Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1960
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D66’539
    Case No: 503’774, inside caseback stamped 1675, I.60
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7205”, endlinks stamped “80”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “4,60”
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1954, Rolex launched one of its most iconic models: the GMT-Master. The timepiece was initially developed in collaboration with Pan American Airlines as to enable their pilots to simultaneously keep track of two time zones when flying from one location to another. Fitted with an extremely fragile Bakelite bezel, reference 6542 was replaced in 1959 by reference 1675 fitted with a more robust metallic insert.

    Taking over the throne, the ref. 1675 is arguably one of the most iconic ever produced by Rolex and praised by collectors still till this date. With a production spanning over 30 years, various iterations and upgrades to the reference were featured. Early examples of the reference were fitted with glossy black lacquer dials up until 1966 when Rolex introduced the matte dial variants. Though with that said, the early examples were also segmented into various series and types due to features of the dial and case.

    The present Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 from circa 1960 with a 503’XXX serial belongs to the rare and elusive early iteration equipped with a chapter ring, pointed crown guards and a “SWISS” only dial. Spotting the difference between the present and latter is its rare “OCC” (Officially Chronometer Certified) designation dial that was transitioned over from the ref. 6542. Later examples featured the “SOCC” designation. Once the case is opened one can notice the “I.60” inscribed inside the caseback, which is a consistent trait found in early examples being the rare “OCC” designation.

    Preserved in attractive condition boasting a crisp case with nice bevels and a beautifully aged dial with original lume plots, the present example is surely one to please lovers and collectors of important vintage Rolex 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

1056

Ref. 1675
A fine, early and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, black lacquer dial, chapter ring, pointed crown guards and bracelet

Circa 1960
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 300,000 
€23,800-35,700
$25,600-38,500

Sold for HK$207,900

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)