Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D133’439
    Case No: 5’886’007
    Model Name: GMT-Master, “MK IV”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VB”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Released in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 replaced the first model ref. 6542. With an upgraded design and enhanced robustness, it is fair to say that the ref. 1675 is arguably the most iconic reference from the GMT-Master line. Evolved and improved, various designs and technical upgrades were added to the mix like the replacement of a more durable aluminum bezel insert, added protection of crown guards, and the transition dial variations from glossy to matte dials. While early examples of the reference featured gilt dials, Rolex replaced them with matte dials in the mid-1960s. With that said, a total of 10 marks (including service marks) were witnessed throughout its production span until 1979.

    The present example Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 with a 5.8 million serial from circa 1979 features a Mark IV dial identifiable via the perfect alignment of the right vertical of “M” in “Master” centered with “C” from Chronometer below. Well-preserved boasting a crisp case, clean bezel and a flawless dial, the present example will surely delight collectors of fine vintage timepieces.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1091

Ref. 1675
A fine and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK IV dial and bracelet

Circa 1979
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 150,000 
€9,900-19,100
$10,000-19,200

Sold for HK$226,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022