THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1675
YEAR: 1963
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
In vintage Rolex collecting, the GMT-Master 1675 is arguably one of the most interesting references. Rolex introduced the GMT-Master line in 1954 with the reference 6542, initially created for airline pilots who needed to track more than one time zone at a time. The 6542 features a 38 mm case and a “Pepsi” Bakelite bezel—a downright gorgeous watch, though not the most practical due to the lack of crown guards and the fragility of the bezel insert.
A few years later, in 1959/60, the reference 1675 was born and remained in production until 1980. Over its 20-plus years of production, Rolex introduced numerous changes to the 1675, from the movement and case to the dials (transitioning from gilt to matte), and even the bezel design. These updates give 1675s from different eras distinct characters.
Among these variations, gilt-dial 1675s were produced only between 1959 and 1967 and are found in far smaller numbers than their matte counterparts. Despite the relatively short production run, Rolex experimented with a wide range of dial and case designs, which have since been extensively studied and categorised by scholars and collectors.
This particular example dates back to 1963 and features a broad pointed crown guard (PCG) case and a “Type C Non-Chapter Ring” dial in the “Wide Swiss” variation. This refers to the “Swiss T<25” text spanning five minute hashes at the bottom, rather than the more common three. Rolex only used the PCG design for a few years before moving to the more practical rounded crown guard design (which they have retained to this day). Although a minor difference, PCG 1675s have a completely different silhouette thanks to the unique crown guard shape.
Over the years, the gilt dial has developed a “tropical” patina. The hour markers retain their original tritium lume, glowing brightly under UV light, as do the seconds and GMT hands. The lume on the hour and minute hands was stabilised in the past. The case has been polished before but remains in excellent condition. The original red-back bezel insert has faded beautifully to shades of sky blue and copper. A later USA Jubilee bracelet was paired with the watch.
The watch runs perfectly at 0 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 265 and a beat error of 0.3 ms after a service a year ago. This exact watch was part of a very impressive collection belonging to a late friend (and vintage watch mentor) of mine (Tommy). It’s full of character and honesty, just like its previous owner. We are proud to list this one for sale again and continue its journey.