1964 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'Gilt PCG' Full Set

The first GMT-Master in production ever was the ref. 6542 and was introduced in 1954. But, perhaps one of the most popular vintage Rolex GMT-Master watches is this ref. 1675, which was introduced in 1959 and produced until 1980.

 

Till the mid-1960s, the extra hour hand featured a small triangle and was succeeded by a red hand with a larger triangle through-out the late 1960s and 1970s. Early 1960s models also featured pointed crown guards and/or a chapter ring, while mid 1960s and on started featuring regular crown guards. True to the era, the first generation of GMT-Master ref. 1675 watches included glossy black dials with gilt printing. This was the case up until the mid-1960s when Rolex replaced them for matte black dials with white text. It’s worth noting that there are in fact two types of glossy/gilt dials — earlier ones with a chapter ring and later ones without a chapter ring. Due to their age and relatively short production run, gilt dials are the most rare and valuable among the different types of vintage Rolex sport dials, and collectors often seek them out for their warm and unmistakably vintage appearance.

 

The first 1675 watches came with Rolex caliber 1565, until 1965 when Rolex started to equip them with caliber 1575 (in fact being a 1570/5 which is a 1570 with date function, and that’s why only 1570 is stamped). This movement had a higher ticking number (19,800vph instead of 18,000 vph). Later on, caliber 1575 was modified to have a hacking feature (seconds will stop when the crown is pulled out). This was done in 1971.

This example offered here is part of the last era of Pointed Crown Guards, also known as PCG, that got replaced by the regular, circular crown guards one year later.

 

It features an also late glossy gilt dial (without chapter ring) which remains in lovely condition bearing in mind that glossy gilt dials tend to bubble and crack quite easily. The surface of this dial is smooth and even. It also has puffy original golden patina lume plots and matching hands. The lume still glows bright while directed by UV light, remains glowing for a few seconds, and then dies off, exactly as it should do.

 

The original GMT ‘pepsi’ bezel has aged beautifully; the blue side was faded into a kind of purple hue, and the red side has turned tangerine.

 

The 40mm stainless steel case is in great condition, showing sharp bevels.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

It comes suited on the original 20mm Rolex riveted 7206 stainless steel bracelet with correct 58 end links and date stamped 2/64.

 

If this wasn’t enough, this piece is presented as a full set which includes outer box, inner box (the rare version with green ring cushion), Official Chronometer Certification, tag with serial number, hang tag and stamped guarantee papers showing it was sold in Valencia (Spain) in 1965.