Vinatge Watches: Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675

Vintage Watches. Everyone who develops a keen interest in wristwatches will eventually take a look at vintage watches. Most will not actually acquire a vintage watch. Acquiring any device, without a warranty, and without readily available spare parts at a price near or higher than a brand new updated version of the same watch does not really make sense from a practical standpoint. Many of those who do will delve into the world of vintage watches on the theory that it makes a good investment. Still others enter into vintage watch collecting because of their strong appreciation for watchmaking history and want to collect each model released of a particular watch. But I guess the best reason to acquire a vintage watch is to acquire something exclusive. Not exclusive in the sense that it has a high price tag, but something exclusive because it is difficult to find. A conversation in Gone in Sixty Seconds comes to mind:

Memphis: Perhaps, Mmmm. But, you know, this is the one. Yes, yes yes... I saw three of these parked outside the local Starbucks this morning, which tells me only one thing. There's too many self-Indulgent wieners in this city with too much bloody money! Now, if I was driving a 1967 275 GTB four-cam...
Roger the Car Salesman: You would not be a self-indulgent wiener, sir... You'd be a connoisseur.

Personally, I am still on the fence myself. For some reason or other, influenced by the mob, I have developed a keen interest in the 1966-1974 Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680... the "Red" Submariner. In no small part I have John Holbrook, II, and his series of articles on restoring a Red Submariner, to blame for that. In part, it is the watch itself. The matte dial, the raised acrylic crystal and the more functional looking dial without unnecessary bling appeals to me. Between the Ref. 1680 Submariner and the current model, if both were available brand new, I think I would go for the older model. That is not too surprising, even with contemporary watches, I prefer models with a classic look.

Locating a Ref. 1680 Submariner, even on without the words "Submariner" in Red, is a fairly difficult task. In the course of my search, I did find another Rolex model with the same classic charm of the Ref. 1680, but available in larger numbers.

Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 "Pepsi". Picture from European Watch Co. and
 is used with their permission.  No republication of the same should be made
 without permission from the source
.

Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675. The Rolex GMT Master is a dual time watch originally designed to be used by transatlantic pilots. Ref. 1675 was  the second version of the Rolex GMT Master, with the main improvement being the replacement of the bakelite bezel with a more durable stainless steel and aluminum bezel. The Ref. 1675 was produced from 1959 to 1980. From 1959 to 1964 is was powered by the 1565 movement producing 18000 beats per hour. This version of the watch had a matte dial. In 1965 the movement was replaced by the 1575 movement which had a higher beat rate of 19600 vibrations per hour.  The dial was also changed to a matte dial. The watch had an acrylic crystal and was water resistant to 50 meters. Illumination of the dial was provided via tritium indexes. Two bracelet options were available, the Oyster and the Jubillee.

While the model number did not change, Ref. 1675 GMT Masters had changes during its lifetime  on the shape of the crown guards, the size of the GMT hand and earlier models did not carry the now familiar imprint on the dial "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified".1959-1964:

Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 with a black bezel was introduced in 1970. 

Picture from European Watch Co. and is used with their permission. 
No republication of the same should be made without permission from the source.

I am not exactly sure why they are more GMT Master Ref. 1675's than Ref. 1680 Submariners. The Ref. 1675 was produced longer, 21 years versus 15. Most likely, most GMT Masters were also used in less harsh conditions. It is an excellent choice for a first vintage Rolex watch. With a fair number in the market, finding one is reasonably good condition is good. Expect to pay between US$7,000-US$10,000.
 
About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.