The Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 is a vintage generation produced for roughly two decades, about 1959 to 1980. “Pepsi” describes its red-and-blue bezel configuration—not a complete specification. Across the run, 1675s vary in dials, movements, hands, bezels and bracelets, so identifying or buying one means assessing the whole watch rather than relying on its color or reference alone.
Why the GMT-Master was made
Rolex says it introduced the GMT-Master in 1955 as a navigation aid for professionals crossing time zones. Its two-tone bezel distinguished daytime from nighttime hours, and Rolex says the watch became the official timepiece of several airlines, including Pan Am. The 1675 followed the first GMT-Master reference and carried that travel-oriented design into a long-running vintage generation. Rolex’s history of 1953–1967 describes the original purpose and airline context.
What the reference 1675 is—and when it was made
Specialist and auction sources generally place the 1675’s production from about 1959 to 1980, though their stated endpoints differ slightly. That span is best treated as approximate rather than as a precise cutoff applicable to every watch. The 1675 replaced the first GMT-Master reference and was itself succeeded by later generations. GMT Master History’s 1675 reference summary and Phillips catalogues document the broad chronology and examples.
Why no single specification describes every 1675
The reference changed over its long production run. A specialist summary associates early examples with caliber 1565 and later ones with caliber 1575; auction catalogues also describe individual watches with specific movements. For example, Phillips catalogued a circa-1968 stainless-steel example with automatic caliber 1570 and a 39 mm diameter. Those descriptions apply to that watch, not necessarily to every 1675. The reference is also associated with an acrylic crystal. Phillips’ 2021 New York catalogue entry gives the details for its particular circa-1968 lot.
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- Quartz GMT Movement - When used in conjunction with the black and blue rotating bezel, the two-blue and white triangle GMT hand can be used to track a second time zone.
- Stainless-steel - The stainless-steel case and bracelet are resistant to corrosion, rust, and daily wear and tear.
- Date Window - Easily track the date in a dedicated window beside 3 o'clock.
- Enhanced Visibility - Luminant hands ensure readability in low-light conditions.
Dial configurations shifted as well: sources describe both gilt and matte dials, with varied dial marks. Phillips catalogued a circa-1979 example with a Mark IV dial. Hands, bezel inserts and bracelet types are other visible points of variation. A listing’s description should therefore be checked against the watch’s specific production context rather than assumed to be a universal 1675 specification. Phillips’ Hong Kong Watch Auction XIV catalogue discusses the circa-1979 example and its dial.
What “Pepsi” means
“Pepsi” is the familiar nickname for a red-and-blue bezel configuration. It is a useful shorthand for the bezel colors, but it does not establish the watch’s dial type, movement, hands, bracelet, originality or condition. Nor does bezel color alone identify a watch as a correct or original 1675. Auction catalogues illustrate how specialists describe a particular watch by recording its dial, case, movement, bracelet and other details together.
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- GMT - A discreet GMT disc display at 6 o’clock can be set to track a second time zone.
- Stainless-Steel - The stainless-steel case is resistant to corrosion, rust, and daily wear and tear.
- Dial Design - The dial features a radial texture and a clean presentation, highlighted by faceted hour markers, luminant hands for enhanced visibility in the dark, and a glanceable date window beside 3 o'clock.
- Rubber Strap - The rubber strap is flexible for all-day comfort, perforated for enhanced breathability, and features a two-piece design for durability.
How to assess a vintage 1675 before buying
These checks help organize questions for a seller or specialist; they are not a remote authentication method. Have the individual watch examined by a qualified professional and request documentation where available.
Dial and hands
- Ask what dial type and dial-mark designation are being claimed, and whether the marker and hand configuration is consistent with the seller’s description of the watch.
- Compare the claimed date and serial context with the specific configuration. A catalogue’s Mark IV designation describes one circa-1979 example; it is not a label to apply to every 1675.
- Ask whether the dial or hands are believed to be original, period-correct, or later service parts, and what evidence supports that assessment.
Case and bezel
- Inspect the case shape and wear, and ask whether the red-and-blue insert is original to the watch, period-correct, or a later replacement.
- Distinguish the Pepsi bezel configuration from other bezel configurations associated with the reference. Color by itself does not settle originality.
- Do not treat patina as proof that a component is original.
Movement and service history
- Ask which movement is actually present and seek a qualified inspection rather than assuming it from the reference number or production year.
- Request available service records and clarify whether any parts were replaced during service. The 1675’s movement descriptions vary across its production and across documented examples.
Bracelet, paperwork and overall consistency
- Record exactly what bracelet, box, papers or other documents are included; ask whether each is associated with this specific watch.
- Compare the components as a complete configuration. A convincing-looking dial or bezel cannot establish the originality of the rest of the watch.
- Use detailed photographs and written descriptions as a starting point, not a substitute for in-person examination and documentation.
What a reported auction result can—and cannot—tell you
Sotheby’s reports that a 1675 GMT-Master Pepsi sold for USD 11,400 in June 2024. That is one historical sale, not a current price guide or a prediction for another watch. A representative current price range is not established by that single result; condition, originality, configuration, provenance, location and transaction date can make individual examples difficult to compare. Sotheby’s overview of Rolex Pepsi references reports the sale.
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- Movement : ST2502
- Dial diameter : Approx.43mm
- Thickness : Approx.13.5mm
- Strap width: Approx.22mm
- Strap circumference : 19m
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