Rolex Pepsi Bezels -- Red vs. Blue back?

RawArcher · Dec 20, 2014

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

omegastar · Dec 20, 2014

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.

RawArcher · Dec 20, 2014

Excellent. Thank you!

jud · Dec 21, 2014

Thanks for that information. I never understood what made a fat font insert.

kyle L · Dec 21, 2014

Thin font vs fat font:

I have seen fat font inserts going for $600+. I was lucky to pick this one up.

TLIGuy · Dec 23, 2014

kyle L
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.

dlack · Sep 7, 2024

RawArcher
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

Red back = original Rolex factory insert (came with the watch from the factory; relatively rare to find nowadays, thus more valuable)
Blue back = Rolex factory 'service replacement' insert (insert replaced during service; abundantly available)

blueteg · Sep 9, 2024

Gotta pump that post count up....even if it means replying to a 10 year old thread. 🙄

Rolex Pepsi Bezels -- Red vs. Blue back?

RawArcher

omegastar

RawArcher

jud

kyle L

TLIGuy

dlack

blueteg

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