The Rolex GMT-Master’s fascinating history began with Pan American Airways’ collaboration with Rolex to develop a watch that would allow their pilots to simultaneously keep track of time in two time zones. The reference 1675 was introduced in 1959 as the successor to the reference 6542 – the first GMT-Master launched in 1955. The reference 1675 introduced crown guards and a bezel with a metallic aluminium insert that was stronger and more robust than the 6542’s Bakelite bezel, notorious for its fragility and susceptibility to breakage.

The present wristwatch is a wonderful example for any vintage Rolex collector. The case is superb – totally unrestored, retaining its original, crisp edges and bevels as the day it left the factory more than five decades ago. The metallic insert is vibrant and has changed colour from red to a vivid and attractive fuchsia tone, which is highly sought after by collectors. The dial adds to the overall appeal of this wristwatch with bold tritium luminous hour plots and hands that have aged to a warm light brown hue. The matte dial features the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation at 6 o’clock, and a larger arrowhead for the 24-hour hand, introduced beginning in the late 1960s on matte dial examples.

This extremely well-preserved GMT-Master is fitted with its original riveted Oyster bracelet with clasp dated 1968, along with an additional Jubilee bracelet. The “ROW” import mark on the movement indicates it was originally delivered to the United States. Rolex sports watches are icons within the world of horology and the present ref. 1675 with its charismatic fuchsia bezel is a wonderful example for the connoisseur.