The Rolex GMT-Master II 16710, affectionately known as the "Pepsi" (for its red and blue bezel) or "Coke" (for its red and black bezel), holds a special place in the hearts of many watch enthusiasts. Its iconic design, robust build, and fascinating history have cemented its status as a highly sought-after collectible. However, with the age and popularity of these watches comes the inevitable need for service, and with that service, the potential for a service dial. Understanding how to identify a service dial on a 16710 is crucial for anyone considering purchasing one, as it can significantly impact the watch's value. This article will delve deep into the complexities of identifying Rolex 16710 service dials, exploring the nuances of dial variations, the implications for collectors, and the overall impact on the watch's price and desirability.
Understanding Rolex Service Procedures and Dial Replacements
Before we dive into the specifics of identifying a service dial, it's important to understand the context. Rolex, renowned for its meticulous service standards, often replaces parts during a service, including dials. This isn't necessarily indicative of damage; sometimes dials are replaced due to minor imperfections, fading, or simply as part of a comprehensive overhaul to ensure the watch's optimal performance. These replacements are typically done with dials sourced directly from Rolex's own parts inventory. However, the process isn't always transparent, and discerning a service dial from an original, untouched dial can be challenging even for experienced collectors.
How to Identify a Rolex 16710 Service Dial: A Multi-faceted Approach
Identifying a service dial on a 16710 requires a meticulous examination of several features. There's no single definitive test, but rather a combination of observations that, taken together, can provide a strong indication:
* Dial Footings: The small, almost invisible metal feet that attach the dial to the movement are a key area of inspection. Original dials often show signs of age and wear on these footings, potentially exhibiting slight discoloration or even minor imperfections from years of movement. Service dials, being newer, may appear pristine and almost too perfect. This is a subtle clue, but experienced collectors often notice this difference. High-quality macro photography is essential for this assessment.
* Lume Plots: The lume (luminescent material) plots on the dial are another crucial area of scrutiny. Original dials, especially those from earlier production years, often exhibit characteristic aging patterns in their lume. This might include discoloration, slight variations in lume application, or even some degree of lume degradation. Service dials often have a more uniform and consistent lume application, sometimes appearing slightly brighter or more "modern" compared to the aged lume of original dials.
* Dial Printing: The quality of the printing on the dial, including the text, indices, and date window, is a critical point of comparison. Original dials often show slight variations and imperfections in the printing, reflecting the hand-crafted nature of the process. Service dials, produced with more modern techniques, may exhibit a higher degree of precision and uniformity, sometimes appearing almost too perfect. This is subjective, but experienced eyes can often detect subtle differences in printing sharpness, font consistency, and overall aesthetic.
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