THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1675
YEAR: 1967
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The GMT Master is one of the world’s most iconic watch designs, originally designed for airline pilots, it now adorns the wrists of many. The 1675 reference we have here was originally produced in 1959 and was kept in production until 1980.
Rolex made many changes to this reference, everything from the movement, dials from gloss to matte and even the bezel design. Its a fascinating reference and definitely a favourite amongst collectors.
This particular example has had two owners since new, the latest owner purchased the watch in the late 70's and has had it ever since. In 1980 during a service at Rolex he had the expandable 6636 rivet replaced with a 78360 /580 as he found it uncomfortable of the best dials we have ever seen. The dial is nearly flawless and all the gilt text is perfect. It has the Tritium / Zinc Sulfide markers, bang on for 1967. They have aged perfectly to a slight cream, in some light they have a slight green tint as expected from Zinc Sulfide. The hands are also original and match the dial. The watch came two us with two bezels, the original red back insert that was changed in 96 because it was 'faded' according to the service quote and a blue back service insert. The case has been polished, the caseback shows five Rolex service engravings so no doubt done at those times. The lugs are nice and even, the lower crown guard is thinner than the top. The original hooked 7 date wheel is still present.
The watch has been checked over and is running well. +7 s/d, 270 amps with a beat error of 0.2. The watch comes with its original guarantee book dated 1st November 1967, three Rolex service receipts that match the numbers in the caseback and the service bezel.
Gilt dialled GMT’s, out of all the sports models from the 60’s, are now the hardest to find as original as this. Expect these to sharply rise in value as the availability of these watches dwindles with their current popularity.