Rolex
1977 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Mk. III Radial Dial "Blueberry"
Within the vintage Rolex collecting community, the all-blue “Blueberry” bezel insert has become a well-known variation associated with the GMT-Master reference 1675. While period Rolex catalogs and advertising materials do not document a factory configuration pairing the reference with an all-blue bezel, many collectors believe these inserts originated through Rolex service channels rather than standard production.
Examples began appearing within the collecting market in the early 2000s, reportedly sourced from an official Rolex service center. Because of this, many seasoned collectors view the Blueberry insert as a period Rolex service component produced during the lifespan of the GMT-Master rather than a bezel fitted to watches when originally delivered from the factory. The deep blue tone of the insert offers a distinctive alternative to the more commonly seen red and blue “Pepsi” or all-black bezel configurations and has become a recognizable aesthetic within the broader GMT-Master collecting landscape. Interestingly, the "Blueberry" inserts do possess key font and manufacturing characteristics seen in other period inserts, such as serrifs on the font
Today, the Blueberry insert represents one of the many fascinating variations that emerged during the decades-long production of the GMT-Master. For collectors who appreciate the nuances of vintage Rolex components and the subtle evolution of the model over time, it remains a compelling and visually striking configuration.
This specific example of the Mk.3 "Radial or Mini" dial would make a great daily driver for the man always on the go and would make a great addition to an existing collection as this specific dial variant of Ref. 1675 GMT's are becoming harder to find due to the fact they are becoming highly collectible and sought after among collectors.
| Stock # |
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| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | GMT-Master | |
| Model | 1675 | |
| Serial | 50XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black (Mk. 3) | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Strap | Rolex Oyster 78360 Bracelet W/ 580 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The case has been previously lightly polished but retains thick and even lugs. The "blueberry" insert, correct with "ghost triangle," remains in excellent condition showing very light wear with no signs of fading. The Oyster 71360 bracelet with 580 end pieces retains 11 links and remains in excellent condition showing minimal stretch with light wear.
DIAL & HANDS
The mark III "radial dial" remains in excellent vintage condition, the dial has achieved a very light natural texture that is consistent throughout and is only visible under loupe. The original tritium lume plots have taken on a charming ivory patina and shows no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands have aged slightly darker than the lume but match the overall look and feel of the watch, under U.V. light inspection the hour and sweep-seconds hands remain fully intact, the minute and GMT hands exhibit very minor cracking. The metallic date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was just inspected by our watchmaker and is keeping time at spec, previous service history is unknown.