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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Double box, punched guarantee booklet, GMT booklet, "cigarette" card
Est. value range
$12,000 – $18,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1969
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, double box, punched guarantee booklet, GMT booklet, and "cigarette" card
Dial Color
Black
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate surface wear, but retain full lugs. Case edges are soft, and the surfaces show various scratches and marks. Numbers between the lugs are crisp and fully legible. The original bezel insert has faded to a faded blue and fuscia red, with light surface imperfections and marks. The original Mk1 "Long L" dial in excellent condition. There are minimal signs of wear and aging on the dial. Original luminous is still white toned, and the watch comes with matching hands. The minute hand and seconds hand have cracks in the luminous material. Watch comes on a folded link bracelet dated 1/70 with 12 links total. It shows moderate surface wear and light stretch. Watch is accompanied by a double box set, punched guarantee booklet, GMT pamphlet and various accessories.
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 and deep history. Offered with its stunningly aged fuchsia bezel insert, this Mk. 1 dial example has everything a vintage Rolex collector could want.