Rolex GMT-Master 1675/8 'Tropical'

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In the vintage Rolex world, the term tropical points out that the dial has discoloured due to chemical reactions caused by external factors such as sunlight. This is a very desirable, therefore, highly collectible and precious feature.

The 'tropicalization' process takes many years as the sun’s UV rays slowly degrade the lacquer and paint used on older dials. A nicely faded dial can add warmth and charm to a vintage watch. On this watch, the dial has taken on a rich and vibrant brown color; from dark chocolate-brown on the outer edges–especially on the right side–to a light, creamy, toffee color in the center. This offers a wide variety of mesmerizing shades and colors when the watch is exposed to sunlight. Another distinct and beloved feature of this reference is the nipple dial: small protruding hour markers made from gold that have earned the moniker 'nipple index' because... Well, you get the point.

This beauty dates back to 1978 and runs on the calibre 1575 automatic movement. The 18k yellow gold case is in wonderful condition with thick lugs, sharp edges and a rare and tight 18k yellow-gold riveted Oyster bracelet. The rotating bezel features an anodized aluminium inlay in a beautiful warm brown color.

The 1675 GMT-Master is the quintessential vintage pilot’s watch and with this 18k yellow gold beauty you’ll be the flyest pilot in the sky.

Introduction

Fasten your seatbelts for the story of the inimitable Rolex GMT-Master! As civil aviation took off after World War II, airlines began to fly over longer distances. As a result, pilots required accurate watches that could display multiple time zones simultaneously. In the early 1950s, Pan American Airways (Pan-Am) requested Rolex to develop a watch for this very purpose. The GMT-Master (‘GMT’ standing for ‘Greenwich Mean Time’) was introduced in 1954. It featured a 24-hour hand alongside the regular 12-hour hand. In combination with a bidirectional 24-hour bezel, this GMT hand could be used to read the home time zone while the 12-hour hand displayed the ‘local’ time. Despite its close links to aviation and its professional purpose, the Rolex GMT enjoys a fanbase far beyond the pilots it was originally intended for. Over the years Rolex has introduced many wonderful variations of the GMT: take your pick!

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.