Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces...
Hong Kong, Dec 05, 2021
LOT 361
ROLEX REF. 1675, GMT-MASTER, 18K YELLOW GOLD
HKD 470,000 - 560,000
EUR 53,000 - 63,000 / CHF 56,000 - 66,000 / USD 61,000 - 71,000
Sold: HKD 687,500
18K yellow gold, self-winding, “tonneau”-shaped, aviator’s wristwatch with screwed case-back, 24-hour graduated bidirectional revolving bezel with matt brown insert for the AM-PM indication, burgundy matt brown dial with centre-seconds and two horological complications, including date (3 o’clock), diurnal (day-time) and nocturnal (night-time) hours with a 24-hour (AM-PM) scale (central hour index).
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex
Model “Oyster-Perpetual” “GMT-Master” “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”
Reference 1675
Year Circa 1962
Movement No. D 37 260
Case No. 884 275 (by Genex, Geneva)
Bracelet 18K yellow gold Rolex riveted “Osyter” bracelet with deployant clasp (end-links 80; dated 4 / 63)
Caliber 1560, adjusted to 5 positions + temperature
Dimensions 47.3 x 37.5 mm. Ø 39.4 mm. (bezel) / Length 170 mm. (approx.)
Weight 115.7 gr. (approx.)
Signature Case, Dial and Movement
Notes
In the 1960s, Rolex realised that anyone who could afford to fly was rich enough to afford a gold watch (not a steel one), so they started making the “GMT-Master” in 18K gold and two-tone gold.
Interestingly, the yellow gold version was produced first and used the now discontinued Ref. 6542 case without crown guards, while the two-tone version retained the reference 1675. Both versions are distinguished by their new brown dials and bezels, which appeared on the market at the end of 1963.
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The present watch is an exceedingly rare hybrid version of the celebrated “GMT-Master” reference 1675, combining elements of the late 1950s Ref. 6542 series, most notably the missing crown guards, the luminous “Dauphine” hands and the small tip on the 24-hour hand, and the newly introduced reference 1675 with the matt brown dial (so-called “bicchierini” by Italian collectors) and the metal insert to the bezel.
It is very interesting to note that the present example comes in unmolested condition, still retaining what is most likely its original bracelet, stamped “4-63” on the clasp, and that is smoothly rubbed, all in harmony with the case. Moreover, both the clasp and the case were stamped with the French importation hallmarks showing that the watch was imported in France as a whole. Lastly, the dial is from the period as well, right before the “T Swiss T” was introduced.
Bibliography
· Goldberger, John, 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, p. 192 (a similar reference 1675 “hybrid”, gold case No. 996 195).