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Few watches strike a balance between character and history quite like a well-preserved “Pepsi” GMT-Master—and this example does so with quiet confidence.
Dating to 1968, this ref. 1675 features a matte “Long E” dial, placing it firmly within the Mark I category. The distinctive typography—most notably the elongated center bar of the “E” in Rolex—alongside the slightly more delicate, almost “string-like” coronet, gives the dial a subtle individuality appreciated by collectors.
What immediately stands out, however, is the patina. The tritium lume across dial and hands has aged to a rich vanilla-caramel tone, evenly developed and highly attractive. It’s the kind of aging that cannot be replicated—only earned over decades. The “Pepsi” bezel has faded in all the right ways. While softened, the red and blue tones remain clearly defined, preserving both visual appeal and functionality. Originally designed to distinguish between day and night in a second time zone, it remains as practical today as it is iconic. The case presents in strong condition, with well-preserved bevels and overall geometry that suggest minimal, if any, polishing over its lifetime. Honest examples like this—where condition, patina, and originality align—are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
Introduced in 1959 as the successor to the early GMT-Master, the ref. 1675 built on the model’s core purpose: offering a reliable dual time-zone display for professional use. Today, it stands as one of the most enduring references in Rolex’s history.
A compelling example for collectors who value authenticity, balance, and the quiet details that define truly great vintage watches.
Rolex GMT Master | Long E - top condition | ref. 1675 from 1968
BRAND: Rolex
MODEL: GMT-Master
REFERENCE: 1675
SERIAL NUMBER: 1,8 Mio.
YEAR: 1968
MOVEMENT: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575
CASE DIMENSIONS: 39mm diameter; 11.5mm thickness
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
GLASS: Plexiglass
BRACELET: Rolex 7836 folded Oyster Bracelet with 258 Endlinks. Full length fits wrist size circumference up to 18cm. Currently it fits wrist up to 17cm.
CLASP: Rolex unsigned claps (common for this period / time)
BOX & PAPERS: None
TAX: Differential taxation according to §24 UStG
Movement: The movement has been fully checked by our master watchmaker. Movement is running well for vintage standards.
Dial: The dial has developed a beautiful and strong vanilla/caramel coloured patina. Its matte finish remains impressively clean. The lume on the hour markers has aged to a warm, creamy vanilla/caramel tone, beautifully complementing the dial. The dial printing is sharp and well-preserved. The date wheel is correct with round 3, closed 6 & 9.
Glass: The plexiglass is in very good condition with no scratches or cracks.
Hands: The handset, correct in length and style for this case number and Mark 1 Dial, exhibits some patina. The lume on the hands matches that of the dial perfectly.
Case: This GMT is in overall very good and attractive condition. The case shows some scratches and has not been polished in the past. Accordingly, very sharp and strong bevels and the numbers between the lugs are clearly visible. The back of the lugs shows minor marks from bracelet removal and placement. The caseback is unpolished.
Crown: Original Rolex signed Crown in good condition.
Bezel: The Pepsi bezel has faded evenly to a raspberry tone on the bottom and light sky blue tone on top over the years.
Bracelet: The bracelet, though showing some scratches and minor stretch between the links, remains in good to very good shape considering its age. The clasp is unmarked, which can be commonly seen in this period (pre 1970s).
