ROLEX | GMT MASTER EXCLAMATION POINT DIAL AND EAGLE BEAK CROWN GUARDS, REFERENCE 1675STAINLESS STEEL DUAL-TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND TROPICAL DIALCIRCA 1960

Dial: brown, tropicalCalibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 25 jewels Movement number: D21'792 Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and back Case number: 623'538 Closure: brown unsigned suede strap with unsigned stainless steel pin buckle  Dimensions: 40mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

DIAL: even patination throughout with some craquelure forming around the inner center and outer chapter ring. Luminescent material intact on all the indexes and the hands. Luminescent material lights up evenly under UV light, except for minute and hour hand. hands show signs of oxidization. Luminescent material evenly patinated throughout. CASE: case bears marks and scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. scratches clearly visible underneath all 4 lugs from previous strap removals. Some deeper scratches on caseback. Bezel insert is discolored and bears scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Date advances, GMT hand functions correctly 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."

Superseding the reference 6542, the Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 had a long production run spanning from 1959 to 1980. This particular watch was manufactured in around 1960, making it an early 1675. These early pieces had cases with eagle beak guards as opposed to later rectangular crown guards. Also nicknamed 'cornino', these cases are extremely sought-after by collectors. The faded bezel perfectly complements the case.

The dial of this watch gathers some most attractive particularities. 
Indeed, this dial is characteristic of the early production of the 1675. 
First of all, it is a gilt glossy dial, referring to the gilt lettering that was used during the 8 first years of production.
Secondly, it has the small GMT hand which is another feature of the early GMT production.
It is also a 'Swiss only' dial as per the signature at 6 o'clock, which indicates that the dial had radium as luminescent material in opposition to the tritium used from 1963 by Rolex.
Furthermore, the gilt glossy Swiss only dial has a small luminescent dot below the 6 o’clock index. These so-called exclamation point dials were produced during a short period between 1960 and 1963, making them highly desirable among aficionados. It is usually believed that it was used to indicate the lower radioactivity of the luminescent material. 
Nonetheless, the most striking element of the dial is its even and extremely desirable natural tropical patina. The type of coating originally designed to protect the dial from UV radiation and prevent its discolouration has instead turned the dial colour to an attractive warm brown over time.
A 'standard' tropical dial is extremely rare and desirable already but this all matching tropical gilt glossy Swiss only exclamation point dial with small GMT hand and cornino case is a true dream for a collector.