Posts tagged #Rolex GMT Master Vintage

Insider: GMT Master ref. 1675 circa 1978. A Stunner.

The story behind this beautiful example of a GMT Master ref. 1675 is just one of a kind. This watch was incorporated to a watch lifestyler's collection as part of a trade + cash type of deal. The watch is fitted with a nicely faded fat font Pepsi bezel inset. The hunt for the right insert took months, but the end result was worth the wait in our opinion.

While the dial is a MK IV example correct to the time period of the watch in the 5.5 million serial range, the bezel is an earlier example no longer found on watches of this time period. This watch comes with the correct calendar disc with open sixes and nines and the matte dial is just perfect, clean and with a beautiful egg shell to cream patina.

The hands show very little corrosion and match the dial perfectly with the same type of patina. The case has not been over polished like on most watches of this time period and still maintains thick lugs and nice chamfers. This watch is fitted with a hollow link Oyster bracelet still in decent shape. The movement is clean and keeping time spot on. +1 second per day.

To be honest, this is one of the most beautiful examples of a Rolex ref. 1675 that we have ever reviewed and experienced. If you come across a 1675 in this good of a condition, don't think twice, even if you need to move another watch and add some hard earned cash to the deal. We know that you won't regret it.

Posted on April 8, 2013 and filed under Rolex.

Insider: GMT Master ref. 1675. Over a Cup of Espresso.

Yesterday I decided to have a cup of espresso with a close watchlifestyler and friend of mine and talk about his GMT with black bezel insert. As most of us know, the GMT Master ref. 1675 was traditionally sold with two options of bezel inserts. The now called pepsi—blue and red— and the black one. While the black insert is less coveted among most savvy vintage Rolex watch collectors, we believe that a vintage GMT sporting one of this black bezel inserts is not only less common and rarely seen in the wild but also makes the watch look more sophisticated and easier to wear with any outfit or any occasion. 

This beautiful specimen is a mid 70's watch with a great creamy patina, silver date wheel with open nines and sixes, original oyster bracelet and a sharp solid black bezel insert. After 35 years of life, this watch is still very accurate and losing only 2 seconds a day. The dial is what experts consider to be a MK IV tritium dial correct for the time period with no visible blemishes or unstable lume. The tritium does not glow any more and the hands are in perfect condition with no corrosion or pitting. This watch has only seen two different owners in over 35 years that have kept it in great condition, regardless of being a daily wearer.

After close review of the watch, we can say that the black bezel insert is definitely more visually appealing to me than the classic coveted pepsi insert. When it comes to the GMT Master with black insert, we have seen that most collectors would prefer a faded black bezel—usually referred to as ghost insert— over one that is scratch-free or free of fading or discoloration. We actually prefer the solid jet black look of this one.

Now, are you a pepsi, black or ghost insert type of watchlifestyler?

Posted on April 1, 2013 and filed under Rolex.

Experience: Replacing the Plexi on a ref. 1675. Five Minute Pit Stop.

All it takes is a reputable Rolex watchmaker like M. Chamosa in Dallas, TX. The proper Rolex tools, a correct original new old stock Tropic 116 and five minutes of a collector's time.

Posted on April 1, 2013 and filed under Rolex.