The present GMT Master reference 1675 is fresh-to-the- market, with an exceptional “fighter pilot” provenance, and consigned by the second owner who acquired the timepiece directly from its original owner. The watch was purchased in February 1965 at the USAF exchange at Torrejon Air Base outside Madrid, Spain. The owner was a Navigator and Fire Control Officer on an AC 130 and completed tours of duty from 1969 to 1971 in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. A wonderful representation of a transitional GMT-Master, the black glossy “Swiss only” dial of the present example is amongst the earliest configurations which lack the use of a chapter ring found in prior iterations of the reference. In addition, the current example showcases a lower “underline” at 6 o’clock on the dial beneath the “Officially Certified”, a designation indicating the use of tritium luminous material on the dial as opposed to radium. This marking is typically found on watches produced between 1962 and 1963 as a result of a ban on the use of radium. Additionally, the present watch features the early and coveted “el cornino” crown guards.

In wonderful overall condition, the case retains its original bevels and contours as delivered by the factory, having in our opinion, never been polished. The dial is a gorgeous example with a beautiful black glossy finish, and perfectly intact lume plots. The hour and minute hands are original gilt with lume matching in color to the dial, and the GMT hand has the correct small arrowhead at its tip.

The present combat-worn example is a rare and complete treasure from a transitional era in the history of Rolex and is accompanied by its original guarantee, its original chronometer certificate, and presentation box, as well as a hand-written letter from the original owner along with photograph depicting his image and unit.