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 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1971
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black (Made by Lemrich)
THE DIAL
While the ref. 1675's dials were normally made by Beyeler, this example is one of the rare few that feature a dial made by Lemrich. Sporting a rich patina on its hour markers and hands, this example's display is the ultimate example of vintage Rolex's intricacies.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered with its iconic "Pepsi" bezel, this example's blue and red aluminum bezel insert has aged over the years to contain a lightened shade of blue and an almost-white shade of red, resulting in a unique aesthetic that complements the nicely aged lume on its dial.
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 excellent condition. The steel case is very well defined, with some light scratches and scuffs. The bezel ring shows softened definition and the insert has faded, particularly on the red portion where the numerals have lost some clarity. The matte dial has light surface marks and more noticeable hand-drag between five and nine. The hands have light marks and the lume is a good match with the dial. The watch is fitted with a steel rivet-link USA Oyster bracelet with surface marks and light play between the links. The endpieces are loose fitting, and the 6 o'clock side is a little "floppy". It is fitted with 12 links and fits approximately a 7” wrist.
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
