ROLEX | GMT MASTER EAGLE BEAK, REFERENCE 1675 STAINLESS STEEL DUAL-TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1962

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 26 jewels Movement number: D24’498 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 876’214 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with integrated folding clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: with signs of craquelure, more discernible between 8 and 11 o'clock and between 1 and 3 o'clock and towards the centre of the dial. Some larger marks close to the centre of the dial where hands are fixed. Luminescent material reacts under UV light. Loss of luminescent material to the 2 and 11 o'clock indexes. Luminescent material on hands shows heavy discoloration on the hour and minute hands. Hour hand bears cracks in the luminescent material. CASE: with scuffs and marks throughout. bezel insert bearing some scuffs and marks MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, date advancing Please note that the movement has not been tested for 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."

Rolex introduced the reference 1675 in around 1959 and it was produced until 1980. Through its 21 year production, the 1675 saw a variety of evolutions and changes to the dial, case, bracelet and even the movement. This one owner watch was produced around 1962 and is typical of the early version of the 1675.
It bears a patinated glossy gilt dial with an attractive network of light cracks. These lacquered dials were produced until 1967. The gilt writing is particularly striking on this dial and matches the gilt hour and minute hands.  
The so-called eagle-beak crown guards present on this piece are even rarer as they can only be found on pieces until 1964. The 'eagle-beaks' can lose their sharp design very easily when the watch is polished. This example has been very well preserved with crisp crown guards as well as clearly defined bevelled lugs. 
Furthermore, the vintage fat font bezel has aged naturally to an appealing dark grey-blue and a copper colour.