
Reference 1675 GMT-Master 'Root Beer' | A yellow gold automatic dual time wristwatch with date, bracelet, and nipple dial, Circa 1978
Live auction begins on:
December 8, 03:00 PM GMT
Estimate
25,000 - 45,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: matte brown
Caliber: cal. 1570 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D'881'968
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back
Case number: 5'638'866
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 40 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 195 mm
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Originally introduced in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master was developed for Pan American Airways pilots at the dawn of the Jet Age. Designed to display two time zones simultaneously, its highly legible dial and distinctive 24-hour bi-directional bezel quickly established it as an indispensable tool for professional aviators and international travelers alike.
The original reference 6542 was succeeded by the improved reference 1675 in 1959, featuring a more durable metal bezel insert in place of the fragile Bakelite version. Produced until 1980, the 1675 became one of Rolex’s longest-running references. While the majority were made in stainless steel, the 18k gold variants, such as the present example, remain considerably rarer and highly sought after.
This particular watch is fitted with the coveted “nipple dial,” named for its distinctive applied gold hour markers. The rich brown dial and matching bezel beautifully complement the warm tones of the yellow gold case, which retains strong proportions and clearly defined hallmarks. A superb example of a classic GMT-Master in precious metal, it represents both functionality and timeless elegance in equal measure.