Rolex

The Rolex GMT can trace its history back to the mid 1950s when Pam Am Airlines turned to the storied watchmaker about a timepiece pilots can use on long-haul flights to track multiple time zones. Rolex’s solution would revolutionize watchmaking history and design. 

When the GMT-Master was first unveiled by Rolex in 1954 with the Reference 6542, it solved a complicated problem with a simple solution. By adding a fourth hand that made one full rotation every 24 hours and a rotating bezel that featured a 24-hour scale, the wearer can easily track two different time zones with the flick of their wrist. 

The original Reference 6542 were fitted with bezels with Bakelite inserts split into two colors: red and blue, which over the decades have become an instantaneously recognizable icon and was nicknamed the ‘Pepsi’ by collectors.

The Bakelite bezels proved too fragile for a tool watch and were replaced with a studier, aluminum bezel in 1959 with the launch of the Reference 1675, like our present timepiece.  

The Reference 1675 is one of the most iconic References in Rolex’s history, and boasts the longest production run of any Reference in the brand’s history. Offered in a variety of material combinations, the 1675 was produced in stainless steel, yellow gold, or two tone steel and yellow gold. 

Our present timepiece is one such example that combines stainless steel and solid gold. Made for the U.S. market, the watch is crafted in 14k gold and stainless steel instead of the usual 18k, and features a two tone brown bezel complimented by its two tone Jubilee bracelet. Affectionately termed ‘Root Beer’ by collectors our present 1675 is powered by the Rolex calibre 1570 and boasts a power reserve of 48 hours and beats at 19800 vph.