1973 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Mk. IV Dial

The Rolex GMT is the jet-setting icon of the Rolex sports watch family. The history of this sophisticated, versatile style dates back to 1954, when Rolex received a request from Pan Am to create a technical pilot's watch that could indicate two time zones simultaneously. As advances in aviation made transcontinental flights commercially available, Pan Am needed a watch that could be issued to its crews on long-haul international flights.

GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time - the time zone that regulates world clocks and is required for all aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that directly displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand, but on a 24-hour scale. The edition of this GMT hand enabled crews to set the watch to GMT or another time zone and, using the rotating 24-hour scale bezel, correct the offset to display a second time zone on the 24-hour scale.

This feature is just as useful today, allowing the modern traveler to easily keep track of their home time zone, no matter how far they may have journeyed.

SPECS

Stock #		RLXGMT1675-73
Brand		Rolex
Style		GMT-Master
Model		1675
Serial		32XXXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black "Mk. IV"
Millimeters		40
Bracelet		Rolex 7836 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 380 End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The remarkably well-preserved case boasts thick, symmetrical lugs that display no notable evidence of being polished in the past, while retaining full factory chamfers, and show honest signs of use throughout. The original red-back "Pepsi" bezel insert has achieved a wonderful fade and shows nominal wear. The original Rolex 7836 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces retains 12 links that show mild stretch from use and will fit up to a 7.75-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black Mk. IV dial is in excellent vintage condition, showing some minor elements of age, but no major damage, and remains very presentable and beautiful. The only notable element of age is some minor clipping to the outer minute track at the 1 o'clock and 6 o'clock, though it has no effect on the aesthetic value of the watch, and is common for matte dials of this era. The tritium lume plots have achieved a vivid yellow patina and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands have aged a half-shade more saturated than the dial, matching nearly perfectly, with no degradation present when inspected under UV light. The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.