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The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most historic and iconic watches the brand ever produced. Its origin dates back to a commission request by Pan American World Airways in the early 50’s for their fleet of pilots who needed access to different time zones.
These pieces would feature a similar design to another watch that Rolex was developing around that time, the Submariner, but would include a fourth hand running on 24-hr time, and a bi-colored bezel insert to represent AM/PM times. Those colors, naturally, would be the PanAm colors: Red & Blue. Thus, in 1953, the Ref. 6542 GMT-Master was born. These early pieces were ultimately, fragile arguably flawed in some ways, and were thereforsucceeded by the updated Reference 1675 in 1959.
These pieces introduced a larger case size with crown-guards and a bi-colored blue + red bezel insert made of aluminum. The Ref. 1675 underwent many small changes over its 21-year production run, with a slew of dial, bezel, bracelet, and hand variations. You know, Rolex stuff.
The example that we have here from circa 1966 comes to us in well-rounded overall condition. The case remains unpolished, with thick lugs and crown-guards, visible factory chamfers, and honest signs of wear from a life well lived. The correct 'Type C' gloss black dial inside is also very nice, with a clean surface and largely intact Tritium plots. There is some variance in the color across the plots and handset, which suit the overall untouched condition of this piece nicely. This piece comes fitted with its period-correct Jubilee bracelet with a blade clasp, also in matching unpolished condition and showing matching normal wear.
And then, of course, there is that gorgeous 'Pepsi' bezel insert. It remains vibrant & rich in color, with something of a gradient-fade on the blue half and an attractive lower half with a gently faded shade of red. It shows wear consistent with that of the rest of the watch.
All things considered, this is a very attractive and honest example of a late gilt piece, fit for any collection.
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Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
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