Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1960 Reference No: 1675 inside case back stamped 1.60 Movement No: 98'139 Case No: 504'295 Model Name: GMT-Master Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 4.57 Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex blank guarantee and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 1675 was introduced in 1960 as the successor of the reference 6542. Early examples, such as the present watch, featured pointed crown guards. The steel insert did not carry radium, which by then was considered a health hazard.
This early reference 1675 displays pointed crown guards and a "Swiss" stamped dial which is correct for the period. The "Officially Certified Chronometer" chapter ring dial is correct for the serial number and still remains glossy and mirror-like, which is remarkable considering the age of the watch. The case is furthermore preserved in excellent condition with sharp bevels and crisp edges throughout. The bracelet is also from the period and is preserved in excellent condition.
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.
Ref. 1675 inside case back stamped 1.60 A rare stainless steel dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, black lacquer dial, bracelet and pointed crown guards, original guarantee and box
Circa 1960 39mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed