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Rolex GMT-Master Rootbeer ‘Nipple’ Ref.1675

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 “Root Beer” is where the whole warm-toned, two-tone GMT story really begins. As the four-digit predecessor to the later 16753, the 1675 brought the GMT-Master’s dual time zone functionality together with a steel and yellow gold execution that felt distinctly different from the tool-watch black-and-red norm. It’s a watch built for crossing time zones, but with a softness that the later generations would only refine, never quite match.

Famously associated with actor and director Clint Eastwood, the Root Beer GMT carries a charm that reaches well beyond the watch world, and it’s arguably this earlier 1675 that started that association. What sets this particular dial apart is its raised, rounded hour markers, affectionately nicknamed the “nipple dial” by collectors, paired here with an applied gold coronet rather than the printed logo found on later examples. Combined with the matte brown dial, gold accents, and brown-and-gold bezel insert, the whole watch takes on a completely different mood from the more familiar Pepsi GMTs. It feels softer, warmer, and a little more playful, while still remaining every bit a Rolex tool watch underneath. The nickname comes from the bezel’s resemblance to the colours of root beer soda, and on a bi-colour Jubilee bracelet the whole design simply comes together beautifully.

Inside beats Rolex’s calibre 1575, the workhorse movement of this generation of GMT-Masters, running at 19,800 vibrations per hour. There’s no quickset date here, changing the date means turning the hands all the way round, a small ritual that only adds to the charm of owning something this early in the GMT-Master’s story.

We can all agree this is not just a GMT-Master, but one with a lot of character, and arguably the one where that character first took shape. The warm tones, bi-colour case, and Jubilee bracelet give it a relaxed confidence that is hard not to like.

Visit our store to feel its vintage yet timeless look and feel on your wrist at the Reestraat 3, Amsterdam.

Year

1975
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€ 14.950

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Brand Rolex
Diameter 40 mm
Year of production (circa) 1975
Bracelet/strap: Jubilee
Model GMT Master
Buckle/clasp Original steel folding clasp
Material Steel & gold
Lug Width 20 mm
Reference 1675
Set Content Watch only
Crystal Acrylic
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color Brown
Movement Automatic

The Rolex GMT Master was developed on request by Pan-Am airways in 1954. It was the age of air travel and for the first time in history, it became common practice to routinely cross timezones. Pan-Am requested a watch for its crews, that would allow for easy referencing of the time while doing so. Rolex obliged with an adapted Turn-o-graph Ref. 6202. It got a different bezel and a fourth 24-hour hand. It was labeled GMT Master Ref. 6542.

Rolex fitted the GMT Master with a bakelite bezel insert, displaying 24 hours. A, now iconic, color-scheme of blue for the night and red for the day was introduced. The Pepsi Rolex was born. Since bakelite was prone to breaking, an aluminum bezel insert was introduced in 1956.

The Ref. 6542 had a relatively short production period of five years, before being replaced by the fan-favorite Ref. 1675 in 1959. The updated model was equipped with crown-guards and a hacking movement. It is the archetypal Rolex GMT Master we all know and love. It has been produced in a variety of colors, in steel, gold and two-tone variants and with different bracelet options.

In 1981, the Ref 16750 was introduced, which came with a quickset date and a higher water resistance of 100 meters over the Ref. 1675’s 50 meters. It was accompanied by the Ref. 16760 in 1983, also known as the GMT Master II. For the first time, the fourth hand could be individually set, upping the number of trackable timezones from two to three. The two versions coexisted for about five years. The Ref. 16760 featured a sapphire crystal and a slightly thicker case, earning it the nicknames “Fat Lady” and “Sophia Loren”.

The late 80’s and 90’s saw a few more updates to both the GMT Master and the GMT Master II. In 2005, the ceramic GMT Master II (the six-digit references) was launched, putting us firmly into modern GMT territory.

The GMT Master is still a watch that exudes adventure. It is all about globetrotting in style. It is both rugged and elegant, a tool and a piece of jewelry. You can opt for that iconic blue & red look, or go for an almost-Submariner-like black version. And as with all Rolex, there are loads of rare and exotic versions to be found.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.