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GMT 16700 Serif Pepsi Insert Question

  1. CJpickup57 May 5, 2022

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    I have an E serial GMT Master 16700 with an insert that is not as common as I have found searching the web. I have been researching this insert and have not come across much specific information. It has serif font except the individual "2" at the 1 o'clock position.

    I have been searching the web for a bit trying to gather info on it, but anything I find isn't specific. I have found used insert examples of it on eBay in both the Coke and Pepsi styles.

    I have found this thread about another one: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=807640. His proposed question was answered as to the legitimacy of it, but I am wondering why these are different and not as commonly found.

    I created a thread on the Rolex Forum as well. No responses there yet.

    If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it!

    Here is my watch:

    IMG_1819.jpg

    IMG_1820.jpg
     
  2. ATWG May 5, 2022

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    Hello - can you pop the bezel and take a picture of the backside? Ebay is full of counter fit inserts.
     
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  3. CJpickup57 May 5, 2022

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    Absolutely! I am going out of town after work for the weekend (Mother's Day trip), but I can do that on Sunday when I get back. That is one thing I don't have a picture of on my phone and I am not wearing it today.

    Here are two Pepsi inserts I do have on my phone that I found on eBay if you could tell me anything about them of importance:

    1) s-l1600.png

    s-l1600 (1).png

    s-l1600 (2).png

    s-l1600 (3).png

    View attachment 1411030

    2)
    s-l1600.jpg

    s-l1600 (1).jpg

    s-l1600 (2).jpg

    s-l1600 (3).jpg

    s-l1600 (5).jpg

    s-l1600 (8).jpg
     
    s-l1600 (4).jpg
    Edited May 5, 2022
  4. CJpickup57 May 8, 2022

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  5. ATWG May 8, 2022

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    I think you’re fine. The backside looks ok to me. The good thing is that these aren’t that expensive.
     
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  6. CJpickup57 May 9, 2022

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    Thank you.

    I’m actually trying to establish a timeline of when these were used. I have seen earlier serial and a little later serials with the same font insert in Pepsi and Coke along with others in the same range with different inserts. Granted, there are inserts everywhere and without original owner or proof of history being changed out or not it’s hard to know what Rolex was doing at these times when produced I guess.

    Thank you for taking the time and responding. I appreciate it.
     
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  7. mrs_LA May 10, 2022

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    Serif inserts were commonly used in the 90s. Your E serial should have it.
     
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  8. alohahawaii Oct 2, 2022

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    I’ve just bought a 16700 with the same “mixed” bezel. I’d be interested in anything you’ve learned about it. Mine’s also an E, and is lightly worn (still has the green sticker on the case back). Thanks!
     
  9. Chris75 Oct 2, 2022

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    The inserts you posted are all perfectly fine and are all possible iterations of Rolex 90's Pepsi inserts.

    In the early/ mid 90's also this one was possible, fat font but without serif (someone says before 1993).


    773ddc53-022f-40d2-8c62-697b011ae5d4.JPG
     
  10. spacemission Oct 3, 2022

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    16700s with black red insert aren't to be trusted because they are not 100% original from factory. The best way is to see old catalogues or to have a watch that was new in those same years.
     
  11. sloyo Dec 22, 2022

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    This Instagram post might be very helpful, not sure whether you have seen this already:
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-EqTH9Hd6N/?hl=de

    Your insert seems to be the one that is sometimes also called “super fat”. I just bought a similar one and started to dig into this when I noted the missing serifs on the 2 and 10.
     
    Edited Dec 24, 2022
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