Can someone please explain the significance of the color on the back side of a Rolex Pepsi bezel? Sometimes red, sometimes blue. Best I can tell through many Google searches is that red existed in earlier 1675s and blue came later in the 80s or so and also fit the 16750? I have a nicely aged 1969 1675 with a replacement Pepsi bezel and am considering getting a nicely faded bezel to match the rest of the watch. Just want to make sure I get the right thing. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom
As your Gmt is from 1969, you should get a red back insert. Blue back insert are either 16750 (which will fit in your bezel) or for mineral glass models like 16710, 16760,... Furthermore you should find a fat font insert, always look at the number 18 on the insert to find a gap between the two digits, this way you will be sure it is a vintage insert. Look on VRF ( network54 ) they have a good market for Rolex genuine parts. Good luck.
Thin font vs fat font: I have seen fat font inserts going for $600+. I was lucky to pick this one up.
$600 is a steal. I'm on the hunt for a nice FF insert for my GMT. Ebay is not a bad place to pick them up but the prices have recently soared into the $900-$1500 range. That's just crazy money.