ROLEX | A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC DUAL TIME ZONE WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET REF 1675 CASE 1321615 GMT-MASTER CIRCA 1965

Movement: cal. 1570 automatic lever, 26 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, red and blue bezel calibrated for 24 units, screw-down crown and back Dial: glossy black gilt, luminescent triangular, dot and baton indexesBracelet/clasp/buckle: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding claspDiameter: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 180mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: In very good condition, glossy finish is very well preserved with no imperfection, indexes have developed a homogeneous cream patina. Hands are slightly whiter than the indexes. CASE: In excellent condition. Lugs are thick and well defined, bevels are wide and sharp. Bottom right lug has undergone a slight polishing but maintains the same quality of finishing, displaying a sharp bevel. Very scarce superficial scratches on the case profile. Bezel is in outstanding condition, having developed a pale patina, without any loss of colour. MOVEMENT: Running at time of cataloguing. Date passes on to the next day, second time zone function is operational. Bracelet: 7206; endlinks: 80; clasp: 99 The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Rarely has a watch gone through more than 50 years of existence and been preserved in such unmolested condition. Originally presented as a graduation present in 1966, the watch has since then remained the property of its original and only owner who has now decided to present it for the first time to the market.

It is no exaggeration to state that this "gilt GMT Master" could be used as a reference when it comes to studying case proportions, bezel, disk date or original dial patina. 

The case still retains its original aspect. The large bevels and brossé finish of the lugs for example will be a real delight for the connoisseur's eyes. The original bezel has faded to attractive pale blue and copper shades. The date disk with its silver background and generous font has been kept. The 7206 bracelet with its 80 endlinks, in excellent condition, have also been preserved. Last but not least, the most attractive dial has seen its indexes nicely ageing to an eggshell patina, which perfectly compliment its gilt writing. Only the hands, most probably changed some 20 years ago during the only service, according to the engraving inside the case back, have a lighter patina.

This lot represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a piece in exceptional condition.