hmmmm....i am facing the this tussle right at this moment and I havent got the answer yet...
Always loved the Rolex GMT..A nice 1675 with faded Pepsi colours and nice clean matte dial with gorgeous patina. But the hunt for one is tiring (fun, but tiring). Its a mine field, and the frustrating thing is many times, you can only rely on photos, one-liner replies from popular sellers and advice from friends. There's only a handful of reliable vintage dealers and you're not the only one hunting for a bargain vintage (if there's such thing as a bargain vintage..hehe). An important rule in vintage is you pay to play. If you are willing to pay, then there will always be reliable seller offering a beauty for sale. If you're petty about owning the original dial, original hands, original box, papers, its all extra $$$$$.
Personal level of tolerance is also an interesting and yet important factor. Take the Rolex GMT for example. Some owners are adamant about the bezel color, matching the series. So a Sophia Loren with Pepsi bezel is a no-no, and a 16700 with a black bezel is questionable. To some, it doesnt matter which series, as long as they have the bezel combo they want. Some will detest luminova hands sweeping across tritium markers. To some, this mixture is acceptable, as it's a sign that the watch is a well-used. Some will tell you to quickly pull the trigger the moment you see a reputable seller advertising a nice piece for sale, while others will tell you that in buying a vintage, its better to be there to see with your own eyes.
And even after you get your dream piece, there's still that worry about support and parts replacement. Experienced vintage owners been telling me there are plenty of parts world wide should you need one. But again, do you have the time to source for one? And i heard there are plenty of fake parts floating around too).
The irony is with the same price, instead of a 1675, you can probably get a full set, fully functional 16710 that can tell time in the dark and with an independent 24 hr hand. One which RSC will gladly service. And yes, a full set, drop dead gorgeous 1675 that will make every forum members in those famous vintage forums to bow down whenever you show your wrist shot is priced even above those modern ceramic GMTs.
So have I decided? That's the trouble with vintage. It has that charm and allure that's beyond logic and reasoning. At times, I wished I never visited those vintage threads but I guess its a bit too late now.
So in response to the original question by the TS....I dont know....
