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The 2018 De Ruiter Auction Preview of a Vietnam-Era Rolex GMT-Master 1675

Fratello’s 2018 preview described a Rolex GMT-Master 1675 associated with Sgt. David Willem Scheele and scheduled for auction at De Ruiter. Its result and realized price are not established here.
Estimate2–3 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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In a March 7, 2018 preview, Fratello reported that Dutch auction house De Ruiter was scheduled to offer a Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 the following day. The watch was associated with Dutch-born Australian serviceman Sgt. David Willem Scheele and reportedly bought in Hong Kong on August 23, 1969. The preview described its provenance and condition, but the available account does not establish whether it sold or for what price.

What was the De Ruiter lot?

Fratello’s March 7, 2018 preview identified the watch as a Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 and said De Ruiter’s auction was scheduled for March 8, 2018. This is a historical auction story, not a current listing. The preview did not establish an auction result or realized price. Fratello’s preview is the contemporaneous source for the lot details.

Who was the watch associated with?

According to Fratello, the watch was linked to Sgt. David Willem Scheele, a Dutch-born serviceman in the Australian Army. The article reports that Scheele enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1964, joined the Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam in March 1969, and was attached to the 2nd Mobile Strike Force, 5th Special Forces Group. These biographical and service details are reported by the 2018 article.

What did the preview say about its provenance?

Fratello reported that Scheele bought the GMT-Master in Hong Kong on August 23, 1969, between missions, and that a personal number was engraved on it to identify it as his. The lot reportedly came with original documents and booklets or certificates. Those details make the watch’s story compelling, but they should be understood as provenance reported in the preview, not as independently authenticated proof.

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What was its reported condition?

The following are Fratello’s descriptions in 2018, not findings from a present-day inspection.

  • Movement: The caliber 1575 had been serviced, and the preview described the watch as technically functioning.
  • Crystal: A new original Rolex GMT-Master plexiglass had been installed, with original parts retained.
  • Dial: Described as original and unrestored.
  • Hands: Described as original Rolex hands, although Fratello noted they might have been replaced during an earlier service.
  • Case: Described as cleaned, not polished or altered.
  • Box: A box was included, but the preview expressed doubt that it was original.

The steel bracelet was no longer with the watch. Fratello speculated it may have been worn out or discarded; that explanation was not established. The preview said an army-fabric strap was supplied, while images in the auction catalog showed a better-fitting leather NATO-style strap. Neither strap description establishes that a modern replacement strap would be original to the watch.

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How does the reference 1675 relate to the GMT-Master II?

The lot was a GMT-Master 1675, not a GMT-Master II. Rolex’s official GMT-Master II history places the GMT-Master II’s introduction in 1982 and describes later developments such as Cerachrom bezels. That is background on the broader model family; it should not be used to relabel or date the 1969-associated 1675.

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Ewatchparts 20mm Jubilee Watch Band Bracelet Compatible With Rolex GMT 1675 16700 16710 16750 Fat Spring Bar
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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