Baron - Mr Red
14613
GMT pleasure
My very first Rolex was a GMT Fat Lady. I was stupid enough to sell her about 5 years ago, but lucky enough to buy her back again a year ago. So many vintage collectors appear to have started off with a GMT of one kind or another. Of course, this one was brand new when I bought her, but she has aged well. Alongside her is the last GMT that I bought. As you can see, the Fat Lady is somewhat in the shade, but actually not out of focus....
It took me a while to appreciate the attraction of the GMT inside my collection. It is a difficult reference to collect. The bakelite on the earlier references make it a hazard. And, it is probably also fair to say that the GMT has suffered somewhat against the glamour of the Submariners.
Yet, the beauty of these GMTs has, finally, started to dawn on me. Obviously they have their toolwatch persona. But lets be honest, as Imran once said to me, who really uses these tool facilities anymore? By-and-large, I think Imran is right. It is not their usefulness that is important, but its their historical roots that carry the interest. Once upon a time, this GMT facility was a very useful tool. Today, well, not so much. But historically, it was important and it is this link between Rolex, their reliability and their development of tool watches that made Rolex an icon.
Look at the colour in this. Look at the character in the watches. Yes, these are not so valuable as many Subs and Sith-Dwellers, but they have enormous character and personality. Honestly, I can say that when I look at my collection and decide what I want to wear, if i choose to wear one of the GMTs, it immediately casts a positive glow. It is a "happy" watch...filled with fun. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I am sure it will resonate with many.
I tell a small lie regarding my Fat Lady. I sold it to a friend 5 years ago. It was also his first Rolex. So when i bought it back, I only bought back half of it....so now we share it. One year for him...the next for me. I won the toss so its mine for 2012!
The 1675 is a great watch to wear. The gilt dial along with the golden lume is something that just sings. Yes, I can finally see the pleasure in the GMT....Will I go crazy on a 6542? Well, I am less sure on that. The bakelite is a killer when it is perfect, but then possibly just explodes on you! Steel inserts just don't do that to you!! For me, a beautiful gilt 1675 is about as beautiful as it gets. Maybe I will get swayed on the 6542, but I think it may be some time...and in the meantime, I will savour these "happy" watches.
GMT pleasure
My very first Rolex was a GMT Fat Lady. I was stupid enough to sell her about 5 years ago, but lucky enough to buy her back again a year ago. So many vintage collectors appear to have started off with a GMT of one kind or another. Of course, this one was ...
Aaaah, Baron, my friend.
You found a very ince PCG Chapter Ring Gilt 1675, my friend. The more you will discover, here, the more you will love. One point I disagree with you: When you say that the GMT of the 1675 is not functional... I love ot use mine when I travel in a differen...
Greetings Baron! Hello! Beautiful watches you show...
... and completely agree with you calling the GMT a "happy watch"! May be its usual "bi color" bezel adds to the informal spirit and friendly looks of this watch, which makes the owner smile everytime he dons this timepiece on his wrist. I have discovered...
Luck??? Come on, show us what you are hiding! :)))
This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-04-09 06:04:15
Shhh ... ... keep it down. Or else it won't come ;)
The bird needs time to fly, mon Regards Tyler
Interesting point on people starting their collections...
with a GMT master. My first sports Rolex was a 16700! Still miss it, in fact. Ross...
We should do a survey, Ross. Many started with a GMT.
As per a coincidence, I had exactly the same reference as my first " serious " watch. Best, Nicolas.