Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1960 Reference No: 1675 Movement No: D18951 Case No: 623'446, inside case back stamped IV.60 Model Name: GMT-Master Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Later stainless steel Rolex Oyster rivet link bracelet, max. length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp, stamped 74 Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex introduced the reference in 1959 as the successor to their reference 6542. This early example features all the hallmarks, which collectors find most attractive and desirable. From 1960, the case back is stamped for the fourth quarter and the watch features pointed crown guards, a small tipped 24-hour hand, and outer chapter ring.
The present example is in very nice overall condition, with original black dial, bevels to the lugs, and strong points to the crown guards. Early GMT-Masters are amongst the most collectible model’s both for their historical value and their aesthetic appeal to a modern age.
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.