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 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold Jubilee bracelet
Year
1973
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
Featuring the GMT-Master's iconic brown "nipple" dial, so-called thanks to its uniquely-shaped hour markers, the ref. 1675's aesthetic is entirely monochromatic as it wonderfully complements its warm 18k yellow gold case and brown anodized aluminum bezel insert.
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.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Imbued with luxury, the ref. 1675 we have here features an entirely precious metal construction with an 18kt yellow gold Jubilee bracelet and case, which acts as the perfect backdrop for its brown anodized aluminum bezel and nipple dial with 18kt gold hardware.
Condition
Watch is in overall near mint condition. Case has minor wear, most visible as small scratches near the springbar holes. Lugs are thick and have a chamfered edge. Bezel teeth are sharp and well defined, and the bezel insert is free from any major scratches or marks. The dial appears nearly flawless, with no discernible marks visible. The luminous on the hands are a slight shade lighter than the luminous on the dial. The bracelet has 18 links total, and can fit a large wrist. There is very minimal stretch.
Our Perspective
An iconic watch amongst Rolex's historical catalog, the nipple dial GMT-Master ref. 1675 is filled with character thanks to just how unique it was from what Rolex used to produce, and undoubtedly what they produce today.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
