Rolex GMT-Master ‘Tiffany’ (1675)

Vintage Rolex 40mm GMT-Master ‘Tiffany’ Black Dial, Oyster Bracelet, Ref. 1675

It is well known that a steel case Rolex GMT Master is one of the most recognized and sought after watches ever made. Whether new or vintage, watch enthusiasts hope to include one in their collection.

While the reference 1675 is not the first GMT reference produced, the ref. 1675 model is likely the most valued. Introduced in 1959 after the original reference 6542, the 1675 introduced crown guards and increased in size to 40mm. The bezel was changed from the fragile Bakelite to aluminum and the movement was upgraded. By the mid-1960’s, the caliber 1575 was the standard movement.

The 1675 was produced for nearly two decades, with several changes during that time. The shape of the crown guards changed, but the majority of the changes were seen in the dial. Early examples had a gilt-gloss dial but from the mid-sixties on the dials were matte black with white text. Even the bezels had different options.

The watch presented here has a matte dial that is identified as a Mark I with a “Long E”. This feature is of particular importance because of one of the other two features that make this such an exceptional watch, the Fuchsia colored bezel. While the red and blue bezel is the iconic bezel and mostly associated with the GMT Master, there are different shades of red and blue, some having changed over time and some having left the factory slightly different. The Fuchsia color present of this watch stands out from most variations and many people find it the most attractive of the red and blue bezels, so much so that fakes are made or original Fuchsia bezels are added to watches that didn’t originally come with them. When authenticating that a watch originally came with a Fuchsia dial, it should have a Mark I dial, like our watch. Also note that the Mark I dials were produced from circa 1966 to 1972, well in line with our watch that has a serial number circa 1968-1969. Fuchsia bezels have been identified on watches with serial numbers around the 1.8M and 1.9M serial range from circa 1968-1969, which also matches our watch.

While the GMT Master 1675 is a highly sought after watch, there are some variations that are even more valued than others. Besides variations in cases, dials and bezels, there are unusual examples with co-branded dials. Until the 1990’s, Rolex would allow some companies to add their brand to a watch for special company presentations. Perhaps the most famous co-branded dial is the Tiffany GMT-Master 1675, featuring the Tiffany & Co. logo above the GMT-Master name, which was sold exclusively at select Tiffany boutiques.

The GMT Master reference 1675 watch here is clearly a special watch. In addition to its unusual features such as the Fuchsia bezel and Tiffany co-brand, it is in excellent condition. Acquired from the original owner years ago and stored by us, the watch has light wear scratches on the bezel and case and an even overall patina that comes with natural aging. The case chamfers are slightly less sharp than when the watch came from the factory but they appear to be the result of wear and the case appears unpolished. The dial and lume appear original and intact, with light speckling on the matte dial that is visible under magnification. The hands are service hands and in excellent condition. It is not unusual to find the original steel hands to have been replaced by Rolex when serviced as these often rusted. Attached to the watch is a service Oyster bracelet also in excellent condition. We hope and trust that you will find this an exceptional watch that will bring joy for years to come.