Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 - 'MK3 Radial' Dial Unpolished

Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 - 'MK3 Radial' Dial Unpolished

Name: Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 - 'MK3 Radial' Dial Unpolished
Brand: Oliver & Clarke
SKU: OC2656
Price: 24850.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$24,850.00 USD

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 50s 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 therefor succeeded 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 piece that we have here is a 'MK3' variant dating to circa 1977. 'MK3' dials are also known as 'Radial' dials for their inner-set Tritium plots, which in turn amplify the visual effect of the outer white minute hash marks. They also happen to be noticeably more legible relative to all other GMT-Master dial variants. This example is simply fantastic. The case remains unpolished, retaining visible factory finishing and shows honest wear throughout. The dial inside is beautifully preserved — with a clean matte black surface and evenly patinated Tritium plots that exhibit a gorgeous patina. The handset matches beautifully. It comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

And then, of course, there is that gorgeous 'Pepsi' bezel insert. The blue half has developed a gradient fade, while the red half has deeply and evenly faded, verging on a 'ghost' fade.

All things considered, this is a fantastic and attractive example of what may well be the most uncommon variant within an always sought-after Reference.

Stainless Steel 1977 Unpolished Automatic Sport

Condition Report & Details

Condition:

Case: Unpolished, retaining thick and symmetrical lugs and visible factory finishing. Shows honest signs of wear and mild sleeve-polish throughout with a few scattered impressions on both case profiles.

Bezel: Retains defined knurls and shows light signs of wear throughout. The correct 'red-back' insert shows exhibits a light gradient fade to the blue half and a deep fade to the red, verging on a 'ghost' fade.

Dial: Outstanding, beautifully preserved with a clean surface and excellent text. The Tritium plots exhibit a rich and even patina throughout and remain fully-intact. The handset matches nciely to the naked eye and under UV inspection.

Movement:

Automatic-winding chronometer certified caliber by Rolex.

Bracelet/Strap:

Rolex stainless steel Oyster bracelet with 10 links and signed blade clasp stamped 'VE.' Previously polished and shows light signs of wear with virtually no stretch. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.

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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.

Please note:

Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
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Warranty does not cover internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
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