Rolex
*Original Owner* 1968 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) MK I "Long E" W/ Box & Sales Receipt
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.
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.
It is always a special moment for us here at Craft + Tailored when we're awarded the opportunity to not only sell an incredible timepiece, but source it directly from its original owner. Directly linking both the next owner and us to the true history and lineage of the watch's experience as well as being able to confirm every detail of the originality of the watch.
For the case of this incredible 1968 Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 with a Mk. I "Long E" dial, the watch was originally purchased in August of 1971 in Southern California by a young man who was a true enthusiast at the time and still is today. Though the watch lived the majority of its time in SoCal where we ultimately met the owner and acquired the watch, it saw many travel adventures throughout the world. The original owner had the watch serviced several times throughout his ownership but made sure none of the original components of the watch were changed, leaving us with an honestly original and honestly worn, but exceptionally well-preserved and maintained timepiece that is ready to take on another generation of adventures as the next owner's daily driver and travel companion.
| Stock # | RLXGMT681675-6 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | GMT-Master | |
| Model | 1675 | |
| Serial | 23XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black "Mk. I" | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 9315 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 380 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The exceptionally well-preserved case boasts thick and symmetrical lugs that feature impressively broad original factory chamfers down the lugs. The crown guards also remain extremely full and the original factory finishing is in place with honest signs of use present throughout. The original "Pepsi" red back "fat font" bezel insert is absolutely stunning, boasting vivid colors in near-flawless condition. The Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces is original to the watch and features the era-correct "Pateted" divers extension. The bracelet retains 10 links that feature mild stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The handsome and extremely presentable matte black Mk. I "Long E" dial is very well-preserved. The only real element of age present on the dial is some subtle clipping to the edge of the white minute track around the dial, otherwise, there is no real damage or marks visible on the dial itself. The tritium lume plots have achieved a charming ivory patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and display no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with its original Rolex box, the sales receipt from the original owner features the serial number of the watch crossed out but it is still visible and matching to the watch. Additionally, the sales receipt features the store's inventory number for the watch which matches the inventory number presented on the Rolex Guarantee booklet, however, the serial in the booklet does not match the watch, so it is believed by both the original owner and us that the documents were unfortunately mixed up by the sales representative during the original sale of the watch. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
