Rolex - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D325152
    Case No: 5'194'060
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 77
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex guarantee, original bill of sale dated January 24th, 1978 from Granat Brothers Fine Jewelers, Rolex hang-tag, product literature, green leather Rolex presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1959, Rolex released a newly designed GMT-Master, which sported crown guards, Mercedes hands and replaced the Bakelite bezel of the first GMT-Master, reference 6542, with a less fragile metal bezel insert. The new reference 1675 remained in production from 1960 until 1980 when it was replaced by the reference 16750 with the caliber 3075 featuring a quick-set date mechanism.

    Bearing a 5.1 million serial and fitted with a Mark II matte dial identified by the perfect alignment of the right vertical of “M” in “Master” with “C” from Chronometer below. Furthermore boosting its charismatic personality, the bezel insert of the famed “Pepsi” has faded ever so slightly over time, lending an attractive vintage effect to an already well-preserved wristwatch.

    The present watch is in excellent overall condition with an unpolished case and dial typical of the era with matte finish and white print. The luminous material faded to a warm brown hue and is matches the hands. The watch is enhanced by the original guarantee, original bill of sale, along with the Rolex presentation box. Collectors today are seeking the rare and unusual and the present GMT-Master is a wonderful iteration of this now iconic timepiece.

  • 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

160

Ref. 1675
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with date, center seconds, and bracelet with original guarantee, bill of sale, hang-tag, and presentation box

1978
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000 
CHF11,100-16,600
€10,700-16,000
HK$93,600-140,000

Sold for $50,400

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021