This exceptional reference 1675 GMT-Master is among the most beautiful and untouched examples of the rare ‘Fuchsia’ bezel version to appear at auction in recent years. In the same ownership since it was bought in October 1968 and entirely fresh to the market, it has never been subject to any intervention or careless polishing. Furthermore, it is accompanied by the original Guarantee and Bulletin de Marche, both rarities by themselves.

GMT-Masters with faded fuchsia bezels such as this example are sometimes referred to by collectors as the ‘Pink Panther’ and are very highly sought after because of their rarity, individual uniqueness of colour and exotic beauty. The present watch, made in 1967/68, is a remarkable find - a truly original reference 1675 ‘fuchsia’, a trophy for even the most discerning of vintage Rolex sports watch collectors.

Enjoyed and treasured by its original owner for over 50 years, the case has never been polished or subject to any renovation, retaining its original finishes and bevels. However, it is the specific and highly attractive qualities of this particular watch that make it truly special. The rare fuchsia bezel is notable for both its good overall condition and its wonderful even colour change from red and blue to a consistent fuchsia colour. The ‘fuchsia’ bezel is a phenomenon that is found only on certain Mark 1 reference 1675s dating from circa 1967-1968. Because every anodized aluminium insert ages differently, each example is unique and some are naturally more appealing to the eye than others.

The spectacular Mark 1 or ‘long E’ matte dial is completely undisturbed, with even and consistent light aging of the luminous hour plots and matching hands to a pleasing almost greenish tint. Interestingly, the luminous material also exhibits the strong phosphorescence under UV light which is a particular phenomenon of reference 1675 GMT-Master watches in the serial number range 1.6 to 1.9 million. The Mark 1 ‘long E’ matte dial is so-called because the letter ‘E’ of the word ‘Rolex’ has a much longer middle bar than the other dial versions of reference 1675.

The unpolished case with original crown is dated inside the case back II.67, showing that the case was produced in the second quarter of 1967. GMT-Masters with serial numbers between 1.6 and 1.8 million are known by collectors as the ‘thin’ case, with a depth of 12.7 mm. whereas watches made after 1.8 million have a depth of 13 mm.

The original Bulletin de Marche or Rating Certificate shows that the movement was tested at the Bureaux Suisses de Contrôle Officiel de la Marche des Chronomètres in Bienne between 23 January and 6 February 1968 (15 days) where it achieved Chronometer Certification with “especially good results”.

The Oyster bracelet, number 7836 was introduced in 1967 and was the most modern version available when the present watch was sold. The 7836 bracelet superseded the 6636 which had expandable sprung links.