A Tool for the Skies — In 1955, Rolex unveiled the very first GMT-Master, reference 6542, created in collaboration with Pan American Airways to equip their pilots with a watch capable of tracking two time zones simultaneously. Its now-iconic red and blue bezel—later nicknamed the “Pepsi” by collectors—wasn’t just for style. The vibrant color split was originally intended to distinguish day from night at a glance, even in the dim confines of a cockpit.
By 1959, the 6542 was retired in favor of the reference 1675, which brought several updates, most notably the addition of crown guards. The GMT-Master line has been in continuous production ever since, evolving in design but always true to its dual-time heritage.
This particular reference 1675 dates to around 1968 and features the desirable matte “Long E” dial—known to collectors as the Mark 1 matte dial. Its nickname comes from the extended center crossbar on the “E” in “ROLEX,” which reaches the same length as the letter’s upper and lower arms. The Rolex coronet is also rendered in a distinctive, delicate “string-like” style unique to this dial variant.
While we appreciate the minutiae of dial typography, what makes this example truly special is its overall vintage appeal. The combination of the red-and-blue Pepsi bezel, the flat matte black dial, and the creamy patina of its lume creates a perfectly balanced look that defines a great vintage GMT. The bezel has aged beautifully—the once-bright red has mellowed into an eye-catching fuchsia, a trait many collectors prize.
Completing the package is the Rolex Jubilee bracelet, one of the most comfortable and elegant options the brand has ever offered. It’s a less common pairing on a GMT-Master, adding an extra layer of charm and distinction to the watch.
The GMT-Master remains one of Rolex’s most collectible models, and this example checks all the right boxes: character, patina, and timeless style. In the world of vintage Rolex, it’s the small, unique details that set one watch apart from another—and this 1675 is brimming with them.
Rolex GMT Master | Mark 1 Long E Fuchsia Bezel | 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 folded Jubilee Bracelet with 555 Endlinks. Full length fits wrist size circumference up to 19cm
CLASP: Rolex Big Crown clasp dated 2/67
BOX & PAPERS: None
TAX: Differential taxation according to §24 UStG
Movement: The movement has been fully serviced by our master watchmaker in Q3 2025. Movement is running perfectly and the caseback has been sealed accordingly in the course of the service.
Dial: The dial has developed a light patina, though it can be subtle. Its matte finish remains impressively clean. The lume on the hour markers has aged to a warm, creamy gold 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. The lume of the hands has been coated with clear lacquer from my watchmaker to keep/safe the hands original tritium lume.
Case: This GMT is in overall very good and attractive condition. The case shows some scratches and has been polished in the past, but it remains well-preserved. The numbers between the lugs are clearly visible, and the back of the lugs shows minor marks from bracelet removal and placement. The caseback is polished.
Crown: Original Rolex signed Crown in good condition.
Bezel: The period correct Red/Blue bezel has faded evenly to a light Fuchsia tone on the bottom and Navy 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 stamped "2 67," indicating production in the first quarter of 1967—consistent with the case production date, which is a combination not easy to find nowadays.