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 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$25,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
38mm
Model
GMT-Master
Movement
Automatic cal. 1575
Reference
1675
Bracelet
Rolex Jubilee Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold
Year
1975
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint
Material
Stainless Steel and 14k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
Featuring the iconic brown "nipple" dial, so-called thanks to its unique hour markers, this example bears the mark of famous American jeweler and previous Rolex retailer, Tiffany & Co.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, the bi-metal ref. 1675 quickly earned itself the nickname" Rootbeer" thanks to its harmonization of color. With three shades of brown across its bezel and dial and its yellow gold construction, the Rootbeer's aesthetic is tonal and iconic.
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
Watch is in excellent to near mint condition. Original dial is untouched and blemish free. Original "Wide Font" Tiffany & Co. stamp is perfect. Case is sharp, consistent with minimal use and little to no previous polishing. Under the lug, there is a Tiffany & Co. inventory number visible. Bracelet is sized to fit a 7.25" wrist, however it can be adjusted.
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
