Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 1675 inside case back stamped II.66
    Movement No: D35842
    Case No: 1'400'161
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, reference 7206, endlinks stamped 80, max length 190mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp, stamped 4.65
    Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box, booklet with guarantee and hangtags

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex GMT Master’s fascinating history began with Pan American Airways collaborating with Rolex to develop a watch that would allow their pilots to simultaneously keep track of time in two time zones. Reference 1675 was introduced in 1960 as the successor to the reference 6542 – the first GMT-Master launched in 1954. The reference 1675 introduced crown guards and a bezel with a metallic insert that was more robust than the 6542’s Bakelite bezel.

    The present example from 1966 stands out with its flawless and original vibrant black glossy dial with gilt printing, and is fitted with a 24 hours hand with small arrow tip. The tritium hour markers have aged to an appealing shade of beige, almost resembling a caramel color, and perfectly match the original luminous hands. The bezel has aged gracefully, having uniformly faded to a light red and blue. A subtle, yet noteworthy detail is the ‘ROW’ stamp found on the automatic 1570 movement – an import code indicating the watch was imported to the American market.

    The present lot comes complete with its original box, booklets with Rolex guarantee, and hangtags, making this especially appealing to vintage Rolex enthusiasts. Combining great daily wearability and rarity, this superb example offers tremendous value for collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    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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160

Ref. 1675 inside case back stamped II.66
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel dual time wristwatch with glossy black dial, bracelet, presentation box, booklets, guarantee and hangtags

1966
39.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,500-27,800
$19,800-29,700

Sold for CHF26,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017