Why This Watch Matters This "Pepsi" GMT is checking a lot of boxes with its early "Long E" matte dial, faded bezel, and excellent overall patina. The Full Story A tool watch for the commercial skies– Rolex introduced the first GMT-Master, the ref. 6542, in 1955 under a partnership with Pan-Am Airlines to supply their pilots with a watch that could easily display two time-zones at once. The red and blue bezel would come to be nicknamed the "Pepsi" over the years by collectors but was designed to easily distinguish between day and night at a glance with vibrant colors that would stand out in a cockpit. The ref. 6542 was phased out with the addition of the ref. 1675 in 1959, differing in many ways, including the addition of crown guards. The brand has continued to produce variants of the GMT-Master ever since. This ref. 1675 GMT dates back to circa 1968, and it features a beautiful matte "Long E" dial. These otherwise named Mark 1 matte dails are distinctive because of a few characteristics, including the long center cross bar of the E in "ROLEX." These Es are the only one of their kind to extend to the same length as the upper arm and lower leg. The Rolex Coronet on the dial is also in a unique "string like" fashion compared to other matte dial GMTs. For further information on all the ref. 1675 many, many variants, check out this website and, for broader GMT info, our Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master. While we love the dirty details of a dial type with the best of them, this example jumped off the desk for us because of its overall classic vintage look. This is everything we're looking for in a matte dialed GMT. There's just something about the red and blue "Pepsi" bezel against the flat matte black dial with excellent off-white to creamy lume patina that just works in the right vintage GMT. When people look at a GMT, one of the first things that tends to catch their eye is the bezel, and that's why many collectors can get a bit obsessed with finding that perfect bezel. The colors have faded gorgeously on this one. The Rolex "hecho en Mexico" Jubilee is one of the most comfortable bracelets offered on a Rolex watch. You really don't see these too often and they add a nice layer of intrigue to the watch. Plus, a GMT-Master looks great on a Jubilee, it's a win-win. We see "Made in USA" Rolex bracelets every once in a while, but haven't seen a made in Mexico in quite sometime and they are super cool. Rolex actually had bracelets made in other countries like the USA and Mexico to minimize import duty costs. This is one of those little details that once you notice, you won't forget. GMT-Masters continue to be some of the most sought after and collectible watches out there, and this is an excellent opportunity to get one with a beautiful patina and overall look. The fun thing about vintage Rolex is how all the small details make a huge difference between watches. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: GMT-MasterReference: 1675Year: 1968Case No: 1837586Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 39mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, "Hecho in Mexico" Jubilee bracelet (max length 8 1/4 inch / 210 mm)Lug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Faded "Pepsi" bezel- Mark I "Long E" matte dial- "Hecho in Mexico" Jubilee bracelet Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Rolex replacement date wheel This GMT is in overall good, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The case appears to have been polished in the past. The caseback has a few marks and scratches. The numbers are visible between both sets of lugs. The back of the lugs have some marks from the removal and placement of the bracelet. The dial has retained its matte finish and is in very nice condition with some light patina throughout and with some patina around the 12 o'clock hour marker. The lume on the dial has developed patina aging to an off-white color. The handset has some patina and is of the correct length and style for this period with a large GMT hand. The lume on the hands has developed patina and is close in color to that of the dial lume, but a bit darker yellow. The "Pepsi" bezel with a red back has aged beautifully, and the blue portion shows signs of gradient fading. The blue portion is more faded towards the top edge and has remained darker on the bottom edge near the crystal, while the red part has aged to more of a pinkish color. The bezel also has some spots of wear and marks throughout. The inside caseback is marked "1.68" dating it to the first quarter of 1968, corresponding to the case serial number. The Rolex "hecho en Mexico" Jubilee bracelet is in good condition with light scratches and light stretch. The six o'clock end link is not marked with a number and is probably a replacement while the other is stamped, "50." The bracelet is a period correct addition to the watch. The date wheel is a later Rolex replacement with open 6s and 9s. The crystal has a few light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
