Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675 is a vintage travel watch made from 1959 to about 1980, and the red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel is its most recognizable look. Its appeal is easy to understand: a distinctive bezel, a long production run with meaningful variations, and a design that kept its dual-time purpose while gaining a metal bezel insert and crown guards. But a particular watch’s age, originality and condition take more work to establish than its colors suggest.
What is a Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675?
The ref. 1675 followed the GMT-Master ref. 6542. Rolex produced it from 1959 until roughly 1980, retaining the GMT-Master’s dual-time function while introducing a metal bezel insert and crown guards. Those changes helped give the reference its more robust design. The red-and-blue insert is commonly called “Pepsi,” though the reference appeared in other configurations too. Hodinkee’s history of the 1675 and descriptions of individual examples from Phillips provide historical and design context.
How do gilt and matte dials differ?
The broadest visual distinction across the reference’s long run is dial finish. Earlier 1675s are generally associated with gilt dials, roughly from 1959 to 1966–67. Matte dials appear around 1966 and continued through the later part of production. The transition is approximate, not a clean cutoff: variants and transitional examples make it unwise to assume that a given case year must have a particular dial.
- Gilt: generally associated with earlier examples.
- Matte: generally associated with later examples, beginning around the mid-1960s.
The bezel’s red and blue may also vary with age and condition. A color combination that looks appealing is not, by itself, evidence that the insert is original to that watch.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 316-L Stainless Steel Case, Solid Stainless Steel Band
- Ceramic Bezel, Sapphire Mineral Glass, Luminous
- Swiss Ronda 505 GMT 24 Hours
How should you interpret a 1675’s date?
A case’s production date, the watch’s assembly date and its retail sale date may differ. Serial-based estimates can help place a watch in a broad period, but they are not exact birth certificates. A year attributed to a 1675 should therefore be treated as an estimate unless supported by documentation that clarifies what event the date refers to.
What should you check before buying a vintage Pepsi 1675?
Separate the watch’s condition from the question of whether its components are original. A service replacement can leave a watch usable while changing its originality and collector context. Hands, dial and bezel insert are among the parts that may have been replaced during service; patina alone does not prove a component is original.
Rank #2
- Tudor Black Bay Automatic Black Dial GMT Pepsi Bezel Men's Watch 79830RB-0002
- Dial and hands: Ask what is known about their history, and whether any replacement is documented.
- Bezel insert: Check whether its originality is known rather than inferred from its color or aging.
- Case and bracelet: Examine condition and look for available records; incomplete evidence may leave polishing or parts changes unresolved.
- Dating and paperwork: Treat serial-based dates as approximate and distinguish case production from assembly or sale.
- Overall configuration: Have the seller identify known service parts and explain the evidence behind claims of originality or period correctness.
These checks help frame the questions to ask; they do not establish the condition or authenticity of an individual watch. Auction descriptions, such as those attached to Phillips lots, illustrate particular examples rather than providing a universal standard for every 1675.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does the evidence say about 1675 prices?
It does not establish a current representative price or a reliable market trend. Individual dealer listings and auction lots describe specific watches at particular moments; they are not a market survey. Without dated, comparable sales evidence, a price or appreciation claim would give a false impression of precision. Dealer listings can illustrate how one example is presented, but should not be treated as a valuation for the reference as a whole.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Movement PEARL DG5833 · automatic GMT Case 40mm · 304 steel · polished & brushed Date Date window at 3 o'clock Crystal Sapphire · scratch resistant Bezel 24-hour GMT · red / blue aluminum insert Dial Gloss black · applied markers · full lume Water Resistance 100M · screw-down crown Bracelet Sport
Rank #4
- Asian Limited Edition: This watch is a special Asian limited edition, with only 5,500 pieces available globally, each featuring a unique serial number on the back.
- Sunrise-Inspired Design: The design is inspired by the serene beauty of a sunrise, featuring an elegant off-white dial and the first-ever introduction of rose gold accents on the rotating bezel sides and GMT hands in the SKX GMT series.
- Automatic Movement with GMT Function: Equipped with an automatic movement and manual winding capability, it includes a 24-hour hand for dual time display, making it ideal for travelers.
- Distinctive Bracelet: The five-row chain bracelet, inspired by the original SKX series, features a polished middle section that sharply contrasts with the hairline pattern of other sections, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Secure and Stylish Clasp: It comes with a three-fold clasp that includes a secure lock, push-button release, and a double lock for added security and ease of use.
Rank #3
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: Features NH34 automatic movement with GMT function, providing reliable timekeeping without the need for batteries
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Crafted with high-grade stainless steel bracelet and ceramic bezel for enhanced durability and luxurious appearance
- DIVE WATCH DESIGN: White dial with luminous markers for excellent visibility, rotating bezel for timing, and water-resistant construction
- GMT FUNCTIONALITY: Equipped with an additional GMT hand allowing tracking of multiple time zones simultaneously
- DISTINCTIVE STYLE: Features a striking red and blue 'Pepsi' ceramic bezel insert paired with a crisp white dial and stainless steel jubilee bracelet
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.
