- The ref. 1675 succeeded Rolex's original GMT tool watch, the ref. 6542, upon its launch in 1959. Its most distinguishing new characteristic was the inclusion of crown guards, a feature common to Rolex's professional timepieces of the era with one exception—the Daytona. The ref. 1675's case construction differed subtly, with a sturdier, thicker design and an aluminum 24-hour bezel replacing the earlier bakelite version. Early examples bore tells of the model's inception such as a "roulette" date wheel and OCC designation on the dial.
- Presented here is an exceptionally rare example of the venerable GMT-Master ref. 1675 from circa 1960, preserved in outstanding condition. Hailing from the earliest phase of production, its pointed 'El Cornino' crown guards retain their sharp sculptural edges, seldom seen among surviving specimens. Rolex scholars have determined such pointed guards were fitted only on inaugural ref. 1675s, making this example an important document of the model's history.
- The glossy black lacquer dial proves no less alluring, with gilt graphics highly coveted by collectors. While the Swiss T\<25 signature indicates the dial surfaced later than its case. The overall effect exudes vintage allure, complementing the watch's early-production rarity.
- For the discerning Rolex collector, opportunities to acquire a GMT-Master blending significance, condition and wearability are exceedingly uncommon. The present example promises to anchor any serious Rolex collection or stand alone as an exceptional daily wearable.
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.