The ref. 1675 was introduced first in 1959, replacing the first GMT-Master ref. 6542. A milestone for Rolex, the new reference features new upgrades such as a metallic bezel insert differing from the previous delicate bakelite insert, crown guards to ensure protection of the crown and an updated caliber 1560. With a production spanning 21 years, the ref. 1675 was seized in 1980 and throughout its production span, many dial variations were introduced, with some rarer and some more common.

Early examples of the reference were fitted with a glossy black dial, with or without a chapter ring. However, some variants included an “underline” on the dial with either a single or double “Swiss” designation at the bottom of the dial. The “underline” believed by many scholars and accredited collectors was Rolex’s signification of transitioning from radium to tritium being used as the luminous material.

The present example is one of the rarest variations of an early example of the reference. From circa 1962, the numbers in between lugs are stamped 876 thousand correlating with the typical configuration witnessed. Extremely rare, the present example features a “tropical” gilt underline double “Swiss” dial with pointed crown guards. Fitted with already a rare dial, the pointed crown guards further confirms the period of the timepiece as well as heightening the rarity of this particular piece. Pointed crown guards were used by Rolex for a very short period of time until they upgraded it to a rounder overall design. Adding to its attraction, the present GMT-Master ref. 1675 is accompanied by the original Rolex Japan guarantee, Rolex Japan service invoice from 1975 and 1981 as well as the original service receipt, hang tag, extra gasket and original presentation box.