Rolex GMT-Master 1675, Steel

This watch was previously sold by Andrew Shear, of Sheartime (you can see it in his archive here).

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. This specific function is what made the GMT-Master the go-to timepiece for commercial pilots, with the red GMT-hand and luminous arrow tip providing excellent visibility in low light.

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 1967 (with serial number 133 XXXX), has its original glossy black dial in excellent condition, with gilt ’ROLEX’ and ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL - GMT-MASTER' text referenced on it. The tritium hour markers have aged to a warm patina, whilst the original GMT handset (with small GMT hand) displays a similarly aged tone. The watch also has an iconic, faded 'Pepsi' bezel and comes equipped with a stamped riveted 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 167 examples display '1570' engraved on the bridge of the calibre. This is a reference to the base-calibre from 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 glossy dial, plexi-glass and faded bezel gives this example a vintage feel which is so desirable in today’s demanding market place. With Rolex’s long-anticipated, recent introduction of the steel 'Pepsi' GMT-Master II, at Baselworld 2018, the 1675's continued desirability is assured.

This watch is accompanied by its original Rolex inner box, punched Chronometer Certificate, punched guarantee paper (dated 1967) and Rolex Buenos Aires service papers, from 1991.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Rolex
Model:	GMT-Master Ref. 1675
Movement:	mechanical automatic Calibre. 1575
Functions:	date, GMT, hours, minutes, center seconds
Features:	unrestored gilt dial, original, faded 'Pepsi' bezel
Case:	38mm stainless steel
Crystal:	plexiglass
Bracelet:	Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet
Box & papers:	original inner box, punched chronometer certificate, punched guarantee paper (dated 1967), Rolex Buenos Aires service papers (1991).

The case of this 1675 GMT-Master is in good vintage condition, with nicely-preserved thick lugs and original bevels intact. Signs of wear are visible in photography. The original gilt-gloss dial is in excellent condition, with an even glossy finish, no signs of tarnishing/damage and without fading on the gilt minute markers or the Rolex logo. The handset is original matches the dial nicely. The faded 'Pepsi' bezel is well-preserved, with only one hairline scratch visible between 11 and 12 o’clock.

The watch comes with its original inner box, which is slightly cracked on the reverse, along with its original punched chronometer certificate, original punched guarantee paper and Rolex Buenos Aires service papers from 1991 - all of which have been very well kept. It’s guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.