The Rolex GMT-Master’s fascinating history began with Pan American Airways’ collaboration 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 1955. The reference 1675 introduced crown guards and a bezel with a metallic insert that was more robust than the 6542’s bakelite bezel, notorious for its fragility even today among the collecting community.
The present example displays many of the desirable traits of an early iteration of the reference 1675 GMT-Master: a small arrow tipped 24-hour hand, glossy lacquer dial, and gilt printing. Most notably, the dial is preserved in spectacular condition, without any kind of mark or scratch, and it aged evenly to a very subtle off-black/anthracite hue. The luminous material followed suit, gaining an immensely attractive light camel hue. The case retains strong proportions, while the lug bevels are defined but slightly rounded due to wear. Remarkably, the bezel remains vibrant adding to the overall appeal of the wristwatch.
This lovely GMT-Master from 1966 is a shining example of this highly sought after vintage model. While the GMT-Master is a functional dual time zone “tool” wristwatch, it is the epitome of 20th-century masculinity and durability.
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.
