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Property of a Japanese Collector

76

Rolex

Ref. 1675

GMT-Master

An exceptional stainless steel dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, black lacquer "exclamation mark" dial, bracelet, pointed crown guards with warranty and presentation box

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 480,000
€27,800 - 55,700
$30,800 - 61,500
HK$698,500
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1961
Reference No
1675
Movement No
D79’839
Case No
694’928, inside caseback stamped "II.61"
Model Name
GMT-Master
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, Cal. 1560, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 80, max length 180mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped ‘2.62’
Dimensions
39.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, chronometer certificate, Rolex service paper stamped by Rolex Japan Osaka, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Rolex produced a limited series of dials in the early 1960s featuring an elusive "exclamation" mark, a unique characteristic found on this particular timepiece. According to scholars, this mark signifies a transitional phase when Rolex reduced the radium content on the dials. Due to their short production span, dials with the "exclamation" mark, such as the one on this watch, are exceptionally rare. Notable features include a small luminous red hand for the second time zone indicator and 'Cornino' pointed crown guards, typical of early models.

This vintage GMT-Master has been meticulously preserved for over six decades. Its exceptional case condition, highlighted by broad factory bevels on the lugs, is a detail highly sought after by collectors. Paired with the original Rolex Japan certificate, SCOC certificate, and presentation box, this timepiece is further distinguished by Its dazzling glossy gilt dial, embellished with uniformly aged luminous plots that harmonize with the patina on the hands, showcases a lovely yellow hue, further enhancing the watch's vintage charm and desirability among collectors.

Rolex

Swiss | 1905
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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