With the growth of transatlantic flights and the golden age of air travel, Rolex collaborated with world-renowned Pan American Airways to develop a dual-time wristwatch to assist their pilots in combating the effects of jet lag while traveling through different time zones. As the successor to the first GMT-Master reference 6542, released in 1955 with the now iconic yet fragile blue and red Bakelite bezel, the reference 1675 was introduced in 1959 with a far more durable metallic bezel insert. Crown guards were also introduced with the reference 1675, serving the functional role of protecting the winding crown, which was also introduced the same year on the Submariner reference 5512.

The reference 16758 was introduced in 1980 as the yellow gold variant of the newly released 16750 in stainless steel. Both featured the upgraded caliber 3075 with quick-set date mechanism and a depth rating of 100 meters. The yellow gold variant was a luxury evolution of the line and was the first GMT Master model to be fitted with a sapphire crystal as well as the first Rolex sports watch set with precious stones.

The present example is an exciting and very rare find, enhanced by the signature of the prominent New York jeweler and retailer “Tiffany & Co” on the dial at six o’clock above the model name. Its bold brown dial and “nipple” luminous hour markers are well preserved, and the case remains in excellent condition with crisp hallmarks. Elevating its desirability, the watch is accompanied by its original Rolex warranty stamped Tiffany & Co. Double-signed dials are a rare find for any Rolex watch, and this stunning GMT-Master is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate collector.