1966 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) "Mk 0.5" Dial

The Rolex GMT-Master, a symbol of sophistication and versatility, has a storied history that dates back to 1954. It all started when Rolex received a request from Pan American Airways (Pan Am) to develop a technical pilot's watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously. With the advent of commercial transcontinental flights, Pan Am needed a watch for their long-haul international flight crews that would enable them to keep track of time in multiple locations.

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GMT, which stands for Greenwich Mean Time, is the universal time standard that regulates the world's clocks and serves as the basis for aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT-Master is equipped with a fourth 24-hour hand that displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. This GMT hand allows wearers to set the watch to GMT or any other time zone and then adjust the offset using the rotating 24-hour bezel to display a second-time zone. This remarkable feature makes the Rolex GMT-Master a must-have for anyone who frequently travels across multiple time zones, allowing them to keep track of two time zones with ease and precision.

The GMT-Master looks perfect in every setting and makes an excellent travel partner, making it one of the most universally loved watches of today. This specific 1966 Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is an especially special variation, bearing a very uncommon Mk 0.5 dial, one of the very first matte dial variations for the 1675 reference. The Mk 0.5 dial was discovered after both the Mk I and Mk 0 dials respectively, and it closely resembles the Mk I "Long E" dial, though with some specific differences in the fonts and printing. A truly collectible and rarely seen variation within the matte dial ref. 1675 lifespan.

SPECS

Stock #		RLXGMT16750.5
Brand		Rolex
Style		GMT-Master
Model		1675
Serial		14XXXXX
Size		Men's
Material		Stainless Steel
Dial		Matte Black "Mk 0.5"
Millimeters		40
Bracelet		Rolex 62510H Jubilee Bracelet W/ 555 End Pieces

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent case retains full and symmetrical lugs that show gentle signs of use and light evidence of previous polishing. The original red back fat-font "Pepsi" bezel insert is in excellent condition, retaining vibrant colors with gentle signs of use and subtle fading in the blue portion. The later Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet with 555 end pieces was sourced with the watch. The bracelet retains 20 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original, well-preserved, and charmingly aged Mk 0.5 dial is both fascinating and extremely rare. The dial itself is in exceptional condition, showing no damage or notable elements of age, with only nominal clipping to the outer minute track present. The zinc sulfide tritium lume has developed a medium-dark creamy beige patina, under UV light inspection the lume remains full and round with no notable degradation present. The original tritium hands, including the small 24-hour hand, match the dial patina nicely and show no degradation when inspected under UV light. The metallic date wheel is original with "closed" 6's and 9's.