Rolex introduced the GMT-Master, reference 6542, in 1954 in response to growing international travel, working with Pan American Airlines to develop a watch for their pilots could that could indicate “home” and “local” times. By 1959, Rolex introduced the next generation model, the reference 1675, which sported crown guards, and the original rotating calibrated Bakelite bezel was replaced with a more durable metal bezel. The reference 1675 was produced from 1959 until 1980 in stainless steel, stainless steel and gold and all gold, and the dial designation evolved to eventually include the now famous “Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified” text.
The present watch is a very well-preserved example with sharp hallmarks and a charming, faded brown bezel. The watch stands out with its straight hands, which are a rare and coveted feature for the reference. Around 1969, Rolex published a series of advertisements stating "If you were flying the Concorde, you'd wear a Rolex" showing a yellow gold reference 1675 displaying "stick" hands, collectors have consequently bestowed the Concorde name on this rare and attractive variant.Even more interesting are the French import hallmarks and symbol for Rolex France on the caseback.
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.
