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
$6,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel solid link Oyster bracelet
Year
1971
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning matte black Mk. 1 dial, this example features tritium luminous across its hour markers and hands that have aged to include a deep and rich creamy patina that has almost become a shade of orange. Additionally, the "ROLEX' inscription at 12 o'clock includes the infamous "Long E" that this dial is known for.
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
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.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Previously polished case shows minor surface wear, and recut chamfered edge. Red-blue bezel insert is lightly faded and shows minimal signs of surface wear. Original matte dial with nicely aged luminous material, and little to no signs of surface markings. Hour minute and 24 hour hand are original tritium and the seconds hand appears to be a service one. Please note that this has had service parts fitted on it at some point, that includes the seconds hand, the "white" date wheel, as well as the caseback that is marked 16750. The watch comes on a later solid oyster bracelet with 13 links, 3 of which are removable. It fits an approx 7 3/4" wrist and shows minimal stretch.
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
