Gold/Steel Rolex Allowed (again)
Posted by Robert-Jan in WatchTalk, tags: GMT-Master, Rolex, VintageSince my Rolex Yacht-Master had to leave my modest collection of watches to make way for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, I am left with some typical sporty Rolexes. Although I love my GMT-Master II and Sea-Dweller in stainless steel, the high polish and platinum effect of the Yacht-Master is definately being missed. So, after I finished my work today, I started looking around on the internet for a decent replacement in the (far) future.
Approximately 4500 euro will buy me a slightly used Yacht-Master ref.16622 again, however, this money also gives some nice alternatives that also might do the trick for me.
A steel/gold combination for a sports watch is considered not-done by many, but I don’t care and I think it can look wonderful in both casual and more formal occasions. I borrowed a gold/steel Rolex Submariner ref.16613 for a while, and the blue dial was coming on too strong for me. Another option I just found at SubGMT’s website, is a gold/steel GMT-Master. This vintage (1983) time piece has a 4400 euro price tag, but comes complete with box, booklets and papers.
During the 1980s, these gold/steel Rolex sports watches were the domain of shady types, doing questionable business in strange places. Miami Vice, white loafers and Mercedes S-class cars come to mind as I think of shady 1980 type of people.
Photo by www.mercedes-addict.co.uk
This sharp edged GMT-Master 16753 model has (ofcourse) a plexy crystal and the so called nipple dial. The ref.16753 is nowadays a respected vintage wrist watch that can be seen on wrists again, without being referred to as a crime suspect. This particular model has a gold/steel Jubilee bracelet, which is a matter of liking, but one can’t deny that this is the most comfortable bracelet Rolex has ever made. Perhaps I would opt for a gold/steel Oyster bracelet or even a brown leather alligator strap, but this Jubilee certainly ‘finishes the job’.
Photo by SubGMT.com
Like I said, the edges on the lugs are still in tact, and even though this watch has been serviced a few times during its lifetime (as it should), it is still looking sharp.
Photo by SubGMT.com
I really like the gold printing on the bezel and the relatively large numbers on it. Also notice the ‘open’ 9 on the date-wheel and the fact that the date-wheel is gold colored instead of white.
What do you think? Am I right about the gold/steel sports watch? Please leave your thoughts by clicking ‘comments’ below.
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gotta love them, as your blog, great work, fun to read.
As for the TT’s and full golden Rolex, someday….
greetings.
I used to own a similar two-tone GMT Master and i’ve always thought it’s a real beauty. The only thing is… it was not getting any wrist time. Steel-gold is absolutely not my thing… great looks… but not for my wrist.
Servus RJ,
I’m currently on holiday in the south of Germany and just yesterday I took al look at the new GMT in steel/gold. A very nice watch I think. The combination of gold and steel, together with the black dial looks super. I also took a look at the everose turn-o-graph, which is also very nice. I’m not very fond of the GMT you’re refering to. I like the ‘Tigerauge’ more.
Rob
Hi RJ – a vintage brown-dialed Rolex would be a more subtle and less-seen reminder of the 70s. Having said that, the two-tone metal look seems to be resurgent this past year, still not to the levels we saw then but definitely more common.
Best wishes from Canada
Harry
Hi all,
Thanks for your comments. And thanks for the credits, Knauf!
Indeed, the Tiger Auge is also quite nice, with its brown dial. And like Harry says, two-tone seems to be (or get) accepted again more and more. Lucky us
RJ
I do think that the 18k & stainless look is resurgent right now. If you get a deal that’s too good to pass , I’d do it.
One thing to remember, these models hold their value better than most others,at least here in Texas, so when you get ready o move back to the Yachtmaster, you should get a good price for your GMT.