Rolex GMT-Master — Ref. 1675

Complete Guide & Authentication Service

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 is one of the most iconic vintage travel watches. Produced from 1959 until 1980, it introduced crown guards, featured the legendary “Pepsi” red/blue bezel, and was worn by Pan-Am pilots. With gilt and matte dial periods, pointed vs rounded crown guards, and a wide variety of bracelet/end-link codes, authentication requires meticulous checking. Below you’ll find a full guide with checklist, serial ranges, dial types and red flags — plus the option to order your preliminary certificate with QR verification.

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Model Overview

Why the GMT-Master 1675 Matters

Introduced in 1959, the GMT-Master 1675 was Rolex’s second GMT reference and quickly became an aviation icon. It transitioned from pointed crown guards (PCG) to rounded, from gilt gloss dials to matte, and offered both “Pepsi” and all-black inserts. Its Cal. 1565 and later Cal. 1575 movements powered the watch through two decades of travel history. Authentication relies on coherence between dial era, bezel insert, crown guard shape and bracelet codes.

Deep Dive

Authentication Checklist — GMT-Master 1675

Case & Bezel

40 mm steel Oyster case with crown guards (pointed early, rounded later).
Bidirectional bezel with red/blue “Pepsi” insert (faded patina valued).
Caseback engraving correct to period.

Movement

Early Cal. 1565, later Cal. 1575 (hacking introduced mid-70s).
GMT function via additional 24h hand.
Service stamps inside caseback should align with age.

Dial & Hands

Gilt gloss chapter ring dials (1959–66).
Matte dials from 1967 onward.
Tritium lume: “Swiss – T < 25”.
Mercedes hands with 24h GMT arrow hand.

Bracelet & Clasp

Rivet 7206 early, folded 7836 mid, solid 78360 later.
End links: 80, 280, 580 depending on year.
Clasp codes should correspond with case serial range.

Dating the Watch

Indicative Serial Windows

Serial Range	Approx. Year	Notes
500k – 1.2M	1959–64	Gilt gloss dials, pointed crown guards.
1.3M – 1.9M	1965–67	Transitional gilt to matte.
2.0M – 3.5M	1968–74	Matte dials, feet-first depth.
3.6M – 5.9M	1975–79	Later matte dials, larger 24h hands.
6.0M+	1980	Last production runs.

Risks

Common 1675 Red Flags

Redials

Incorrect gilt fonts, missing chapter ring, lume too white vs case wear.

Wrong Insert

Service or aftermarket bezel inserts not matching era.

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