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
Watch only
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 Jubilee bracelet
Year
1966
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning glossy black dial, this example sports gorgeous gilt inscriptions alongside tritium luminous across its hour markers and hands that have aged to include a beautifully unique golden patina.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With a punchy blue and bright red, this example's "Pepsi" bezel gives this timepiece a wonderful burst of color that perfectly complements its stainless steel construction, black dial, and yellow lume.
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
The watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case has been repolished in the past and shows scratches and nicks, including a more noticeable ding on the lower crown guard. The case back has surface scratches. The bezel teeth show some wear, and the blue and red insert has light fading. The dial is in very good condition, with some damage to the lume plots and discoloration of the one and two o’clock markers. The hands show cracking and damage to the lume. The watch has a later "Big Arrow" 24 hr hand vs. the original "Small Arrow" one. The folded link Jubilee bracelet has scratches on the clasp and light play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7” wrist, and is fitted with 22 links, 3 of which are removable.
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
