1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'Maxi Dial' MK 5 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. 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.

Being part of the latest batch of matte dials 1675s, and with serial 5.6 million, this example offered here is a ‘Maxi’ dial MK5. Maxi dial comes from the oversized hour plot markers, which have aged to a beautiful strong patina color, matching with the lume on the hands.

The 40mm stainless steel case remains in good shape, although it was probably polished in the past. The original redback bezel insert is in great condition.The watch is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

It comes suited on the original 20mm Rolex 62510H stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with 550 end links date stamped D3.

It is presented as a complete set including outer box with reference sticker, inner box, manuals, hang tag, wallet, calendar, translation leaflet, stamped guarantee papers and Rolex AD’s propaganda leaflet. The whole set has the Rolex AD’s stickers..