With the growth of transatlantic flights and the golden age of air travel, Rolex collaborated with world-renowned Pan American Airways to develop a dual time wristwatch to assist their pilots with combating the effects of jet lag while traveling through different time zones. As the successor to the first GMT-Master reference 6542 released in 1955 with the now iconic yet fragile Bakelite bezel, the reference 1675 was introduced in 1959 with a far more durable metallic bezel insert. Crown guards were also introduced with the ref. 1675, serving the functional role of protecting the winding crown, which were introduced the same year with the Submariner reference 5512. Early examples like the present watch featured pointed crown guards, sensuously shaped like “little horns”, affectionately referred to by collectors as “cornino”. The case construction differed from the 6542 with a more robust and thicker design.

This early GMT-Master is a wonderful example of Rolex’s iconic model. From 1961, this tool watch features its original and stunning black glossy “Swiss”-only dial with gilt print reading “Superlative Officially Certified Chronometer” that has developed a pleasing deep brown tropical shade. The luminous hour markers have nicely aged and perfectly match the luminous hands, completed with its original, luminous 24-hour hand with small arrow tip. The red day segment of the bezel has naturally aged to a light and appealing shade of red, while the blue night sector remains deep.
Offered with its Rolex presentation box and hang tag, this lovely Rolex 1675 combines great daily wearability with rarity, and is a premium example for collectors.