1968 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 early MK 1 'Long E'

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. Introduced in 1959 and produced till 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 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 exchanged them for matt 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.

An instantly recognizable feature on some Rolex GMT-Master watches are the so-called “Pepsi” bezels—named so for the same red, white, and blue colors found on the Pepsi logo. Earlier versions of the Pepsi bezel on the GMT-Master ref. 1675 are often referred to as Fat Font bezels due to their visibly thicker 24-hour numerals. Over time, Rolex furnished later editions of the GMT-Master ref. 1675 with bezels marked with thinner numerals. Some GMTs also came with all black or all blue bezels.

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.

Being part of the very first batch of MK1s, this example offered here is in exceptional condition. This reference has rapidly turned into a sought-after for collectors, and there’s no wonder why; it features a black matte dial in perfect condition, a lovely light lume plots common on this early MK1s that used a tritium mix proper of the earlier gilt dials than that used on the later MK1s and so on. The original hands have aged to a different tone giving the watch so much character. The original redback ‘pepsi’ bezel insert with Serif font has a unique deep blue color that makes it very distinctive.

The 40mm stainless steel case is in great shape with sharp bevels on lugs and crown guards.

The watch is running good and keeping time although last service is unknown.

It comes suited on its original 20mm Rolex riveted stainless steel bracelet 7206 with 80 endlinks date stamped 4/67.