1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 MK 4 dial

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 example offered here for sale is a Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with MK IV dial from 1978.

 

It features a lovely dial that shows almost any wear, with a lovely mustard patina hue. The original hands have aged to a slightly different tone.

 

The previously polished case remains thick and with the original chamfers still visible. It shows normal signs of wear with a more noticeable dent on the lower right lug. The case back also shows signs of use.

 

The ‘Pepsi’ insert shows a nice fade to the blue portion and a deep burgundy to the red.

 

The original acrylic crustal has some scratches.

 

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

 

It is suited its Rolex Oyster 78360 solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 385 end links and clasp code VC 14 that shows some normal wear but little stretch for its age.

 

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