1971 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK1 'Long E' dial

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 a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with MK 1 ‘Long E’ dial that dates to 1971.

 

Being part of the late batches of first matte dials, this MK1 ‘Long E’ dial, named after the unusually longer middle dash of the E in ROLEX, shows some aging. The flat, waffled texture tritium lume plots remain clean and have aged to a light cream hue. The original hands present a patina a few shades darker.

 

The stainless steel case remains thick, letting visible prior signs of polishing and normal signs of use. The case back remains in the same shape. The original ‘Pepsi’ insert shows bright blue and red portions and some normal wear.

 

The original acrylic crystal has some very minor marks that could be easily buffed away.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it has been fully serviced recently.

 

It comes suited on a Rolex Oyster 78306 stainless steel bracelet with 580 end links and clasp code G that is preserved in great condition showing little wear and almost no stretch.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own an early matte dial Rolex GMT 1675 in vintage condition.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as inner case back, movement and service pictures.