Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 steel tritium hand set

Perhaps one of the most popular vintage Rolex GMT-Master watches is the Ref. 1675, introduced in 1959 and produced until 1980.

 

Until 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, caliber 1575 was modified to have a hacking feature (seconds will stop when the crown is pulled out). This was done in 1971.

Offered for sale here is a stainless steel hand set for Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 matte dial.

 

The set is preserved in used condition, featuring a lovely creamy and matching patina hue. The tritium lume glows at it should when exposed to UV light.