1969 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK1 Tropical dial with Double Punched 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 1968 when Rolex exchanged them for matte black dials with white text.

Offered here for sale is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with MK 1 ‘Long E’ tropical dial which dates to 1969.

 

Being part of the very first batch of matte dials, this MK1 or ‘Long E’ dial, named after the unusually longer middle dash of the E in ROLEX, is in original and untouched condition, featuring a stunning ‘Café Noir’ tropical hue. It shows some wear between 12 and 1, and between 3 and 4. Probably an effect of the environment where it was exposed to tropicalize in this manner. The tritium lume plots have aged to a lovely cream patina hue. The original hands are matching.

 

The stainless steel case presents thick lugs with pronounced bevels following factory finishes. It shows very little wear signs. The case back shows some normal wear. The ‘Pepsi’ insert features fat fonts and has aged fading into a lovely light ‘charcoal’ and ‘cinereous’ hues.

 

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

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown, except for the only documented service by Rolex de Venezuela in 1980.

 

It comes suited on its original Rolex Riveted 7206 stainless steel bracelet with #58 end links and clasp code 3/69 that is preserved in fabulous condition showing little wear and stretch.

 

If this was not enough, this collectors’ grade piece comes with GMT-Master card, Attestation de Chronometre papers, punched guarantee booklet and punched guarantee papers showing it was sold in 1972 by a Rolex retailer in Venezuela. All documentation is matching.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own a Rolex museum piece. Examples like this don't often surface the market as they remain in the finest collections.

 

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