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 aluminum insert that was stronger and more robust than the 6542’s Bakelite bezel, notorious for its fragility and susceptibility to breakage.

The present example from 1967 displays many of the desirable traits of an early iteration of the reference 1675 GMT-Master: a gorgeous black glossy lacquer dial and gilt printing. Its case is unrestored, having never seen a polishing wheel, and retaining its original, crisp edges and bevels as the day it left the factory more than five decades ago. Accordingly, the present example is a wonderful example for any vintage Rolex sports watch collector. But those elements simply enhance the attractive qualities taken on by this specific wristwatch in the past fifty-three years. The metallic insert has remained extremely vibrant, and has changed color from red to a vivid and consistent fuchsia color highly prized by collectors, while the original blue portion has also faded and is especially attractive. Its bold tritium luminous hour plots have aged to a rich, dark beige color and have patina matching the pale gold gilt printing.
Combining the charisma and pleasure of a true vintage watch along with great daily wearability, this beautiful example offers tremendous value and practicality for collectors. The present lot, with its striking appearance, is being sold to benefit The Institute for Digital Archaeology, a non-profit organization promoting digital techniques in archaeology, epigraphy, art history, and museum conservation.