Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 Long E Mk1 Exceptional Set, 1969

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

A beautifully preserved Long E GMT-Master with a strong, full case, warm tritium patina and an exceptionally complete set of original German paperwork. There is something very special about finding a vintage Rolex where both the watch and its history have been so beautifully preserved. This GMT-Master is a wonderful example, combining the character of an early matte-dial reference 1675 with a remarkable collection of original documents and accessories that have stayed together for more than half a century. The stainless steel case is particularly appealing, retaining plenty of volume, strong lug profiles and beautifully defined facets that are still clearly visible. These are exactly the details we love to see on a vintage sports Rolex. The watch has a wonderful presence on the wrist, especially with its domed acrylic crystal without the familiar Cyclops magnifier. This Tropic 38-style crystal gives the GMT-Master a cleaner, more open appearance and adds to its unmistakable tool-watch character. The matte black Mk1 'Long E' dial is another highlight, with its distinctive early Rolex typography and beautifully aged cream-coloured tritium hour markers. The hands have developed a complementary warm tone, creating a pleasing and harmonious appearance. Together with the bright red and blue Pepsi bezel, the watch has that wonderful contrast between vintage warmth and colourful sporting character. The blue-backed bezel insert is a later service replacement, something we are happy to mention as part of the watch's history. But what really sets this GMT-Master apart is the accompanying collection of original documentation. Alongside the original inner and outer Rolex boxes are both punched chronometer and guarantee papers, the seldom-seen original GMT-Master booklet, its large green document holder, a 1971 calendar, the original cigarette card and additional period literature. And perhaps our favourite detail of all: the original purchase invoice from Uhren Sonntag in Germany, documenting the sale in 1971 for just 632 Deutsche Mark. Finding a vintage GMT-Master with this much of its original history still intact is a real pleasure. Every piece adds another chapter to the story, making this much more than simply a beautiful watch. The watch is fitted with a folded-link Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 6251H, with 55 end links and an S3-stamped clasp. Its automatic movement has been fully serviced by an experienced professional watchmaker. We love this kind of vintage Rolex collecting. A great Long E dial, a beautifully preserved case and an almost complete collection of original paperwork and packaging. A wonderful GMT-Master to wear, enjoy and appreciate, with a story that makes ownership that little bit more special. Specifications: Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675, Mk1 'Long E' 40mm stainless steel case with full lugs and well-defined facets Serial 201xxxx, dating to 1969 Matte black Long E dial with warm cream-coloured tritium patina Tropic 38-style domed acrylic crystal without Cyclops magnifier Later service-replacement Pepsi bezel insert with blue back Folded Rolex Jubilee bracelet ref. 6251H, 55 end links, S3 clasp; original boxes, double-punched papers, GMT-Master booklet, calendar, cigarette card and 1971 German invoice Fully serviced by an experienced professional watchmaker Historical Context The Rolex GMT-Master was developed during the 1950s in collaboration with Pan American World Airways, providing international pilots with a practical way to track a second time zone. Introduced in 1959, the reference 1675 became one of the most important and longest-running models in GMT-Master history. During the late 1960s, Rolex transitioned from glossy gilt dials to matte black dials with white printing. Among the early matte variations, the Mk1 'Long E' is particularly appreciated by collectors for its distinctive typography, most notably the elongated middle stroke of the letter E in ROLEX. These small dial variations have become an important part of understanding and collecting vintage GMT-Master references. The reference 1675 retained the classic 40mm Oyster case, rotating 24-hour bezel and automatic GMT movement, establishing the design language that would influence generations of Rolex travel watches. Today, early matte-dial examples remain particularly appealing for their vintage character, historical significance and the subtle details that distinguish one generation from another.