Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 - 'MK4' Dial Unpolished
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 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 example that we have here from circa 1972 comes to us in fantastic 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 'MK4' dial inside is outstanding. The mate black surface is clean and the Tritium plots remain fully-intact with a gorgeous, deep patina throughout, and the handset matches beautifully. This piece comes fitted with its correct Oyster 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 shows a light fade to both the blue and red halves, and only light wear.
This fresh-to-market piece is an extremely attractive and well-rounded example of not only a Ref. 1675, but for any vintage watch, full stop.
Condition Report & Details
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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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- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
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- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
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