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Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 - 'Pepsi MK1'

SOLD

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 is a 'MK1' variant from circa 1971. It comes to us with a previously polished case, retaining thick and symmetrical lugs with a few blemishes from normal wear. The bezel remains crisp with defined finishing and a gently faded 'Pepsi' insert that shows normal wear. The dial remains in fantastic overall condition, with a seemingly flawless matte black surface and with gently patinated Tritium plots. The handset shows mild fracturing in the Tritium and matches the dial nicely. It comes fitted with a robust solid-link Oyster bracelet with a signed blade clasp, which itself is in untouched condition showing wear the matches the case well.

All in all, this is a well rounded and attractive example of an always sought-after Reference!

Stainless Steel 1971 Automatic 40mm

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

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.

Oliver & Clarke

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