So I was in a store today talking to the very interesting guy who runs the store and I mentioned to him that his watch is really cool.
He goes on to say he picked it up while in the Navy in Guantanamo back in the 50s from the services PX supplies(?)

Anyway I told him I'd find out a bit more about it for him as he seemed to not realise it's probably worth a fair bit more than the $200usd he paid for it back then.

And no, I'm not looking to make a deal with him and I won't disclose where he works, Im simply looking to pass on some helpful information so he's a bit more aware of what he has when he decides to pass it on or move it on..
Thanks in advance guys
Isaac

 

He has a really original looking, albeit polished, 16750 GMT-Master. These have seen significant price increases of late.

You can tell it’s a 16750 because, amongst other things, it hacks. It’s predecessor, the 1675, doesn’t have a hacking movement.

Love the faded bezel. He’s got a $10-15,000 watch.

However, have to question his story as it’s from the ‘80’s, not the ‘50’s....

 

Very clever to notice that the seconds hand is in the same place in both photos. Kudos!

After reading the OP, I was fully expecting to see a ref 6542, which would have been REALLY valuable, and was surprised to see the 16750. It doesn't seem possible that the owner could mis-remember when he bought the watch in Cuba, so apparently this is a different watch. The two-tone bracelet is obviously not original or correct. These pieces have gone up in value recently, but I would tend to value it closer to the $10k end because of condition issues. Very desirable watch.

 

Not a 16750, it’s a MK1 1675 which were made in the late 60’s early ‘70’s.

 

True, it has the long E font. I guess the watch wasn't running.

 

Luminova Service Dial ?

 

Certainly didnt pick it up in the 50’s

 

It's a legit MK1 "long E" dial. Note the T<25 at the bottom. I think it's all ok, the lume in some of the hands just aged a little darker.

 

No, Marty McFly wore a Casio.

 

Wow here I am thinking no one wanted to help with no email notifications haha.

Thanks all, perhaps he was mistaken when he brought it, I'll have another chat to him tomorrow, lovely guy and will be surprised as heck when I tell him what it could be worth.
You're all correct, the bracelet is not original, it's a speidel version and as for the second hand hacking/not running sorry I think I might have double tapped the shutter button too quickly? You can actually see it's advanced a split second in between the 2 photos.

I'm sure hes not looking to get rid of it yet, I just hated the thought of him being taken advantage of by someone unscrupulous...
Thanks again all, I'll update when I've passed on the info.

Isaac

 

Later 1675's hack.

 

hi all,
thanks for the info the past few days.
I had a brief chat with Jim this afternoon and he was pleasantly shocked to hear what some people thought it could be worth. I passed on that if he is to have it serviced to keep it looking as original as he can which he agreed, he didnt get it from a collectors point but he just like the way it looks.
I mentioned to swing by a well known watch store next time he is visiting Boston and to have a talk with them and to have a proper professionals opinion on looking after it.

thanks from Jim and myself OF.

 

Any update on the history of the watch? He mistakenly said he bought it in the 1950s.

 

I didn't push it to be honest, he did say he was 96 (and still working mind you!) so maybe he meant when HE was in his 50's but i'm not sure he would've been in the navy still?
the first time he said it was the 50's and then when I came back and mentioned the date he kind of hesitated before agreeing. I think though its obviously not a 50's GMT according to what the other have noted r.e design.

 

OK, I didn't realize his age. It would be easy for him to forget the details. As mentioned above, the dial dates it pretty clearly within a 4-5 year period in the late 60s and early 70s. I have basically the identical watch from 1970, except that mine has the fat font bezel. He has a great watch, and could sell it for a good price in a minute.

 

yes I filled him in on the current vintage Rolex situation. I did mention i would like to buy it but don't have that much rolling for a Rolex right now haha
sounds like he'll hold onto it and hopefully someone appreciative will receive it.

 

Holy arm gunk...