The Rolex GMT-Master was introduced in 1955 to solve a practical challenge of the emerging jet age: enabling commercial pilots to track two time zones simultaneously. Developed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), it quickly became an indispensable navigation tool for long-haul crews and international travellers alike.
Over the decades, the GMT-Master evolved from a purpose-built aviation instrument into one of the world’s most iconic sports watches. While its unmistakable design has changed remarkably little, it remains the definitive travel watch—combining rugged functionality with timeless style.
Presented here is a wonderful 1970 example, featuring the first-generation matte dial—arguably the most desirable of them all. Collectors refer to it as the “Long E” or Mark I dial, named after the elongated middle stroke of the “E” in the Rolex logo, a detail unique to this early execution.
The case is in beautiful condition, even retaining its original green caseback sticker—always a pleasure to see after more than five decades. Equally impressive is the original “Pepsi” bezel insert, which has developed the highly sought-after “Fuchsia” coloration, where the red half has taken on a vibrant pinkish-purple hue.
For years, collectors have debated whether these inserts left the Rolex factory in this colour or gradually developed it over time. Interestingly, the reverse side of this insert displays the same fuchsia tone, strongly suggesting the colour is original rather than the result of sun exposure. To make things even more convincing, we own an original Rolex brochure illustrating a GMT-Master fitted with an insert in exactly this shade. We like to think this one was simply born a Fuchsia.
The Mark I matte dial is equally impressive, displaying beautifully preserved tritium lume with a warm creamy-yellow patina that perfectly complements the colours of the bezel.
The watch is fitted with its folded Oyster bracelet, reference 7836, with 258 end links and a clasp stamped 1/71.
And there’s more. Accompanying the watch is an outstanding and remarkably complete set of original accessories, including the Rolex cardboard outer box, the rare “coffin” style inner box, the red seal card, booklets, green document holder, polishing cloth, and the original Rolex UK guarantee booklet, which remains unfilled.
A fantastic GMT-Master, a coveted Fuchsia bezel, and a remarkably complete set—this is exactly the kind of vintage Rolex we love. If this one doesn’t make you smile, we don’t know what will.
Specifications:
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Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675
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40mm steel case
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Serial 249xxxx dating to 1970
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Mk1 “Long E” matte dial, soft yellow patina
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Fuchsia colour insert
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Oyster bracelet ref 7836 with 285 end links
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Rare Rolex inner and outer boxes
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Red seal card, booklets, green document holder, polishing cloth, and the original Rolex UK guarantee booklet
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Rolex folded Oyster bracelet 7836 with end links 258
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Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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One-year mechanical warranty
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Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping
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