Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D270'105
    Case No: 5'159'701
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78'360, end links stamped 580, max length 195mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee and Emperor Watch & Jewellery CO in Hong-Kong guarantee confirming sale of the present watch on June 23, 1978, product literature, Rolex green wallet and hang tag

  • Catalogue Essay

    Following the success of the original GMT-Master reference 6542 in 1954, Rolex introduced a successor to the reference, the 1675. The reference 1675 stayed in production until 1980, replacing the early examples without crown guards. With the growth of transatlantic flights, Rolex teamed up with the world renowned airline Pan American Airways to help their pilots fight the effects of jet lag while travelling through different time zones.

    The present 1675 is fitted with a stunning matte black dial with silvered text. Its luminous hour markers have aged to a beautiful caramel color, perfectly matching its hands. The bezel retains a deep shade of blue and red, and the case is well preserved, with thick, fully defined lugs. The Oyster bracelet appears to be in its original state and is consistent with the condition of the watch. Accompanied by its two original guarantees, one from Rolex and the other from the retailer, Emperor Watch & Jewellery CO in Hong-Kong, it is a superb example of an early GMT-Master for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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225

Ref. 1675
A very attractive and fine stainless steel wristwatch with dual time zone, black matte dial, bracelet, certificate, hang tag, invoice and wallet

1977
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 8,000 
€5,500-7,300
$6,200-8,200

Sold for CHF27,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016