Rolex GMT Master 1675 “Long E”

The history of the GMT Master dates back to an order placed by Pan American World Airways in the early 1950s: the airline’s pilots needed a watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously. The result was a fourth hand indicating 24-hour time, combined with a two-tone bezel in Pan Am’s colours: red and blue. The reference 1675, produced from for more than 15 years, is undoubtedly the most famous GMT reference. Worn by many celebrities, from Marlon Brando to Che Guevara or even Tom Selleck, it is one of the famous watches ever made.   This particular piece is in excellent condition. These MK1's dials were fitted on the early matte 1675 models, recognisable by their matt black anthracite finish with painted tritium hour markers and the long middle bar of the E in Rolex – a configuration particularly prized by collectors. This dial is in exceptional condition, the tritium has remained entirely original and turned to a lovely yellow patina, contrasting well with the dial. The hands, alought slightly clearer in color, are original tritium too. Both have not been re-lumed and don't glow after UV exposure as they should on these serials. The stunning original aluminium Fat Font Pepsi Redback bezel insert shows natural, authentic and unaltered fading, a direct testament to its age and use. A slight dent can be seen at 4 o'clock near the number 8.   The case is thick, showing clear and well defined chamfers. It's hard to know if it ever was polished. If it was, it only had a very light refresh that did not take off material. It's a brilliant and honest case when we imagine that this piece is now 55 years old! The bracelet is slightly later (76) US oyster riveted. Apart from that, the watch is entirely original and has been very well preserved. The movement has been entirely serviced by our watchmakers and comes with one year warranty.