1974 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK 5 ‘Rootbeer’ Burgundy Nipple dial in 18K YG

Brown dials for 1675s were produced for both the gold cased 1675/8 and the steel and gold cased (two-tone) 1675/3 during the late 60s and until the early 80s. First, the brown background color was applied directly to a brass metal plate. Second, text and minute markers were printed on top in gold. Third, gold hour markers were applied, and lume was inserted into a slot in the middle. Due to the shape of these applied hour markers, both the brown and black dials in the 1675/3 and 1675/8 are colloquially referred to as “nipple dials”.

 

Most brown dials are matte in appearance, like the black dials in the 1675/1. However, the MK 1, early MK 2, and MK 5 dials have a glossy appearance from a layer of lacquer that was added after the initial layer of matte brown. The MK 5 brown layer has a ‘soleil’ (or sunburst) pattern like some of the black 1675/3 and /8 dials and the next generation of GMT, the 16753 and 16758. The Mark 5 dial is analogous to the Mark 6 dial in the steel case 1675/1 in that both are period-correct and used in late 1970s watches while also being a service dial for watches from earlier periods.

 

In the MK 5 dials, due to the new type of finishing, it’s often to see them aged around the applied metal markers and at the edges of the dial. Many collectors value this. This aging can happen without water damage. If this is the case, the glossy lacquer should be intact. If there is water damage, the lacquer is often cracked or peeling.

Offered for sale here is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with a lovely aged ‘Rootbeer’ dial in 18K yellow gold from 1974.

 

The glossy sunburst “Rootbeer” nipple dial has aged to a burgundy hue with vibrant patches of lighter hues around the markers, applied Rolex ‘coronet’, and around some parts of the edge, giving the watch a blast of character, and being very common on these late glossy dial versions. Apart from this, the dial is intact, meaning that this ageing is not due to water damage but something common to the finishing of the dial. The glossy lacquered surface is not cracked or peeled. Any marks you might see are on the crystal. The lume has aged to a warm sandy hue and the hands have aged in just the same way, making a perfect match.

 

The 18k yellow gold case is great, remaining thick and showing normal signs of use. The yellow gold bezel remains sharp. The bezel insert has faded to a light bronze hue, again, adding tons of character to the piece. The case back remains in the same condition, with all gold hallmarks clearly visible.

 

The original acrylic crystal has normal signs of use that could be easily buffed away if wanted.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, as it has been recently serviced.

 

It comes suited on an unworn handmade leather strap with yellow gold Rolex buckle.

 

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