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Lot #3662

Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Mk 1 Matte DIal Retailed by Tiffany & Co.

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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.

Any Rolexes retailed by Tiffany & Co. are highly coveted, let alone a sport watch like this, which is collectible in its own right.

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

Stainless steel Oyster bracelet

Year

1968

Condition

Excellent

Material

Stainless steel

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Black

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring the GMT-Master ref. 1675's signature black dial with creamy luminous hour markers and hands, this example bears the logo of famous American jeweler and once-Rolex retailer Tiffany & Co, meaning they were who initially retailed this example.

THE CONSTRUCTION
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, co-signed black dial, and creamy yellow lume.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
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

case size: 39.5mm

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has been refinished at some point, with some surface scratches and a couple of light nicks. The bezel is well defined and has a so-called 'Pepsi' blue and red insert with a couple of light marks. The matte dial features the Tiffany & Co. stamp and is in near-mint condition. The lume in the hands is a shade darker. The watch is fitted with a rivet Oyster bracelet that currently fits a 7 1/2” wrist and has 12 links, with light play between the links.

Our Perspective

Already a beloved watch by collectors, this ref. 1675 takes things to the next level of exclusivity and rarity with its co-signed dial featuring Tiffany & Company's branding - one of the market's favorite co-signing retailers.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder