1968 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK 1 ‘Long E’ Fuchsia Unpolished Box and Papers

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 late-1960s when Rolex exchanged them for matt black dials with white text.

 

An instantly recognizable feature on some Rolex GMT-Master watches are the so-called “Pepsi” bezels. Some of these Red and Blue were, in fact, Fuchsia and Blue. This was only seen during the late 1960s period with the appearance of the very first 1675 with matt dials. Due to their age and relatively short production run, fuchsia inserts are the most rare and valuable among the different types of Rolex ‘Pepsi’ inserts, and collectors often seek them out for their out-of-the-box appearance. Some GMTs also came later with all black or red and black inserts.

Offered here for sale is, in our humble opinion, the best Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK 1 ‘Long E’. It dates to 1968 and it remains completely unmolested.

 

Being part of the very first batch of matte dials, this MK1 or ‘Long E’ dial, named after the unusually longer middle dash of the E in ROLEX, is in exceptional, original, and untouched condition, showing any wear at all. The dial is simply 10 out of 10 without stains, spots, chips, misprints or anything. The zinc sulphide lume, correct for early MK 1, which features a lovely light cream patina hue, is preserved completely clean with no blackening or missing parts. It reacts as it should when exposed to UV light. The original hands present a slightly darker patina, also common on these, and remain in great shape.

 

The original ‘Fuchsia’ insert is simply out of this world. It features a vivid blue and a breathtaking fuchsia. It remains in outstanding shape with little to no wear. This insert is a gem on its own. It was surely born with the watch as the overall untouched condition of it proves it. Also, these inserts are only seen on very early MK 1 from 1968-69.

 

The stainless steel case couldn’t be less, and remains unpolished. It presents thick lugs with pronounced bevels and factory finishes are still present. It shows normal wear for its age and its untouched condition. The case back remains in the same shape.

 

The original acrylic crystal remains clean.

 

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

 

It comes suited on its original Rolex Riveted 7206 stainless steel bracelet with 80 end links and clasp code 4/67 that is preserved in fabulous condition showing little wear and almost no stretch. It also remains unpolished.

 

If this was not enough, this collectors’ grade piece comes as a full set, including outer box with reference sticker, inner box, GMT-Master manual and card, punched Bureaux Suisses certificate, and punched guarantee papers showing it was sold by Vendrell, a Spanish Rolex Retailer, in 1969.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own a Rolex museum piece. Examples like this don't often surface the market as they remain in the finest collections.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.