Rolex - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D465’703
    Case No: 2’035’735
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet, max overall length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 7-70
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee stamped Sterns Jewelers, New York City, and dated March 30, 1971, chronometer attestation, green leather Rolex presentation box, Rolex service guarantee dated January 18, 1979 with receipts, product literature and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is one of the most iconic models manufactured by Rolex and was introduced in 1959 to succeed the earlier reference 6542.
    The reference 1675 featured a more robust design thanks to a metallic aluminum bezel insert and the presence of crown guards, a feature appearing on most Rolex sport timepieces. While early examples featured “glossy” black lacquered dials which preceded the introduction of matte dials, the new reference presented a “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation at 6 o’clock. Furthermore, a larger arrowhead for the 24-hour hand was introduced beginning in the late 1960s on matte dial examples.
    In production for more than 20 years, this model was famously used by pilots around the world.

    Consigned by the original owner, the present watch is offered in unpolished condition and with an attractive dial bearing a 2.0 million serial from approximately 1970. It represents a classic Mark I example identified by its distinguishable coronet and “long E” dial. It further displays the large triangle on the GMT hand.
    The black bezel insert is original, and the perfectly intact luminous hour markers have aged to a pleasing cream color giving the watch an elegant charisma and vintage appeal. It is fitted with its original, riveted Oyster bracelet with clasp dated 1970. The original owner kept all of the watch’s accessories since he purchased it in 1971 from Sterns Jewelers in New York City, including its original box, full set of “punched’ papers”, and even a Rolex service receipt from 1979.

    Consigned by the Original Owner

  • 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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Ref. 1675
An attractive stainless steel dual time wristwatch with date and bracelet, original punched guarantee, paperwork and presentation boxes

Circa 1968
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000 
CHF11,000-16,500
€10,200-15,200
HK$93,000-140,000

Sold for $25,200

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020