1972 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 'MK 2' with 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 presented here is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with coveted MK II dial from 1972.

 

The MK 2 dial, characteristic for its fat ROLEX font is in lovely condition showing some normal wear and featuring a creamy patina. The hands are matching.

 

The case remains thick and with original chamfers still visible, although it was probably slightly polished in the past. The case back remains in the same condition. It is correctly stamped 1675 and II.71 on the inside.

 

The original all-black Serif font bezel insert is stunning, having faded to a blue-gray hue, and contrasting in a lovely way with the red GMT hand and the creamy patina of the hour markers and hands, giving the watch tons of character.

 

The original acrylic crystal is clean.

 

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

 

It is suited on the original Rolex Oyster 7836 stainless steel folded links bracelet with 358 end links and clasp code 3/72 that shows some normal wear and stretch. It will fit from a 16cm wrist to an 18cm one. The clasp has a cool engraving, apparently a shield or emblem. We wonder how many awesome stories this watch could tell…

 

Finally, this watch comes with the original punched guarantee papers showing it was sold in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1974.

 

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