Introduction
Released in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master resulted from a collaboration between now-extinct airline Pan Am and Rolex on a watch that would display the time across two time zones at once. Thanks to the popularisation of commercial air travel, planes were becoming more advanced and traveling longer distances. This resulted in pilots crossing time zones during flights more frequently, and thus a need for uniformity across the aviation industry was highlighted. To eliminate errors caused by time confusion, the industry adopted a standard time-zone, Greenwich Mean Time. As such, the GMT-Master's fourth hand, its 2nd hour hand, was used to constantly display Greenwich Mean Time, as its model name implies, while its regular hour hand displayed local time. While the aviation industry's standard time-zone switched to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in 1972, the name of the legendary GMT-Master was far too long in use for Rolex to change it. Today, the GMT-Master has become one of Rolex's most iconic models, with very few pilot's watches, if any, rivaling its level of fame, popularity, or signature design – and it certainly looks like it will stay that way.
Replacing the original GMT-Master, the ref. 6542 in 1959, the GMT Master ref. 1675 introduced a selection of essential upgrades that increased the GMT-Master's robustness and made it an internally superior timepiece to what had come before. Powered by the new chronometer-spec cal. 1565 movement, the ref. 1675 was the first GMT-Master family member to receive the coveted "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription on its dial. Furthermore, it introduced the case-altering, and now standard issue, crown guards to protect its winding crown from impacts. Its crown guards had a pointed shape from 1959 until 1965, which is when they changed to a flat, or square profile. Produced until 1980, the GMT-Master ref. 1675 is the longest-running GMT-Master model Rolex has ever produced and as such, is the quintessential reference with the longest history for Rolex collectors to enjoy and connect with.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1968
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning matte black Mk. 1 dial, this example features tritium luminous across its hour markers and hands that have aged to include a deep and rich creamy patina that has almost become a shade of orange. Additionally, the "ROLEX' inscription at 12 o'clock includes the infamous "Long E" that this dial is known for.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Having faded over the years, this example's "Pepsi" bezel insert has taken on a new lease of life thanks to its strong shades of blue and red that have imbued this watch with wonderful twist on the iconic color pairing.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case lugs show signs of previous polishing, and has some visible surface marks and dings. Numbers between the lugs are crisp and fully visible. The watch has an original period red-back insert that shows only minor suface wear. The original matte "Long E" dial is in very good overall condition. The luminous has darkened and shows some uneven discoloration as seen in the images. The 5 o'clock index is slightly abraded as seen in the images. The luminous in the hands are darker than the dial, with the seconds hand luminous missing, and the 24 hour hand luminous appearing cracked. The crystal shows superficial scratches. The watch is fitted on an original swiss rivet oyster bracelet. There are 12 links total, and it fits a 7" wrist. The band shows light to moderate stretch. Please Note: The watch was previously sold on the Loupe This, but has been relisted because the 24 hour hand was inadvertently obscuring some damage on the luminous marker at 5 o'clock. Images have been reshot and the description amended.
Our Perspective
Famed as the quintessential Rolex GMT-Master, the ref. 1675 has grown into one of the most iconic timepieces in watchmaking with its stunning aesthetic, signature bezel, and deep history.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
