Watch Chronicles with a Fighter Pilot's Rolex GMT Pepsi 1675 | Bob's Watches

F-100 Fighter Pilot David Kramer joins us today with the incredible story of how he came to purchase his first watch in this episode of Watch Chronicles. Shop now: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex/

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00:38 GMT Master 1675
00:56 “The way I got it was…”
02:02 China Fleet Club
03:12 “...and it cost $146.”
03:35 “I wore the watch through the rest of my combat missions”
05:29 Overhead demonstration of the Rolex 1675
06:18 “Turning more into jewelry piece than a tool piece…”
06:54 “Part of the uniform…”
07:48 “Vintage holds a place in my heart…”
09:54 “How many missions flying with the US Air Force?”
10:10 Interesting story out in the field
11:22 Outro

Shop the pre-owned Rolex GMT Master: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt...

What makes an exceptional vintage Rolex watch even more incredible? A fascinating story straight from the mouth of the original owner. Even if it’s sold or passed down to a family member, the watch will become legendary because watch enthusiasts often relish in the history of the watch itself and will continue to retell its story whenever the opportunity presents itself.

We recently came across the story of Vietnam fighter pilot David Kramer and his Pepsi GMT Master, and boy, does it have quite the story to tell, complete with photos of him wearing his Rolex while in the service.

Read on or continue watching this video to hear more about how he acquired his beloved Rolex and the adventures it went on during his time in the military.

What was your first watch? Comment below for a chance to be featured in our next episode of My Watch Stories.

MY FIRST WATCH – DAVID KRAMER

It was May 1969 when F-100 fighter pilot David Kramer bought his first Rolex – a GMT Master with the famous Pepsi bezel. He was a fighter pilot in Vietnam and had made his way to the China Fleet Club, the Royal Navy’s expansive base exchange.

While he was in Hong Kong, he planned to buy a watch, camera, and stereo equipment. He purchased a Nikon F1 camera, a Nakai Tech Dec, and some speakers and a receiver. All that was left to buy was a reliable wristwatch.

During this time, he went to council with another pilot, who informed him that there was only one watch to buy, and that watch was the GMT Master.

Its dual-time capabilities and unmatched precision made it the perfect tool watch for any globetrotting fighter pilot. And for only $146, he would come to learn that it was quite the bargain that would one day become a valuable investment.

Rolex released the GMT Master in the 1950s, equipping it with an extra hand and a rotatable 24-hour bezel. By setting the GMT hand to home time, the dial is free to display local time. David’s example also features a dual-toned insert to distinguish between AM and PM hours.

Interestingly, when Kramer purchased his Rolex, the GMT Masters on base were inscribed with the Thunderbird logo, which he assumes was contracted by the Air Force. This small detail certainly piqued our interest and only adds to the overall character and value of the watch.

Kramer considered the GMT Master as part of his uniform.

He recalls that his GMT Master was stolen the first three months while stationed on the base PhuCat. He eventually got it back and still owns the watch today. In fact, it has since become something of a family heirloom that he plans on passing down to his son one day.

A watch worn every day will undoubtedly incur some signs of wear. And David’s Rolex is no different. During our interview, he also recalled the time that he was getting out of the plane and hit the watch on the rail, knocking the bezel off.

But, of course, this only adds to the rich history of the watch.

After 31 years and 184 missions, David Kramer finally retired from the military, with his trusty GMT Master still strapped to his wrist.

He had it serviced in 2017 at Springer Jewelers. To this day, it remains one of his most treasured possessions.

Although he doesn’t plan to sell his Rolex GMT Master, David is a big fan of Bob’s Watches. We are honored that he chose to share his story with us and the rest of the watch collecting community.

Vintage Rolex watches are truly a joy to collect and wear. The way that they age can be enough to capture the attention of even the most experienced luxury watch collectors.

Even the examples kept pristine in their watch boxes are irresistible because the tiniest details, from the font placement on the dial to the size and shape of the hands, are intriguing.

But what makes a watch even more exceptional aside from its outward appearance? A fascinating history and David’s Rolex certainly delivers.