Rolex GMT-Master

Why We Love It The GMT-Master Reference 1675 is a genre-defining timepiece.  The second generation of the dual timezone wristwatch from Rolex, the 1675 was introduced in 1960 and saw nearly two decades of continuous production, resulting in a myriad of dial and case variations that have become one of the most exciting sub-genres of vintage Rolex collecting. Indeed, our Founder, despite his regular insistences that he's "not a Rolex guy" counts no less than five versions in his personal collection. This very special example dates to the very beginning of the 1675's run, and features all the things: - Gilt Dial.  - Chapter Ring. - Pointed Crown Guards. - Small GMT hand. - Early White 'Open 6s and 9s' Date Wheel. - First Generation Bezel Assembly. - Red Back 'Pepsi Bezel' insert. - Riveted Oyster Bracelet. ...Not to mention a strong case with awesome beveling and a rich oxblood red dial patina that will completely blow you away.   Suffice it to say, this is a truly exciting early GMT-Master, the likes of which don't come up often. In all his time hunting 1675s, James has only gotten his hands on a few of these early examples - known for their tendency to age in this gorgeous reddish hue. No hyperbole, folks - this thing is awesome!  The Story With the emergence of jet travel in the early 1950s, there arose a need for travelers, and more importantly pilots, to have a wristwatch that could display two timezones at once. As a pioneer of transatlantic and transcontinental flight, Pan American Airlines approached Rolex with that conundrum. Rolex’s solution was the GMT Master. Not long after the debut of the GMT Master at the Basel World Fair in 1954, Pan Am adopted the GMT Master as its official wristwatch. Other airlines soon followed, making the GMT Master synonymous with aviation. In 1960 Rolex released a new reference of GMT Master, the Reference 1675. The 1675 featured crown guards and was powered by the Caliber 1565 movement, and later, the Caliber 1575. With a production run of over two decades, it’s the Reference 1675 that many collectors view as the GMT to own.