Che Guevara's GMT Master reference 1675

rfordo

Is there any indication that Felix Rodriguez is still has the Che GMT?

djmusicman

Here is the best photo of Che Guevara's GMT Master that I can find. We can find a few photos online, most aren't very good quality. The image below shows a 1675 PCG (pointed crown guards) Cornino in Italian (corno meaning horn):

I'd be interested to see other photos. The best bet would be photos of Che published in books that just happen to allow us to get a good look at the watch.

Here, we get a great look at Fidel Castro's 1675 PCG GMT:

We know for example that Ed White wore a 105.003 and Neil Armstrong a 105.012. The 1675 varied a lot over it's production run and we still don't know exactly what he had.

For example, here is a ref. 1675 PCG, chapter ring from 1961:

Here is a ref. 1675 PCG gloss, underline, double swiss from 1963 (too bad each variation didn't get a separate reference number it's so much easier to say 105.002 105.003 and instantly know what it is and how to distinguish them)

Che's watch was stolen after his execution in 1967 by CIA agent Felix Rodríguez:

"Although he apparently was under CIA instructions to "do everything possible to keep him alive," Rodríguez transmitted the order to execute Guevara from the Bolivian High Command to the soldiers at La Higueras--he also directed them not to shoot Guevara in the face so that his wounds would appear to be combat-related--and personally informed Che that he would be killed. After the execution, Rodríguez took Che's Rolex watch, often proudly showing it to reporters during the ensuing years"

This is a watch that could very well resurface one day. I imagine that at auction it would sell for way over the $17.75 million paid for Paul Newman's Daytona.

janice&fred

as I said in a previous post, I think everyone involved in this had their hands dirty. wouldn't you agree?

Martin_F

Parts of the OP might have been from this post, but here is some more info and pics:
https://www.rolexmagazine.com/search/label/Communist Wearing Rolex

Andy K

Slightly off topic, but I highly recommend this book: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Ashes-History-Tim-Weiner/dp/0307389006
It's a thoroughly reported and detailed history of the CIA from its inception to the mid 2000s, and their unblemished record of mucking up every single covert op they attempted. Their track record on intelligence gathering is nearly as bad.

Archer

So the CIA agent was a communist? Okay thanks for clarifying.

Walrus

I guess it went over your head

Archer

No, it was just irrelevant to the discussion at hand...so I made a joke of it that clearly went over your head...

Walrus

I expected you to reply quicker though.

Walrus

I have some friends who escaped Cuba in a raft after hearing their stories I just see not much joy in Castro’s watch

Archer

Took a bit longer - I type my replies to you more slowly because I know you cannot read fast...



Have you ever been to Cuba? If not you should go. The people there are very nice, and make the best of what they have. It's a lesson in perseverance that many comfortable people in this world could learn from...