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
Original Guarantee Certificate, Service Receipt from 1975, Box Set
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
40mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1570
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1972
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Original Guarantee Certificate, Service Receipt from 1975, Box Set
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 contains a dark shade of blue and a strong shade of red, for a punchy burst of color to nicely complement its aged lume display.
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 has light scratches and shows signs of a previous polish. The case back has light scratches. The bezel is well defined and the red-back Pepsi insert is very clean. The dial is in near-mint condition and the hand lume is a good match with the dial's hour markers. The acrylic crystal has some scuffs and scratches. The rivet link Oyster bracelet is in good condition, with moderate play between the links and some scratches on the surface and clasp. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/2" wrist and has 12 links. Comes with papers, GMT-Master booklet, translation papers, document holder and a 1970s service receipt and box set.
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
