Rolex

A few weeks ago, I posted a few pictures of my latest catch, a splendid 1675 with a brown dial.

It is time to have a deeper look on this watch.

I'm a big fan of the Rolex GMT, which is the model which introduced me to watches, and since my first one, I am always in the hunt for THE milestone.

There are a few possibilities to consider, such as a 6542 ( an almost impossible mission to find with the correct bezel ), a Military GMT ( Steven has a superb U.A.E, but here again, it is super difficult to find an authentic one ), or an early 1675, with all the " attributes, such as Pointed CrownGuards, small arrow on the 24 hours hand, gilt dial, etc...

I narrowed my searches on this last category, and found some nice competitors.

The first I was almost on to buy was this Cornino from 1962, Gilt wording and lacquered dial:



The depth of the dial is really awesome, and superbly contrasts with the warm gilt lettering, and the honey indexes.

The bezel, too, is nicely patined, faded.

It was in fact a short time temptation, because I found, at the same moment, my 5508 Submariner, and I had to choose between the 2 watches.

So, the hunt had to go on, with an obsession, an impossible dream, the 6542.

So again, if you can't get a 6542, you try to get the closer solution, which is an early 1675 from 1959 to 62.

Something like this:



This is a winning Combo: PCG, Gilt, Outer Chapter Ring, small centered indexes...Really the kind of stuff which speaks very loud to me.

But Luck was on my side, and I fell on a real phenomenon, something I had in my mind for some years but I wasn't able to find, a kind of 2 watches in one, the charm of an early 1675, sublimated by a ... Brown dial.



I saw some specimens, but the dial was in poor condition, or suspect when in good condition ( repainted ) or correct, but unaffordable.

What first captivates your attention when you see such a watch is of course the dial.

A deep subtle and almost regular chocolate patina, with some nice effects when you're looking closely at it.

I couldn't believe it, and needed to take some advices from the Experts on this kind of stuff.

I took some macros, to be sure that it was repainted, and after the Experts Opinion, all was good!

Here 2 close ups of the dial, showing the beast in all its beauty:





Then you start admiring the other details of the dial.

The still green almost khaki indexes, which is certainly a blend of tritium and radium as Rolex was working on a different luminous material, at this moment.

The indexes look more centered because they are smaller and that the outer chapter ring indexes are shorter, like on the 6542.

It is funny to notice how this green matches with the color used by Rolex for their boxes, for example:



As you can see on the picture above, the lettering is not frankly gilt, it will turn to Gold or Silver depending on the light.

Another very nice thing is the outer chapter ring, whose color matches with the wording.

The minute indexes are shorter than on later 1675s, and make the dial look larger than it is.

Small round and centered indexes, " Swiss ", chapter ring, this 6542 is really aesthetically close to the 6542!

Then , the next thing to see, or better, to admire, is this faded bezel, which nicely matches with the brown dial and the khaki green indexes and hands.

It is inconcevable to have a shiny, glossy, " bling " bezel surrounding such a brown dial, don't you think?

Here, the red zone almost turns to brown, too:



The plexy is flat, with the usual cyclop magnifier on its top, which offers a good legibility of the dial ( almost no distorsion, at the contrary of a super dome one, sexier, of course), and completes the warm look of this watch.

After the dial, let's now see the case, which reveals some nice details, too.

The pointed crownguards are not a surprise, on an early GMT like this one which is II / 61, they just enhance the sexy look of this watch.



But the real surprise is that the original bevels are still here, intact or almost!





I know a lot of modern GMTs which are in worst condition, which is simply amazing for a 50 years old timekeeper.

2 words about the movement:

It is a Caliber 1565, a slow beat movement " turning " at 18 000 vibrations per hour, and which was made from 1959 to 1964 / 1965.

This Chronometer officially certified is not hacking, as the hacking seconds appeared circa 1970.

But as I monitered if for 3 weeks, now, it is terrificly accurate and regular, as it gains only one second per day!

The powser reserve is around 48 hours, which is correct, and avois to have to wind the watch every day, if you don't wear it.

In conclusion, you have to be a big GMT Fan to think about including more than one Rolex GMT in your collection, but I honestly think that you can't stay unsensible to such a beauty.

This 1675, with such a dial, is uncommon.

First of all because of its fascinating black dial, whose color changes with the light conditions, from the Dark brown to chocolate...This is pure magic, and much more original than a lacquered or matt dial.





These green khaki ( olive ? ) indexes are complimenting the dial, too, as well as a faded bezel, which is indispensable to avoid soe chromatic shocks.



But when you're able to associate this combination to pointed crownguards and to an almost untouched case, you're literally shivering, well, at least me!

You will also have a lot of pleasure when choosing the right strap for this Beauty.

You want to enhance the magic appeal of the brow dial?





You prefer to play the " matching " card?





Unless you're an unconditional Vintage Guy, so, in this case, you'll prefer the rivetted bracelet:



And, for those who want to match with the great condition of the watch, the best choice is a modern bracelet, which will perfectly fit between the lugs, and stick to the case, like on this picture:



One thing is sure... These Vintage Rolex GMTs are addictive watches:



I will post a review on them a bit later, but till there, I hope you will enjoy this quick view...

Best from ...Paris.



Nicolas

to take to Acapulco bay...

This 1675 on the Acapulco Bay...

Wow!

Dreaming...

Best,

Nicolas

 

and I can understand the addiction to these vintage GMTs:they have so much character!. As you said,it really takes an expert to figure out what is the real McCoy and the hunt is also part of the fun.

Can you tell me why the crown on these GMTs are so small? This was one small drawback for me but I'm sure there is a reason for it and quite easy to adapt to,I suppose.

Thanks also for the great pics. especially the last one with la Tour Eiffel in the background - it could have been from another era!

Best

Fernando

This message has been edited by fernando on 2010-04-06 01:40:49

I know some people here and there who would have preferred a bigger crown, ala 6538, or 5513.

It is a characteristic of this model, shared with the 1655, the Explo II.

But, to me, I don't see it as a bad thing, but I may be biased as I lot the GMT so much...

Best,

Nicolas

Nice catch for you, my friend.  Love the signature Paris roof top photo with the E.T. in the background, but I like even more the family shot of the three vintage GMTs -- that one captures the fascination with these vintage Roxes, no?

I have not yet been bitten by the Rolex bug, which is a good thing for my finances! 

But I think I begin to understand the deep fascination collectors have for Rolex, Blancpain and Panerai -- but particularly the vintage Rolexes.  in addition to having an appreciation for timepieces in general, one must build a collector's knoweledge of the nuanced differences between one vintage GMT, for instance, and another.  As you said, it takes a lot of expertise to recognize the telltale signs of an authentic and original vintage GMT, especially as Rolex makes alterations to its designs at only a glacial speed.  So, the authentic details can be very subtle.  I think this is, in part, what must appeal to collectors of this species, much like a collector of first edition books, endlessly searching for the correct and true first editions, recognizable from other subsequent printings by only the tiniest details.  I think this must be also a similar phenomenon for the Paneristi -- beyond the pure joy to be found in the Luminor and Radiomir designs, there is a deeper joy in the acquired expertise to recognize the often subtle details that distinguish one PAM from another, details that would elude a more casual observor.

Your joy in this passion is always brimming -- infectious,

As always, happy collecting, my friend,

respo 

All is in the details, and I will show you more in a next post  I'm trying to end.

The Vintage Rolex World is really fascinating, and not always unaffordable.

The GMTs are generally a perfect example of affordable watches which will give you a lot of pleasure.

It requires a minimum of homework, but it is also the interest of the collection.

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

My friend.. I beg to differ....

minimum homework???

no.... vintage does need to be informed....

I recently found a Bond rolex that the dial was wrong.....

That came not only from knowledge acquired through this great community (including you of course)
but also from reading/studying sources and digging into dealers' minds....

Of course, friends here are an immense help....
but...
homework is required....



cheers

As for the " Minimum " required homework.

The deeper you go, the better, indeed.

I fear we won't disagree on this.

Best,

Nicolas

that I would provoke a quick answer from you....



Vintage hunting is a lot of work but very satisfying...

cheers

.... we can see you have put into a lot of efforts in this view which is very nice and informative. to me as one who does not have any Rolex watch yet, your post can make me a strong push to hunt for one immediately.

by the way, i totally agree with you, vintage is addictive to us, getting harder to escape from it!!

thanks.

stefan

I strongly think that this watch and all the Rolex GMTs in general are worth sharing Passion.

Thanks for your kind words, my friend.

Will post in the following weeks a review on the Vintage GMTs.

Best,

Nicolas

I had the opportunity to look at it closely a few weeks ago during a wet Paris weekend...

What you say is correct....

however....

for once....

your photos were not able to capture the superb brown patina on the dial....

You were very lucky my friend that you were able to find such a watch...
and I am really happy for you...



Only thing I disagree with you is that i would not use a bracelet on this one but a nato strap....
to enhance its dial....

Great find!!

Enjoy it...

Cheers

It is even nicer in the flesh, with some very nice brown nuances.

I have also a lot of fun playhing with straps / bracelets, to change its look.

Thanks for your nice words, my friend.

Best,

Nicolas

 

besides you made a terrific find....

What is the next best thing to owing a great watch?

for a friend of yours to have it..



Cheers

I love the GMTs too!

I'm also on the look out for a lovely PCD. The one thing I have learnt from your post is it's worth waiting until the right one comes along.

Thanks for the excellent pictures!

Peter

Patience is not an esay thing for a passionate guy, but if you want to avoid problems...

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

Really congrats hermano. This hunt is really awesome.

It´s like a treasure which appeared in your way.

You know that I love your Gmt´s, and with this add I love them more and more.

This one must be seen in the flesh, hermano.

Hope, one day, be able to add a Gmt to my little collection.

Let´s see if luck is in my side one day

Best and huge congrats, amigo mio

Emilio

That a  short but nice way to sum some of gthe most legendary Rolex watches...

You're half the way, Hermano!

Best,

Nicolas

...especially on the Oyster riveted bracelet.

Your collection of GMT Masters is getiing really serious and this tropical 1675 is terrific !

            Cheers

                      Jeff

With a last addition...

Greediness.

Best,

Nicolas

can I help?

cheers

Some options:

The most reasonnable one is the latest GMT II with the ceramic bezel.

Then, I could also try to hunt the 6542, or, if it is too high in price for me, a very nice 1675 Gilt / Black laquered dial.

Temptations...

Best,

Nicolas

Dear Nicolas,

my friend, that was the best "not" or quick review I have seen.

Than again, I now your quality in posts

You are 100% right. One Rolex GMT is more than enough in a collection. However, they are so different in their face, in there look that I fully understand why a collection on the matter has a tendency to grow

Anyway, your brown II-61 is more than a hammer. Its almost unrealisticly that the watch looks so nice after so many years. You are truely a lucky guy. If the watch looks better in real life (as respo is indicating), than your must have a grin on your face that is unstopable

 I look forward forward to post on the three GMT sisters

Cheers

Hans

As you  now know my love for this Rolex model.

It is such a charming Rolex!

Now, the question is to know if I will go on another one...

A last one, to close the thema...

The last option for me is to get a lacquered black 1675 or a ...6542.

And a modern one, the latest GMT II Ceramic bezel...

After, I promise, I stop!

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

...can not stop after that

But anyway, its a good hunt . And your brown 1675 is more than nice... would look nice to a 6542, or a ....

I believe I also have a few Rolexes to go before I will stop, my Rolex collection

Cheers

Hans

This message has been edited by hans_jorgen_1968 on 2010-04-09 07:26:02

And now, I like the city and its watches.  Very kind of you to share these nice pictures.

Whenever you want, come and spend some time!

Looking forward to read more from you,

Very Best.

Nicolas

great piece Nicolas. very impressive. That dial really comes to life in the sun.

beautiful collection you have !

Cheers
S

A nice Military GMT like yours would fill the bill at the perfection!

Thanks for the very nice words, my friend.

Best,

Nicolas