Rolex GMT-Master 1675, Steel

 

The GMT-Master was originally created for Pan American World Airways (commonly known as ‘Pan-Am’), who sought a highly-legible, accurate and functional wristwatch, to be used by pilots for long-haul flights. In the 1950’s and 60’s, especially in North America, there was a boom in both private and commercial aviation, as the development of civil aircraft continued to grow. With pilots flying longer and longer distances, the need for an intuitive timekeeping tool, capable of displaying multiple time zones, became a necessity.

In addition to the typical hour, minutes and seconds handset, the ‘GMT’ complication was designed to allow for setting of a fourth hand, referred to as the ‘GMT’ hand, to the local time followed by adjustment of its rotatable 24-hour bezel, to a second time zone.

The name ‘GMT’ derives from this functionality and abbreviates 'Greenwich Mean Time' - the time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. Also known as ‘Coordinated Universal Time’, it is the basis of the world-time clock and is universally used in aviation and weather forecasting, even today, against which all time zones across the world are referenced, as well as on the International Space Station. 

This GMT-Master 1675, from 1971 (with serial number 338 XXXX), was one of the first to feature a hacking-seconds function, introduced to the reference in that year. The original dial is in exceptionally good condition, has a matte black finish with classic 'ROLEX’ and ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL - GMT-MASTER' text referenced on it. The creamy tritium hour markers and the GMT baton hand have aged to a beautiful patina, The watch also has its iconic “Pepsi” bezel, Rolex crown and it comes equipped with its original Rolex Oyster bracelet and clasp.

Inside the watch, it houses Rolex’s calibre 1575 bi-directional, self-winding movement. The mechanism features a lever escapement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic balance and a KIF shock-absorber, beating at a rate of 19,800 A/h, with a power-reserve of 42 hours. Interestingly, some GMT-Master ‘1675’ examples display ‘1570’ engraved on the bridge of the calibre. The engraving ‘1570’, is a reference to base-calibre in which the ‘1575’ is derived from (the ‘5’, indicating the inclusion of a date function).

As with any design, there is a “sweet spot”; this watch hits that perfectly. The matt dial, plexi-glass and lightly faded bezel gives this example the vintage feel which is so desirable in today’s demanding market place.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Rolex
Model:	GMT Ref. 1675
Movement:	mechanical automatic Cal. 1575
Functions:	date, GMT, hours, minutes, center seconds
Features:	rotating Pepsi bezel, unrestored dial
Case:	stainless steel
Crystal:	plexiglass
Bracelet:	Rolex Oyster bracelet with Rolex folding clasp
Year:	1981
Box & papers:	Rolex box

The case is in excellent vintage condition and does not suffer from over polishing, as the lugs display clear beveling and bumps/grazes (consistent with use). The watch retains its original Rolex crown. The original dial is in excellent condition, without fading on the minute markers or the Rolex logo. The patina on the tritium index markers is intact and shows consistency, matching the handset well. The bezel insert may or may not be a later service replacement (considering the strength of the colour).