Watch Anatomy Vol. 31: GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with Matte Dial

What do you look for when choosing a mechanical watch?

Many people would probably answer "design," "functionality," and "asset value." Of course, appearance and resale value are very important points, but by increasing your knowledge and understanding of the historical background of brands and models, minor changes over the years, and other factors, you will likely come to love watches even more and enjoy the fun of choosing one. In this column, we will provide as much information as possible about mechanical watches to both beginners and advanced watchers, and will provide a thorough analysis and explanation to help you choose a watch.

This time, we will be focusing on the matte dial of the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675, so please read to the end.

Second-generation GMT-Master Ref. 1675

The Rolex GMT-Master is a tool watch with a dual time zone display function that was developed for Pan American World Airways pilots in 1955. The second generation, the Ref. 1675, was released in 1959 and is a long-selling model that was manufactured for over 20 years.

Basic specifications : Production period: 1959-1979; Case size: 40mm
•Case material: Stainless steel •Crystal: Plastic •Water resistance: 50m
• Bezel: Bidirectional rotating • Movement: Cal.1560, Cal.1570

Dial

Matte dial: circa 1967-1979

Around 1967, the mirror dial was replaced with a matte dial for better legibility. The lack of shine enhanced the contrast with the white lettering, and the watch was relatively resistant to aging, giving it a more tool watch-like character.

Mk1 (circa 1967-1972) [Long E]

・The center bar of the "E" in "ROLEX" is long (long E), the same length as the horizontal bars above and below it. ・The Gothic font is well-balanced and has no serifs. ・The crown mark is slender and has long peaks.

Mk2 (circa 1972-73)

・The "ROLEX" logo is bold and soft. ・The space between the letters "OYSTER" and "PERPETUAL" is slightly wide and there are no serifs. ・The production period was short and there was little market circulation.

Mk2.5 (circa 1972-75)

・Features a handwritten crown mark ・Bold "ROLEX" logo is used, with large "L" and "E" serifs ・The "S" at the start of the first line of the chronometer notation and the "O" at the start of the second line are slightly larger

Mk3 (circa 1976-78)

The luminous indices are small and positioned inward. The crown mark is vertical and has serifs on the Oyster inscription. The chronometer and SWISS-T<25 inscriptions also have serifs. This is commonly known as a "radial dial."

Mk4 (circa 1975-79)

The crown mark is slightly longer and similar to the Mk5, but the mouth shape is closer to the Mk3. The Oyster designation has returned to a serif-less design. If the vertical line on the right side of the "M" is extended downward, it will go through the "C."

Mk5 (circa 1977-79)

The crown mark is slightly longer and flatter than the Mk4, with the mouth shape being different. The vertical line of the "M" is extended between the "C" and "H" (identification point).
・Mk5 is further subdivided

Bezel Insert

Mk1 bezel (circa 1959-1968)

The triangle at 12 o'clock is an equilateral triangle. Small numbers are printed throughout. The initial bezel is bold, but it becomes slightly thinner in later years.

Mk2 bezel (late 1960s - circa 1979)

The triangle at 12 o'clock is an isosceles triangle. The numbers are larger overall. The numbers are divided into three types based on their thickness: mega fat, fat, and normal. The thicker the numbers, the older the model.

*Black bezels began appearing starting with the Mk2 bezel.

Service Insert

(Mk3) Original insert for Ref. 16750

・It is similar to the Mk1 bezel, but the triangle is not an equilateral triangle but an isosceles triangle. ・Another feature is that the top of the number "8" is larger.

(Mk4) Original insert for Ref. 16750

・The triangle is the largest. ・The circles above and below the number "8" are shaped like perfect circles.

The stainless steel bezel also shows differences depending on the age, with early models having deep vertical grooves, and deeper grooves are preferred for older models with gilt dials. As the model ages, the grooves become shallower, but this can be difficult to tell depending on the polishing.

Additionally, the bezel color fades over time, creating shades of pink, purple, sky blue, and more, which is another charm unique to vintage GMT-Masters.

Crown guard

Pointed Crown Guard (PCG)

The first GMT-Master with a crown guard that tapers towards the crown

Unlike the later and earlier models, the tip is sharp.

The PCG is a rare detail that can only be found on early models of both the early and late models.

Round Crown Guard (RCG)

Early model : Flat crown guard on top (front of the watch)

Although there are differences in thickness between later models , this is a standard crown guard that is also used in current models.

summary

The GMT-Master "Ref. 1675" matte dial underwent various minor changes over its approximately 12-year production run. The subtle differences in specifications, as well as its practicality and classic feel, have made it a popular model that has captured the hearts of many enthusiasts. It also seems that in recent years, there has been a particularly large number of people looking for birthday watches.

All specifications have received high praise in the market, and it is also worth noting that units that remain in original condition are becoming increasingly rare with each passing year.

The Ref. 1675 is a model full of profound charm. Now that it is becoming less common, if you find one that catches your eye, we recommend you grab it as soon as possible.

See you in the next column!

See you next time!!