Rolex GMT-Master 1675 year 1963

We are proud to present this extremely rare and superb variant of the mythical Rolex GMT-Master, reference 1675, produced in 1963.

This watch, preserved in very good overall condition, features a lacquered dial with a luminescent “exclamation point” at 6 o’clock, pointed crown guards, a Jubilee bracelet with folded links, and a Rolex caliber 1565 certified chronometer movement.

A 1963 specimen not to be missed, sure to captivate the most discerning collectors.

The 1675 is the “queen” reference of the GMT-Master. Continuously produced from approximately 1959 to 1980, its variations primarily lie in subtle changes to the dial.

The earliest 1675 dials are nicknamed “lacquered” or “Gilt” by collectors. These, when well-preserved, are deep black and reflect light due to a layer of varnish applied during the manufacturing process. Among the wide diversity of lacquered dials mounted on the 1675 reference, the community of specialists has, over the years, distinguished 7 main versions, divided into 2 categories: Chapter Ring and Non Chapter Ring. Models with the Chapter Ring, in French minuterie fermée, are the rarest and most sought after. Our specimen is equipped with a so-called “Type 3” Chapter Ring dial, with all its inscriptions in gold color, subtly raised compared to the base surface.

Furthermore, the dial of this watch features a small dot of luminescent material, nicknamed “Exclamation Point,” below the 6 o’clock index. Placed on the 30th-minute mark, this dot makes our example particularly desirable: this subtle feature was applied by Rolex to indicate the use of a less radioactive luminescent material than in the past for the indices and hands. Existing only between 1961 and 1963, “Exclamation Points” are highly sought after by discerning collectors. Our watch, with its serial number starting with 875 (produced in 1963), perfectly fits within the range recognized by experts (62xxxx to 990xxx).

The steel case also features a desirable characteristic: the “Pointed Crown Guards.” “Cornino” in Italian or “pointed crown guards” in French, this particular shape of crown guards at 3 o’clock is characteristic of early 1960s Rolex professional models, later abandoned in favor of round crown guards still used by Rolex today.

This watch is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement, Rolex caliber 1565, certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. The rotor is nicknamed “butterfly” due to its openwork pattern around the gold crown. Very reliable, the movement of our example has been fully serviced by one of our watchmakers specializing in vintage Rolex calibers and operates within the strictest tolerances.

The two main elements to consider when acquiring a professional Rolex from the 1960s are the condition of all its components – particularly the dial – and their authenticity. We are pleased to present today an extremely attractive example. The luminescent material on the dial and hands is original and has not been restored, as is the glossy lacquer applied to the black dial. The whole is consistent with the expected specifics of such a serial number: case with Pointed Crown Guards, small red GMT hand, Type 3 dial with Exclamation Point, Jubilee bracelet 6251H and end links 55, case back stamped with reference 1675 and dated 1.61, silver date disc with open 9s. The rare black bezel insert has turned to a beautiful anthracite gray.

This Rolex GMT-Master is not just a watch; it is a piece of watchmaking history, offering its wearer a touch of timeless elegance and a lasting investment. Ideal for discerning collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Rolex history in its purest form, while still being suitable for daily wear.

Very good overall condition. Superb deep black dial, original luminescent material. Original hands (cracks). Well-preserved case with wide lugs, characteristic pointed crown guards, usage scratches and dings. Silver date disc with open digits (some paint missing on certain digits). Beautiful black bezel insert turned anthracite gray with superficial scratches and small usage dings. Folded link bracelet, in excellent condition considering its age. Fully serviced mechanical self-winding movement by one of our watchmakers specializing in vintage Rolex calibers, now operating within the strictest tolerances.