Early examples of yellow gold reference 1675 GMT Master are a rarity. The immediate successor to the first generation GMT-Master reference 6542, this timepiece was used by pilots and aircraft personnel to keep track of different timezones during their travels. Designed as a tool watch, the vast majority were accordingly made in steel. Gold examples are therefore not only rare but provide a delightful element of flamboyance and self-confidence for the wearer.

Rolex introduced the now iconic GMT-Master dual time wristwatch in 1954, developed with Pan American Airlines for both pilots and the jet-set. By 1959, Rolex upgraded the model and introduced the new reference 1675, which now had crown guards to prevent damage to the crown, and the fragile Bakelike bezel insert was replaced with a more resilient metal insert. The gold version of reference 1675, however, did not feature crown guards for another few years, such as the present example.

This early and extremely attractive yellow gold GMT-Master, preserved in remarkable condition, is therefore a rare transitional model. Featuring rare and early luminous leaf hands, the watch’s attractiveness is further enhanced by its a vibrant grené dial with gold, cup-shaped luminous hour markers referred to by collectors as “bicchierini”. Offered with its original punched papers and presentation box, this hardly worn example retains its crisp bevels and factory finishing, with a dark brown bezel giving it stunning wrist presence. Gold reference 1675s are already quite rare. Yet, examples in such superb condition, without crown guards and complete with its original guarantee offer not only wearability and style for the collector, but also enduring value.