Rolex

1966 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt "Tropical"

 

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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 pilots 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 their crews on the long-haul international flights.

GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time - the time zone which 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 addition 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 his home time zone, no matter how far he may have journeyed.

This 1966 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 has taken on a strong, warm, patina loved by vintage collectors today. Originally produced with an end of production gilt dial that was taken on an exceptional brown "tropical" patina. The handset contains the original and sought after "little GMT hand", and case retains strong profiling and thickness. Ths specific piece is perfect for the collector that is getting into the gilt era of Rolex and loves honest, strong patina, watches.  

Stock # RLXGMT661675-5
Brand Rolex
Style GMT Master
Model 1675
Serial 13XXXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Glossy Gilt Dial "Tropical"
Millimeters 40
Strap NATO Strap (O.D. Green)

 

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case has been previously lightly polished with factory chamfering still prevalent. The "Pepsi" bezel insert is a later factory service replacement and has achieved a charming fade and patina. The inside of the case back is stamped IV.65. The watch will come on a NATO band or strap of your choice.

DIAL & HANDS

This later era gilt dial has taken on a striking and obvious "tropical" patina, which is a color change in the dial to a brown coloration, there is some hang drag shown at the bottom of the dial. The lume plots of the dial all remain intact, but exhibit some degradation throughout. The sweep seconds hand retains its original lume, fully intact. The hour and minute hands have been relumed to match the dial and the original "little GMT hand" shows some lume loss as well. The silver date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was just overhauled and will come backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.