Stainless Steel, 39mm Rolex GMT-Master, Ref.1675 Mark I "Long E" Dial Wristwatch, circa1968 - Legacy item of Derek McKendry.
Description:
Rolex, GMT-Master reference 675 Mark I "Long E" Dial circa 1968.
Derek McKendry (1941–1999) was a distinguished New Zealand television cameraman and photojournalist, best known for his fearless coverage of the Vietnam War. Over an eight-year period, McKendry documented some of the most intense and dangerous moments of the conflict, earning a reputation for his bravery and dedication to frontline journalism. His work brought the realities of war to audiences back home, providing a raw and unfiltered view of the battlefield.
McKendry’s career as a combat cameraman began in 1967 when he started working for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) during the Vietnam and Cambodian wars. Throughout his time in the war zone, he faced numerous life-threatening situations. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred in Cambodia, where he woke up in a field hospital, buried in an underground bunker. He later recalled how he pleaded with his colleague, award-winning journalist Neil Davis, saying, "For God’s sake, get me out of here." Hours later, a group of U.S. Marines stormed the area, rescuing McKendry just in time.
His near-death experiences were not limited to enemy fire. In one terrifying incident, he was standing next to an American F4 Phantom fighter jet when it crash-landed in enemy territory. The explosion and chaos that followed were just another reminder of the unpredictability of war. McKendry also recalled the fear he felt during the 1968 Tet Offensive when the Viet Cong launched a surprise attack on Saigon. “ If I could have got out of there, I would have,” he admitted, knowing that for a while, "the bad guys owned the airport." During those chaotic days, he could glance at his Rolex GMT-Master, checking both local time and the hour back in New Zealand—a small but grounding ritual in an otherwise lawless existence.
Despite these dangers, McKendry continued to push forward, determined to document the conflict with honesty and accuracy. When asked if he was ever concerned about the risk, he responded, “People ask, ‘Are you worried about the bullet with your name on it?’ I established the pat answer: No, it’s the one with ‘To whom it may concern’ on it that really worried me.” His Rolex, much like his camera, bore the scars of war—dents, scratches, and a fading bezel. But just like its owner, it kept going, never faltering under pressure.
One of the most significant moments of his career came in 1972, when he was invited to Hanoi and met General Võ Nguyên Giáp, the North Vietnamese Commander behind victories against the French and Americans. Speaking in Vietnamese, McKendry told Giáp, “You’ve been one of my greatest heroes for many years.” The general, surprised, simply asked, “Why?”
In recognition of his contributions to journalism, the McKendry Award was established to honour outstanding videographers who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication. This award ensures that his legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of journalists to pursue truth even in the most dangerous conditions.
McKendry’s career stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in war reporting. His willingness to put himself in harms way to capture the truth made him one of the most respected combat cameramen of his time. His work—and the Rolex GMT-Master 1675 that was with him every step of the way—remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices journalists make to bring the realities of war to the world.
Model: GMT-Master, reference:16750, serial 1,84*,***
Year: 1968 (by serial number)
Material: Stainless steel, original aluminium bezel with galvanically applied colour
Case Dimensions: 39 mm diameter 12.7 mm "thin case" version, 47.5 mm lug to lug
Dial and Hands: Matte black Mark I "long E" dial with zinc sulphide Tritium luminous material
Crystal: Plexiglass acrylic domed crystal, with cyclops lens for magnifying the date
Calibre: Rolex calibre 1575, automatic self-winding, 26 jewels.
Bracelet/Strap: R eference 7836 end link reference:358, Oysterlock folding clasp.
Box/Papers: No
All watches are sold "As Is". Webb's make no guarantee of the future working order of the watch or battery life, and watches may need to be serviced to improve accuracy. Generally, none of the watches have been tested for time keeping accuracy or running time, nor have any seals been tested on water-resistant watches. If they have been tested this is for indication purposes only and not guaranteed. Vintage watches may have been restored or repaired over the years, as such Webb's cannot guarantee that individual component parts are original or authentic.
Viewings available by appointment. 
