1979 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'Maxi' MK 4 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 mid-1960s when Rolex exchanged them for matt black dials with white text.

The example offered here for sale is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with 'Maxi' MK IV dial from 1978.

 

It features a lovely dial that shows almost any wear, with a lovely mustard patina hue to the 'maxi' lume plots. The original hands have aged to a slightly different tone giving it just the balanced amount of contrast.

 

The case remains thick and with the original chamfers still visible. It shows normal signs of wear for its age. The case back also shows normal signs of use.

 

The original ‘Pepsi’ red-back insert shows a nice fade to the blue portion and a deep burgundy hue to the red.

 

The original acrylic crystal has some scratches that could be easily buffed away.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it was recently fully serviced by our watchmaker. 

 

It is suited its Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 585 end links and correct clasp code VC 14 (1978) that shows some normal wear but little stretch for its age.

 

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