Reference 1675 was the successor to Rolex’s first GMT tool watch the reference 6542. Launched in 1959, the 1675'smost recognizable new attribute was the addition of the crown guards, a feature appearing at the time on most Rolex professional timepieces - with the notable exception of the Daytona. The overall case construction was slightly different, sporting a more robust, thicker design, and a 24 hours bezel made from aluminium rather than bakelite. The earliest examples of the model featured early production details like the “roulette” date wheel and OCC designation on the dial, however later examples, like the present watch had a monochrome black date disc and marked Superlative Chronometer/Officially Certified on the dial.

The present example from 1967 displays many desirable traits including a Mark 1, ‘Long E’ matte dial configuration, which is well preserved with luminous hour markers and hands that have aged to a light mocha color. The metallic insert remains vibrant, but has changed color from red to a vivid and consistent fuchsia hue highly prized by collectors, while the original blue side has faded to a lighter shade. The caseback, engraved 3MSFC and B-36, strongly suggests it may have been owned and worn by a member of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command – Detachment B-36 - a special operations unit formed in 1965 to perform reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War.

The GMT-Master is a highly collectible Rolex tool watch, and the present model exemplifies a wonderful vintage appeal.