Today, Rolex is renowned for some of the most iconic and treasured “tool watches” of the 20th century with models such as the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master. First released in 1954, the GMT-Master reference 6542 was designed for pilots, and travellers to use while traversing the globe. With the rise of international travel in the 1940s and 1950s, Rolex and Pan American Airlines realised the need for a timepiece that would allow pilots to keep track of dual time zone while traveling, and developed an ingenious design with Bakelite bezel with 24-hour luminous numerals, and secondary GMT hour hand on the dial. The reference 6542 was replaced in 1959 with the introduction of the GMT-Master reference 1675, now sporting a metal bezel replacing the fragile Bakelite bezel, and crown guards for added protection. The reference 1675 was in production until approximately 1980, with the majority produced in stainless steel. Like the ref. 6542 before it, luxurious, 18 karat gold examples of the ref. 1675 were produced in far smaller quantities.

The present example is in yellow gold is a very rare and sought after “Concorde” variant. Around 1969, Rolex published a series of advertisements stating "If you were flying the Concorde, you'd wear a Rolex" showing a yellow gold reference 1675 displaying baton hands, collectors consequently bestowed the “Concorde” name on this rare and attractive variant. The rich, lacquered brown dial features applied gold, nipple-shaped luminous hour markers, that beautifully complement the yellow gold case. The mahogany brown color of the dial perfectly bezel, and combined with the large, 39 mm case, provides a strong masculine aesthetic.

Fitted on a taut riveted Oyster bracelet, the present timepiece has a pristine dial and wonderfully sharp case that retains its crisp factory bevels, hallmarks, and finished surfaces. Consigned by a prominent American collector it offers exclusivity, wearability, and timeless style.