GMT Master 1675: Finally a Rolex That Suits Me

(This is a cross post from WUS, but would also like to share here)

I tried to like Rolex for a long time. My first was a Sub 14060, which going in I thought was the quintessential modern Rolex. But man, did I feel like I was trying hard to look like I had "arrived", like a snot nosed finance guy with his first bonus. So it got sold. Also, I really disliked the smallish 40mm size, the flat crystal, and the rattly bracelet.

But really, I couldn't call myself an enthusiast without having some sort of Rolex in my rotation (your own opinion may be different). I dallied with Tudor subs, the 79090 being a bit more pleasing to me with the acryllic crystal, but what I really loved was a blue snowflake 7016/0, that one I will probably not let go unless someone makes me an offer I can't refuse.

I tried another round of Rolex Subs, with another 14060, a 14060M, and a 16610, but none of these appealed to me, and they will soon be out of my collection. I did not think that I would like wearing an actual Rolex. Until I found the GMT Master 1675.

What I like about it:
- The acryllic crystal
- the positively useful GMT function (as I do business in multiple time zones).
- The whimsical and positively retro pepsi bezel. It does not take itself too seriously, has a cool 70s vibe, and the bright color gives it a larger presence than a plain black 40mm dive watch
- skinny profile makes it a good daily wearer

What I don't like about it:
- no quick set date. If you have a watch rotation, this becomes an issue. The bigger the rotation, the bigger the issue.

It's such an amazing watch. The watch that gets the most wrist time is my Speedy Pro, which I wear to sleep, followed by a Seamaster 2254.50 "Sword Hands", and a Tudor Sub 7016/0 (others are basically "occasion watches"). Just got it today, but it looks like this GMT Master may break into my regular rotation.


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What an awesome GMT. Looks amazing, enjoy.

Very nice.

Great pick up, hope the no cross posting excludes WRUW and sales or I'm in deep. . .



Mine says hi!

Great watch!! But you really need to try a late 60's ref. 5513...much better looking than the later references.

You have a beauty, and as a 1675 owner I agree it's hard to beat but I wouldn't sell the 14060m quite yet.

This is what will happen. You will love the 1675 more and more but then think " hell I wish I could wear it in water, or exercise with it" a 1675 antishok and water endurance is after all a little delicate....so you will get a later gmt, maybe a Coke or a Pepsi. One that still has the slimmer profile but you can even dive with.

And then you will get a 5513 or 5512 and you will have the same issue, which is where the 14060m will come into play as the very last of the smaller case, pin lugs, aluminium bezel, no date subs.

And then you will look at the Explorer.....

Yeah, but the new one really doesn't have the same charm as the thinner cased, aluminum versions. It shares the case of the sub, which is completely unnecessary and a lazy choice from rolex imo. And ceramic is not quite as organic to me as metal.

Even with the ceramic if the had left it on the dressier more elegant case it would work better. It's not quite that type of tool watch.

Unfortunately it arrived the same day as the GMT Master. 🙁 Explorer 1016 from 1965. So small though, I figure this only works only if I'm in short sleeves, or if it's on a bund strap.

I already know I'll like it, because I like the Tudor 79090 which is quite similar. The problem is, finding one (painted indices, matte dial, acryllic crystal) at a reasonable price!

Why?

Because of the size. Love that its from 1965, but I may be better off with a 39mm Railmaster

Once your rotation hits around 30, it becomes a positive bonus....

Always hankered after a 1675 from my birth year. This does nothing to dissuade me

If that's 1965, I'm going to have to call dibs 😀

Great watches, my '68 says hello.