Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1971 Reference No: 1675 inside caseback stamped II.70 Movement No: D'214'261 Case No: 2'910'867 Model Name: GMT-Master "Mk 1" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by two Rolex punched guarantees, original sales slip, documents and wallet.
Catalogue Essay
The present "Mk 1" reference 1675 is characterized by the "Long E" in "Rolex". This particular example is presented in excellent condition with thick bevels and crisp edges throughout. The bezel has furthermore faded to a wonderful cherry red/baby blue tone. Even more impressive are its accompanying documents such as two Rolex punched guarantees, original sales slip, documents and wallet. The watch was most notably sold at the Philippines Area and Air Force Exchange Service, giving a glimpse into how this timepiece was originally delivered.
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.