Rolex Pepsi Bezels -- Red vs. Blue back?

[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

 

[omegastar]

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]

Excellent. Thank you!

 

[jud]

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

 

[kyle L]

Thin font vs fat font:

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

 

[TLIGuy]

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]

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]

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