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 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1978
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning black dial, this example features matching tritium luminous across its handset and hour markers, which all feature a beautiful creamy patina that has taken on a warm shade of yellow.
THE BEZEL
Beautifully aged just like its dial, this example's "fuchsia" bezel insert has had its once vibrant red lighten into a stunning fuchsia pink and its deep blue turn into light sky blue.
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 exceptional near-mint condition. The case has full lugs with sharp original chamfers and very little surface wear. Bezel insert has faded into a pleasing color combo of a washed blue denim and fuscia. The MK 5 dial has no visible imperfections to speak of, and has aged a beatuiful cream color and the hands have matching tritium. Crystal has some light surface scratches. The original 78360 oyster band comes with 13 links total, with two being removable. The bracelet has a "VE" date code, and shows little to no stretch.
Our Perspective
The GMT-Master is a stunning watch in and of itself but there's a lot to be said for the irresistible appeal of this example's stunning Mk5 dial and fuchsia bezel insert. Its exceedingly difficult to find an example of any sport Rolex that ticks all the boxes in terms of completeness and condition, but this one absolutely does.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
