Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D’880’229
    Case No: 5’848’300, repeated inside caseback "1675"
    Model Name: GMT-Master, MK V
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “VB”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Miras Optica Spain and dated 20th May 1985, instruction manual, leather card holder, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The ref. 1675 is a stamp in the Rolex GMT-Master family. Launched in 1959, it is perhaps the most iconic reference in the lineage of this highly sought-after dual-time sports model. Earlier examples of the ref. 1675 featured a glossy gilt dial, while later examples from 1966 onwards were fitted with different variants of matte black dials until approximately 1979. Glossy dials were only reintroduced to the reference after their matte dial production and the ref. 1675 ceased entirely in 1984.

    The present Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 from circa 1979 bears a 5.84 million serial and is the last of its kind before the reference was succeeded by the younger ref. 16750. Boasting an MK V dial, it is identifiable by the alignment of the “M” from “MASTER” which sits right between “CH” of “CHRONOMETER”. This beautifully preserved GMT-Master is in excellent overall condition, with perfectly intact luminous hour markers and hands that have developed a lovely warm yellowish hue. Further enhancing its desirability, the watch is accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box. A lovely example of these transitional models, this example perfectly represents the evolution of one of Rolex’s most iconic tool watches, which is still manufactured today.

  • 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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1036

Ref. 1675
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK V dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

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

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 160,000 
€9,300-18,700
$10,300-20,500

Sold for HK$190,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023