just seems any GMT rocks. Hope you get what you want.

[@bber45]

Honestly, neither of them. Rolex GMT Rootbeer crushes them both. I picked up mine last year from the AD and pictures/photos just don't do it justice. Plus the Modern Day Pepsi looks like some razzberry/blueberry popsicle ass. Older colors are much better and actually looks like Pepsi colors.

[@jsong21]

I bought GMT Pepsi in 2001 for $3000. Sold it after 5 years... after barely wearing it. Good watch though! Id kill to own the ceramic version on jubilee.

[@bbgt6299]

Have the latest and a 30 year old Pepsi - Loving the older every day a bit more 👍🏻

[@SteelmoonWatches]

Great video. Well said, old version reminds of you Rolex. New versions remind you of BS.

[@jonathonmanxrusby7762]

Love the GMT - got my first in the 1970's & still have it, great subject matter - thank you.

[@68wrko]

Your really missing the best version, the 1675................I honestly do not think that 90% of Rolex buyers and collectors do not care as much about technical improvements vs the model or sub-model variations, and the ceramic vs aluminium bezel. Having an engineering bakground, I know technology and can go on about electrical and mechanical theory, but if I was a Rolex CEO and marketing VP, I know the slightly updated tech specs are what they are and are appreciated, but they DO NOT close the sale or becoming the deciding factor in the final purchase.

[@76yuyuan]

The modern ceramic plus a 1675 will be a complete pepsi collection ... ;)

[@Cull_Obsidian]

It was an absolute honour to see these watches filmed in such amazing quality! And I agree with everything you say about getting things at retail. It CAN be done and you don’t have to buy a single thing you don’t want to. I didn’t!

[@finesse49]

Bears are omnivores meaning they have catholic tastes so yes, bears are small c catholics. 😊

[@BrittPearceWatches]

😂😂 WELL AMEN!

[@dsher503]

10/10 cobblestone analogy! Haha. Great video as always. Aluminum bezel all day for me.

[@SouthTexasLivin]

I felt the same way after trying them on. I went with the 16700 all black with jubilee

[@johnwheat5199]

I think the current GMT is way too hefty, and I absolutely hate those wide lugs. The GMT has almost become something it was never designed to be, a Submariner by proxy. I am fortunate to own a 1675, and a 16710, and I wouldn't swap either for any of the new offerings, vintage for me every time.

[@jamesleezxgf]

Hello just curious, I saw that you mentioned "swiss made" are usually watches that rolex made after 2000s? I see many online sellers with the "Swiss made" but claim that the watches were produced in the 70s. Thats strange

[@jjDemir]

I’ll take my 16700 Swiss only dial over any modern GMT. So much metal isn’t needed to produce durable objects & that’s where the neo-vintage falls in perfect positioning. Rugged but vintage, classic but still very drivable

[@bobbydazzler1780]

Coke is more subtle. More refined. The Pepsi younger. More punk. Jarring even. An acquired taste. The rattling bracelet. The cheap stamped metal clasp. Drill holes. I was gutted that they didn’t bang out a new Coke. Just this arse backwards lefty nonsense. And the grey/black. Meh I say. Meh. Sometimes the hype doesn’t do it. Funny how that goes.

[@flymorenow]

Oh Britney, you can't even buy these at list price! 🤣🤣🤣Sorry couldn't resist. Does it hurt to smile or laugh? Drink! Maybe someday I'll get a certified pre-owned Rolex GMT 😂🤣🤣

[@brianreynolds8456]

I have a 16750 I bought new in 1989, I have the box, papers, hang tag and original receipt. My most prized possession that I will give to my daughter one day. She can’t wait.

[@AlexanderB.]

Hey Britt, Ginga-goddess! 🤗 Whether the bezel is ceramic or aluminium has such a huge impacts on the watches' appearance. One side note: I hate the clasps of the older models! I find them f***ing ugly!

[@JoeGiz64]

126710BLRO on the oyster bracelet on the way from my AD. I’m told should be here in a few months. Registered interest in November. Not a fan of Batgirl bracelets

[@matthewhelm3035]

Great to see you back Brit! My favorite Rolex reference. Nice comparison review! Liked your analogy. Can’t go wrong whichever reference you have. I’ve had a 1675, 16710 and presently the 216710. The latter by far is my favorite. 🥂

[@ahha6304]

To hope that your jaw getting better everyday is becoming my habit, and it makes me happy that you are doing great and having lot of progress anyway Rolex is not my thang I just come here to see you get better :)

[@BrittPearceWatches]

OH BLESS YOU! 😭💕 this is much too kind! And keep sending me those good healing vibes!!! Definitely taking longer than I expected! 😅 but I am getting there! 💕✨✨

[@markmadad1]

I have a 2005 GMT. Bought it new. I still stare at it thinking it’s a beautiful watch. The new one is very nice but it’s lost its charm. Too Sub like

[@edwintreffers]

At gunpoint I would choose the 16710, it is just so classy!!! But I wouldn't say no if someone offered me the 126710 🙂 These are just such iconic watches and my personal favorite is the GMT Master II Rootbeer but that is just a little bit out of my budget 🙂

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Gah! I’m the same! 16710 is the ONE for me! But I honestly won’t say no to any others either 😜✨✨

[@cdm765]

Is the new one hard to get? Yes. Is it superior to my 16710 in every conceivable way? Yes. I own both and would go modern on Oyster every single time. Worth noting I am a 6’2 man though…

[@vietmontague]

My favorite: "Broken Jaw Goddess"...chef's kiss

[@seattlegrrlie]

Unpopular opinion... I don't like that watch. I've put it on my wrist, I've seen it on friends and co-workers and clients. It's okay that other people like it, we all have different tastes. But I absolutely don't want it

[@ShamrockRagEll]

Wow, the Lisbon and Vancouver example totally made sense to me! The one is classy oldschool, the other one is modern and refined. I like the old one better!

[@martinweyden40]

Modern. Because Old. Has Always problems. With every day where Vancouver has al lot of bums. So no old watch.

[@Chris-mh3vf]

Watched this while wearing my 16710 I have Pepsi coke and black bezels currently on the coke looking nice and thin oh yeh.

[@kennethgalang178]

I just love vintage rolexs. So im getting this 1969 gmt master pepsi with faded bezel..

[@Sebastian-z1h]

Britt, if that new Pepsi was yours to trade and you could swap it with a New Old Stock 16710 what would you do?

[@vjsllash]

Just bought 2005 16710 Pepsi to pair with my modern ceramic 116710LN 😂