New Watch Day -1977 GMT 1675

[Pete_mcC]

I have been after a good GMT for ages, it’s my 50th this year so the original plan was find a 1974 but after two years of looking, good ones were found lacking. ‘74 seemed to be a poor year for sports Rolex, even on Chrono the numbers are markedly down compared to other years for any sports model, so I extended the search to either way.

The other day this one popped up. The details were scant, the photos were under harsh lights, it had been attributed to the wrong year (they’d used Bobs serial number chart) but something looked good too me, good enough to buy.

I will happily admit I’m no Springer when it comes to these watches, I tried to do as much research as possible here and on the https://gmtmaster1675.com site and am hoping I am right in thinking this is all good.

Watch is early ‘77, bracelet is ‘76, dial is a Radial so fits the age and looks correct, hands are original with matching lume (and some corrosion, but nothing off-putting), insert looks right for a mid/late 70s with oval 8, lugs look solid, plexi looks original rounded one and came up a treat with a bit of Polywatch, date wheel is silver (I haven’t gone through to see the open 9s and 6s, lack of quickset means that surprise is yet to come).

It’s a British, one owner watch so creamy lume patina from our weak sun, no orange here. The bracelet and clasp have no stretch and are sharp, it just has signs of use all over and not huge amounts of over polishing.

Only thing I have replaced are the spring bars with modern replica ones just for security, although they seem a little longer at the ends than the originals.

Everything looks solid, the colours are strong, but have I missed anything? Have I actually bought a dud? Be gentle with me as I am really happy with my ‘new’ watch!

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I have a 14060m in similar condition with “signs of use all over.” I think your watch looks lovely.

[Barada7]

That’s an awesome watch. I’m happy for you!

[ADINVA]

Stunning!

[RTG]

Beautiful. Congratulations

[Pete_mcC]

Hey all, thanks a million. I’m guessing I did OK then! All thanks to the countless threads and experts on here

[1675-David]

Score! Very nice radial dial

[GB2]

The "radial dial " is a Beyeler dial. 6 and 9 open.

[Roo]

Absolutely gorgeous..!

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by GB2

The "radial dial " is a Beyeler dial. 6 and 9 open.

Thanks! And the open 6 showed its face today;

[Pete_mcC]

I paid just under £11k for it, not cheap in today’s softer market but still a good price for such a clean watch, I think.
(Box is an eBay addition that I reckon matches nicely)

[1William]

Congratulations.

[jds1017]

Originally Posted by Pete_mcC

I paid just under £11k for it, not cheap in today’s softer market but still a good price for such a clean watch, I think.
(Box is an eBay addition that I reckon matches nicely)

That's a steal for a radial. Congratulations!

[XavierM]

Originally Posted by Pete_mcC

I paid just under £11k for it, not cheap in today’s softer market but still a good price for such a clean watch, I think.
(Box is an eBay addition that I reckon matches nicely)

Even in today’s market, that’s very cheap for a radial dial one.
You did well ! Beautiful piece, enjoy

[rootbeer7]

Beautiful radial dial and at an incredible price too. Congratulations

[MrBlobby]

It’s worth mentioning that this was from Sotheby's London. It’s a very nice watch at a really good price. Auction houses get a lot of bashing and whilst I’m sure that a lot is deserved it is fair to say that they play an important part in our hobby.

[Pete_mcC]

Thanks everyone! It’s reassuring to get so many votes of confidence. I had worried that, as no one else was really bidding on it, there was something wrong that I’d missed. This hasn’t left my wrist yet and isn’t likely to for a while. I just sit and stare at it under the loupe every few minutes…everything is so sharp on it, it really feels like a new watch!

Originally Posted by MrBlobby

It’s worth mentioning that this was from Sotheby's London.

Absolutely right! I’ve bought from Sotheby's before and the name alone adds a little security to the purchase over smaller houses. The other great thing with Sothebys is they only charge 20% buyers premium vs the 30-40% others now readily charge for online bids so you can bid more knowing less will be added at the end. Great for buyer and seller.

[Swearengen]

Lovely looking watch you have there

What are the first few digits of the serial number?

[996marty]

Great looking watch

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

Lovely looking watch you have there

What are the first few digits of the serial number?

Thanks! It’s 5,132,***

[Bazil]

What a watch …

[TuRo]

£11k is a steal for the model/originality and condition imho.

[Dom9]

Nice to see such a strongly coloured insert on a vintage piece! We seemed to have become so conditioned to fades that it's quite striking to see such bold colours! Lovely piece!

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Pete_mcC

I paid just under £11k for it, not cheap in today’s softer market but still a good price for such a clean watch, I think.
(Box is an eBay addition that I reckon matches nicely)

Congratulations. 11K after premium?

[911cz]

Beyond cool. Great job!

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Congratulations. 11K after premium?

Yup! It was £9,000 plus £1,800 in premium (and a £22 train ticket to London to collect it!)

Originally Posted by Dom9

Nice to see such a strongly coloured insert on a vintage piece!

The colour is so fresh and bright on this, I was convinced it was a new insert. Whoever owned this before me gave it no wrist time at all, I’m going to do the opposite

[Dom9]

That's the spirit! You'll make many memories together!