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On Dec 9, 5:00 PM UTC
Lot #1222
Rolex Gold GMT-Master 1675
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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.
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
Leather strap
Year
1974
Condition
Very Good
Material
18k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Brown
THE DIAL
Featuring the GMT-Master's iconic brown "nipple" dial, so-called thanks to its uniquely-shaped hour markers, the ref. 1675's aesthetic is entirely monochromatic as it wonderfully complements its warm 18k yellow gold case and brown anodized aluminum bezel insert.
THE CASE
With its sharp case featuring healthy bevels and a slightly oxidized surface, this ref. 1675 presents as a warm watch that has been cared for over its life.
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 very good condition. Dial shows light spotting around the surface - it is possible it could be lifted off by a watchmaker. Case is very sharp and has a strong chamfer on the lugs. There is one ding on the surface of the caseback that can be seen from the inside, and one smaller scratch on the edge.
Our Perspective
An iconic watch amongst Rolex's historical catalog, the nipple dial GMT-Master ref. 1675 is filled with character thanks to just how unique it was from what Rolex used to produce, and undoubtedly what they produce today.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
