Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Radial
Basic Info
Listing code : NMNM45
Brand : Rolex
Model : GMT-Master
Movement : Automatic
Case material : Steel
Bracelet material : Steel
Year of production : 1976
Condition : Used (Good)
Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers
Gender : Men's watch/Unisex
Location : Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Price : 26,000
Availability : Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement : Automatic
Case
Case material : Steel
Dial : Black
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material : Steel
Other
Product safety : Show information
The Rolex GMT-Master is a watch that speaks for itself. It stands as an undisputed icon in the world of timepieces, effortlessly enabling its wearer to keep track of two separate time zones concurrently. Initially conceived in the 1950s to cater to the needs of Pan Am pilots, who were embarking on increasingly frequent transatlantic flights, this invaluable instrument watch served a multitude of purposes. It not only ensured precise monitoring of both home and local time but also played a pivotal role in minimizing scheduling discrepancies, mitigating jet lag, and even boosting pilot morale.
Many would say that the 1675 is the most iconic vintage reference for a GMT-Master, and it is easy to see why. With a production run of just over 30 years, there are many variations and iterations, which makes collecting this reference so satisfying.
This particular 1675, however, is far from ordinary. It features a beautiful matte “radial dial” with well-patinated luminous markers and hands. For context, radial dials are typically distinguished by the size and placement of their luminous hour markers. In contrast to the standard 1675 GMT dials, the lume plots seen here appear a tad smaller and sit slightly closer towards the center of the dial, giving it quite a distinctive aesthetic. If you look closer, you’ll notice that the font used for the ‘GMT-Master’ text also differs from the rest, particularly the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ text, which appears noticeably slimmer in this instance. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that GMT-Masters with radial dials were only produced from the mid to late 1970s, with many of them eventually replaced by service dials, making examples like these not only highly sought-after but also remarkably elusive.
To travel with a GMT-Master on the wrist is certainly to travel in style, combining practicality with that mid-century cool. As John Mayer once said, ‘the GMT-Master is the best contemporary watch that Rolex makes’, a sentiment I find myself inclined to share, simply because the GMT function is truly the most practical modern-day complication to have on the wrist. All it takes is one look at the wrist and you will be able to tell the time for your selected timezone. For someone like me, or I am sure many of you, who travels a lot or even conducts business on the other side of the world, a GMT-Master is undoubtedly a welcome tool. It certainly is faster than fumbling around with your iPhone to find out.
CONDITION REPORT
This Rolex GMT-Master 1675 “Radial Dial” is in excellent overall condition.
The stainless-steel case is well preserved with its lugs and bevels even and thick. The engravings between its lugs are still legible. It is fitted on a Rolex stainless steel folded oyster bracelet bearing a '76' engraving that corresponds to the production year of this particular example, as well as a 'C+I' engraving, signifying its production origins by Rolex USA.
The tritium lume plots on the dial have developed a fantastic creamy patina, which beautifully complements the matte dial. The bezel insert is also correct with a red back and the top half of the number ‘8’ being oval. The inside of the case back is correctly engraved ‘1675’.
Overall, this example is in great condition and in full working order.
SPECS
Brand: Rolex
Year: 1976
Model: GMT-Master
Reference Number: 1675
Serial Number: 420XXXX
Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Rolex Cal. 1575, Self-Winding
Case Dimensions: 40mm x 13mm (Lug-to-Lug 47.5mm)
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Rolex Stainless Steel Folded Oyster Bracelet with Signed ‘76’ Marked Deployant Clasp