GMT 16710 Serial Question

[Lord Tomato]

Hi,

I've been looking for a 16710 for a while, specifically with SEL and no lug holes (basically, the latest case variant that was released). I am in no means an expert when it comes to older Rolex watches, so I'd be very glad if you could assist me. I've found a nice and well priced piece (without papers) that is supposedly from 2002. I was previously informed that the first no lug hole and SEL 16710s were released later during 2003? The serial according to the serial number is Y855. Is everything as it should be? The store seems to be rather reputable, but I just want to double check with the experts here.

Thank you. :)

[PepsiBezel]

Late-Y serial models do not have lug holes (16710T).

Without papers, the serial number is just an estimate of production. The clasp code may be more accurate (though, obviously, a bracelet is produced separately from a watch, and may be mismatched over time).

[Lord Tomato]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

Late-Y serial models do not have lug holes (16710T).

Without papers, the serial number is just an estimate of production. The clasp code may be more accurate (though, obviously, a bracelet is produced separately from a watch, and may be mismatched over time).

Thanks! So everything seems to be in order? I guess all no hole 16710s have SEL? According to Bob's Watches' 16710 guide, the late Y serial was introduced in late 2003 though? Might the production year just be a small listing mistake from the seller?

Clasp code is: 78790A.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Lord Tomato

. . .

Clasp code is: 78790A.

This isn't the clasp code as we usually use the term. This is the bracelet style, a 78790 (Oyster, brushed with polished sides), with SEL (A)

The clasp code is 3 digits and can be used to fix an approximate date of manfacture.

[PepsiBezel]

IMG_4753.jpeg

In the photo, OP11 is the clasp code, indicating November 2006.

For a watch without papers, whether a seller says Y-serial is 2002 or 2003, or any year does not matter. It’s just an estimate.

This is a non-factor, sort of like your previous 16710 when all the paper work had LN but the bezel was a non-serif Coke.

[watchnwine]

Originally Posted by Tools

This isn't the clasp code as we usually use the term.
The clasp code is 3 digits and can be used to fix an approximate date of manfacture.

The clasp code can be found on the inside of the clasp itself (I need a magnifier with my old eyes) and is likely to be one of the following in your example:

DE
DT
AD

followed by a number. The letter code is the year of production, (DE=2001, DT=2002 and AD=2003) and the number is the month. To put it together, a clasp code of AD7 would indicate that the bracelet was manufactured in July of 2003 and likely paired up with a case that didn't have holes. If the letters are anything else (or an S for service), the bracelet may have been manufactured later.

[watchnwine]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

Attachment 1432485

In the photo, OP11 is the clasp code, indicating November 2006.

For a watch without papers, whether a seller says Y-serial is 2002 or 2003, or any year does not matter. It’s just an estimate.

This is a non-factor, sort of like your previous 16710 when all the paper work had LN but the bezel was a non-serif Coke.

This is a great example of where to look - in real life, I find the letters/numbers hard to see!

[Lord Tomato]

Thank you all! I’ll ask for the clasp code! But just to summarize: this watch will also have SELs (no lug holes = always SEL)?

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by Lord Tomato

Thank you all! I’ll ask for the clasp code! But just to summarize: this watch will also have SELs (no lug holes = always SEL)?

Yes

[aboutime]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

Yes

I don’t believe the equation of no lug holes = SEL. I’ve been on the look out for the same reference and seen many SEL bracelets with lug holes in the case. I believe SEL was introduced a few years before the lug holes in cases were phased out.

[PepsiBezel]

Originally Posted by aboutime

I don’t believe the equation of no lug holes = SEL. I’ve been on the look out for the same reference and seen many SEL bracelets with lug holes in the case. I believe SEL was introduced a few years before the lug holes in cases were phased out.

16710T (No Lug Holes) = SELs (late Y, F, D, Z, and M serials)

16710 (Lug Holes) = Sometimes SELs (A, P, K, and sometimes Y serials)

[Lord Tomato]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

Attachment 1432485

In the photo, OP11 is the clasp code, indicating November 2006.

For a watch without papers, whether a seller says Y-serial is 2002 or 2003, or any year does not matter. It’s just an estimate.

This is a non-factor, sort of like your previous 16710 when all the paper work had LN but the bezel was a non-serif Coke.

The clasp code is AD9. I googled and found a result here on the forum stating it should be from September 2003. Sounds about right?

[watchnwine]

Originally Posted by Lord Tomato

The clasp code is AD9. I googled and found a result here on the forum stating it should be from September 2003. Sounds about right?

Yes - and likely original with the watch.