Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1977 Reference No: 1675 Movement No: D573’078 Case No: 5’302’945 Model Name: GMT-Master, MK III Radial Dial Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlink stamped “580”, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “CL12” Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
First making its debut in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is one that is adored by vintage Rolex collectors globally due to its iconic status and its timeless appeal. Early examples of the reference were fitted with glossy gilt dials and in 1966, Rolex transitioned the production of the dials to matte from glossy. With various examples of the matte dial throughout its course of production, these variants were broken into marks until its discontinuation of the reference in 1979, where Rolex once again introduced an upgraded glossy dial which were featured all the way until the end of the entire reference in 1984.
The present example Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 with a 5.3 million serial from circa 1977 features the rare and desirable MK III radial dial, which is distinguishable via its waffle-like luminous plots and its tall and narrow SCOC designation on the dial and the centred placement of the luminous plots compared to other variants from different marks. Offered in attractive overall condition, the present example boasts a well-preserved dial with nice luminous plots and a sharp case paired beautifully with a faded fuchsia bezel insert.
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.