Vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675 "Glossy Dial" - Vintage of the Week Episode 22 | Bob's Watches

We’re back with another installment of Vintage of the Week. Today’s watch is the glossy dial GMT Master ref. 1675. Shop: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex/

NAVIGATE THIS VIDEO:

00:00 INTRO
00:12 Wrist Check
00:35 Vintage Rolex GMT Master 1675
01:30 Dial
02:21 Comparison with Matte Dial GMT Master
02:30 Text
02:49 Patina
03:27 Bracelet
03:59 Honest Watch
04:19 Bezel
04:32 Bracelet Continued
04:48 Ripley & Brandon’s Preference on Matte or Glossy Dial
05:40 Date Wheel
06:35 Availability
07:12 Outro

Are you interested in learning more about the famous Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 pilot’s watch? Check out our complete buying guide here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blo...

Every vintage watch has a fascinating story to tell. Join us each week as we showcase a different vintage watch from our vault.


ROLEX GMT MASTER REF. 1675

Rolex developed the GMT Master specifically for professional pilots. Equipped with a 24-hour rotatable bezel and an extra centrally-mounted hand, the wearer can read local and home time simultaneously while traversing the globe.

Today, the GMT hand operates independently of the other hands on the dial, allowing it to read up to three time zones. However, vintage models, such as the ref. 1675 you see here, can only read up to two time zones.

The GMT Master ref. 1675 is one of Rolex’s longest-produced models, coming to market in 1959 and continuing production until around 1980. During that time, many iterations of the watch came to market, including the glossy dial example we have here today.

The first GMT Master came to market in 1954 via ref. 6542. Also known as the “Pussy Galore,” the inaugural GMT made an appearance in a James Bond movie on the character Pussy Galore’s wrist.

It boasted the caliber 1036 Perpetual movement, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a Bakelite bezel during its early production, which was soon replaced by tougher aluminum.

Ref. 6542 remained in production until 1959, after which it bowed out to make room for ref. 1675.


MOVEMENT

Ref. 1675 brought with it a new movement, the caliber 1565, with a frequency of 18,000 bph. Around 1965, Rolex introduced a newer movement to the model, the caliber 1575, with a higher frequency of 19,600 bph, and hacking seconds, which was introduced in 1971.

With the convenient hacking seconds feature, the seconds hand stops completely when the crown is pulled, allowing for more precise time setting.

The example we have here relies on the earlier caliber 1565 movement.


CASE


With ref. 1675, the case is still waterproof up to 50 meters. The GMT Master collection wouldn’t receive an upgraded 100-meter depth rating until its successor ref. 16750 hit the market in the early 1980s.

The case is topped with an older-style acrylic crystal. Ref. 1675 was also the first GMT Master to feature crown guards. Until the mid-1960s, the guards were pointed. After that, they were flat.


BRACELET

During its production run, ref. 1675 was sold on either the three-piece link Oyster bracelet or the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet. Our example came to us on a particularly handsome rivet-link Oyster bracelet with ten links and 80 end links.

The Oysterclasp is stamped with “I67.” The bracelet on our example also exhibits some typical signs of aging, including scratches and some stretch.


DIAL

Ref. 1675 was the first GMT Master to feature the distinction “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” on the dial.

The dial also features a chapter ring, depending on the year released to the market. Additionally, the dial is either glossy or matte.

The star of this Vintage of the Week episode displays the time on a non-chapter ring glossy dial. It is one of the last examples of the glossy dial GMT Master ref. 1675 before Rolex transitioned the model to matte dials.

This example has since developed a charming patina featuring luminous hour markers and hands in a deep, buttery patina.

It still features the original calendar wheel, complete with hooked 7’s and closed 6’s. While seemingly insignificant, these minute details add to the charm and value of the watch.

The vintage watch featured in this video is a product of the mid-1960s. It absolutely oozes with retro pilot’s watch charm and is instantly recognizable with its dual-tone bezel and iconic Rolex crown logo prominently displayed on the dial.

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