Rolex introduced the now iconic GMT-Master dual time wristwatch in 1954 with the reference 6542, which they developed in conjunction with Pan American airways so their personnel could tell both “local” and “home” time while traveling. With the introduction of the jet engine, intercontinental travel became more common and commercially available thus both flight staff and traveling executives needed a means to monitor time as they traveled across multiple time zones. Rolex created an ingenious method using a rotating Bakelite bezel that worked in conjunction with a fourth, 24-hour center hand permitting the wearer to clearly keep track of two time zones. 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 Bakelite bezel insert was replaced with a more resilient metal insert.

The present, fresh-to-market example with serial number 876’830 from 1963 is one of the rarest, most complete, and best-preserved variations of the reference 1675 to appear publicly. Its stunning, gilt black lacquer dial features both the extremely rare “underline” and “double Swiss” signature. Rolex collectors and historians hypothesize the underline and double Swiss signature denoted a transitional period, signifying Rolex's use of tritium on the dial instead of radium. Furthermore, the early case was designed with pointed crown guards frequently called “Cornino” by collectors, which is correct for early examples.

This early GMT-Master is in excellent overall condition, with perfectly intact luminous hour markers and hands that have aged to a lovely warm yellowish hue. Further enhancing its desirability, the watch is accompanied with its original guarantee, chronometer certificate, sales invoice, and presentation box. It is a lovely example of these transitional timepieces, and a representation of the evolution of one of Rolex’s most iconic tool watches, which is still manufactured today.