Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D078'819
    Case No: 5'020'696
    Model Name: GMT- Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 78360, endlinks stamped 580, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is arguably the most iconic reference in the lineage of the coveted dual time model. Whilst early examples of the ref. 1675 featured a glossy gilt dial, later examples from 1966 onwards featured a matte black dial with various marks to complete its production ending in approximately 1979. Rolex reintroduced glossy dials to the reference after their matte dial production and the ref. 1675 was entirely discontinued in 1984.

    The present example Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 from circa 1978 with a 5.02 million serial features a MK V dial configuration identifiable by the alignment of the “M” from “MASTER” which sits right in between “CH” of “CHRONOMETER”. Offered in excellent overall condition it is accompanied by its full set of accessories.

    Interestingly the watch dates from the late 1970s but was only sold in 1987 to a certain Mr. Phillips!

  • 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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Ref. 1675
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1978
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€10,400-20,800
$11,400-22,800

Sold for CHF20,320

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023