Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D407’901
    Case No: 2’088’669; inside caseback stamped “1675, IV.68”
    Model Name: GMT-Master, MK I
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7836”, endlinks stamped” 358”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “4.72”
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with an additional link.

  • Catalogue Essay

    For collectors who appreciate the beauty of aging and perhaps a bit of ruggedness, the present Rolex GMT-Master might just be the one that makes your heart sing. Bearing a 2’088’XXX serial from 1968, the present specimen of the ref. 1675 is fitted with a Mark I dial identifiable by its period-correct Rolex long “E” inscription with all three horizontal strokes extended to an equal, longer length. Delightfully, the softness of the black dial has aged naturally together with the rich vanilla lumes heightening it's vintage appeal. Finishing off with a satisfying final touch, the iconic red and blue Pepsi bezel is faded into a highly prized and eclectic fuchsia hue, a trait common to MK1 examples dated to the late 1960s. Guarantee to deliver precision and comfort, the present Rolex GMT-Master MK 1 ref. 1675 is a beautiful example with personal charm.

  • 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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912

Ref. 1675
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK I dial, fuchsia bezel and bracelet

Circa 1968
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€12,700-25,500
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022