Rolex GMT-Master "Blueberry" (Ref. 1675) Mk. III "Radial" Dial, 1977

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Within the vintage Rolex collecting community, the all-blue “Blueberry” bezel insert has become a well-known variation associated with the GMT-Master reference 1675. While period Rolex catalogs and advertising materials do not document a factory configuration pairing the reference with an all-blue bezel, many collectors believe these inserts originated through Rolex service channels rather than standard production. Examples began appearing within the collecting market in the early 2000s, reportedly sourced from an official Rolex service center. Because of this, many seasoned collectors view the Blueberry insert as a period Rolex service component produced during the lifespan of the GMT-Master rather than a bezel fitted to watches when originally delivered from the factory. The deep blue tone of the insert offers a distinctive alternative to the more commonly seen red and blue “Pepsi” or all-black bezel configurations and has become a recognizable aesthetic within the broader GMT-Master collecting landscape. Interestingly, the "Blueberry" inserts do possess key font and manufacturing characteristics seen in other period inserts, such as serrifs on the font Today, the Blueberry insert represents one of the many fascinating variations that emerged during the decades-long production of the GMT-Master. For collectors who appreciate the nuances of vintage Rolex components and the subtle evolution of the model over time, it remains a compelling and visually striking configuration. The Mk. III matte dial for the Rolex ref. 1675 GMT-Master, also known as the "Radial Dial" or "Mini Dial", is revered as being the rarest and most unique variant among the matte dial range for the ref. 1675. The Radial dial is not only special among Rolex's GMT-Master models, either. The Mk. III dial features design characteristics more similar to the Gilt-era of dial manufacturing, but not seen in any other dial produced by Rolex in the entirety of the matte dial sports models. The "Radial" or "Mini" dial nicknames come from the noticeably more centered and smaller lume plots represented as opposed to the more traditional Rolex matte dial format. The Mk. III ref. 1675 is loved by collectors not only for its rarity, but because its characteristics offer a truly unique experience among one of the most historically significant references from Rolex. SPECS Stock # RLXGMT1675BB Brand Rolex Style GMT-Master Model 1675 Serial 53XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Mk. III "Radial Millimeters 40 Bracelet Rolex 62510H Jubilee Bracelet W/ 555 End Pieces CASE & BRACELET The impressive case boasts broad chamfers along the thick, symmetrical lugs, while exhibiting honest signs of use and evidence of light polishing in the past. The exceptional "blueberry" insert, correct with "ghost triangle", is in near-perfect condition, showing nominal fading or signs of wear. The Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet with 555 end pieces is a later service unit that retains 20 links that show moderate stretch and will fit up to a 7.5-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original and rare matte black Mk. III "Radial" dial is in exceptional vintage condition, exhibiting no damage of note, though the dial does feature a subtle spotted patina throughout that is characteristic of the Mk. III dial variation. The tritium lume plots have achieved a vibrant golden-yellow patina with no degradation exhibited when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial almost perfectly, featuring a slightly more saturated patina, and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. T he metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6 and 9 numerals. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.