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

 

The first 1675 watches came with Rolex caliber 1565, until 1965 when Rolex started to equip them with caliber 1575 (in fact being a 1570/5 which is a 1570 with date function, and that’s why only 1570 is stamped). This movement had a higher ticking number (19,800vph instead of 18,000 vph). Later on, caliber 1575 was modified to have a hacking feature (seconds will stop when the crown is pulled out). This was done in 1971.

The example offered here is a matte MK IV dial from 1979.

 

The dial is in great condition with a lovely ‘roasted’ patina hue. The hands are matching.

 

The case remains unpolished, featuring thick lugs with sharp, factory bevels. The case back remains in the same condition.

 

The original Serif font bezel insert is in great shape, having faded on the blue side and showing a deep red on the other.

 

The original acrylic crystal has some minor marks.

 

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

 

It is suited on a Rolex Jubilee 62510 H stainless steel bracelet with 555 end links and clasp code I4 that shows very little wear and almost no stretch at all.

 

It is presented as a full set which includes inner box, manual, translation leaflet and original punched guarantee papers showing it was sold by a Rolex Retailer in Venezuela in 1980.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.