1979 NOS Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with MK5 dial and service case

Introduced in 1959, the Rolex GMT-Master 1675 marked a defining evolution in the pilot’s watch lineage. Developed in partnership with Pan Am Airways to help pilots navigate time zones in the early days of transatlantic jet travel, the 1675 introduced a fourth 24-hour hand and a rotatable bezel, creating a dual-time display that would become the hallmark of the GMT line. Early examples—produced until around 1966— were fitted with gilt dials. From there, Rolex transitioned to matte dials with white printing, embracing a more utilitarian look that carried the model through the 1970s and early 1980s.

 

The bezel insert is the watch’s most iconic feature. The red and blue “Pepsi” insert—originally designed to differentiate daylight from night hours—became synonymous with the GMT-Master itself, a bold signal of the jet-set era. But Rolex also offered a more restrained all-black bezel, appealing to professionals who preferred a quieter, more subdued aesthetic. Today, both variants hold their place in the collecting world: the Pepsi insert full of color and charisma, the black insert dignified and minimal.

 

Tucked within the world of vintage Rolex collecting lies a lesser-known detail: the appearance of 4.39 to 4.5 million serial numbers on certain cases, often raising eyebrows for not fitting traditional production timelines. These are not anomalies—they are Rolex factory service cases, issued in the 1980s and 1990s as replacements for damaged or worn original cases during service. They weren’t part of a standard production batch, but rather Rolex’s way of preserving function and extending the life of older models. While technically correct and Swiss-made, these service cases—often found on references like the 1680, 1675 or 1665—typically bear later case back dates and feature slightly different finishes like thinner lug bevels.

The example offered here for sale is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with 'Maxi' MK V dial and service case that remains in NOS (New Old Stock) condition which dates approximately to 1979 according to its dial production period.

 

The matte MK 5 dial was originally born with the watch and remains in flawless condition with little if any signs of wear. It features a striking pumpkin patina with clean, flat waffle-like lume plots. The original hands, also born with the watch, show a patina a shade lighter and just the perfect amount of aging to the metal.

 

The 4.4m serial service case remains unworn, presenting thick lugs with very sharp bevels and only the faintest signs of storage. The case back still preserves its original protective sticker. The ‘all black’ bezel insert was originally born to the watch too, remaining flawless, with no signs of wear at all, producing a breathtaking contrast with the matte dial and pumpkin patina.

 

The acrylic crystal is clean.

 

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

 

It is fitted on an unworn Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 558 end links and clasp code LT1 that shows no stretch, and which still preserves its original clasp protective sticker. As you can see on the picture, the clasp is very tight and holds unfolded, a sign meaning it's never been used.

 

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