1675 Advice from the ground up!:)

[cruvon]

Hi, after my first birth year 1680 red a year ago, I must admit I strayed a bit like a kid in a candy shop and much against my initial thoughts of staying srtictly with vintage Rolexes, experimenting with a few vintages from other brands( a couple of vintage Breitlings, some Accutron Spaceviews and a vintage Pierre Cardin Jaeger, all which I love) and I now think I need to add some more vintage Rolex colour to my life. And what better reference to add colour with but with a 1675:).

So for some learning, could I please have some links to the best 1675 info you might have come across. Need info on both the normal 1675 and the gilt 1675 variations, desireability, rarity, year by year variations et al.

Also still contemplating on whether I should get myself a standard 1675 first and a gilt later or go with a gilt first. Anyone here had a normal 1675 and still felt the need to update to a gilt one? All advice, suggestions, experiences welcome:). As for my knowledge currently on 1675's it's absolutely near zero so please be patient if I do ask seemingly silly questions!

Btw I placed a hold on this faded insert to start with(Note: Not the watch) so I have a bit in common with 1675 lovers already and one less thing to worry about, even if just a small part ofthe 1675 equation:), thanks Tony (learningtofly),
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=255766

What year range of the 1675 is the fat font insert normally seen on?

[Vincent65]

Great watch - I love mine. Get what you prefer, mate - simple. I love both, but mine is gilt, which I think is quite special:

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

Great watch - I love mine. Get what you prefer, mate - simple. I love both, but mine is gilt, which I think is quite special:

Thanks Karl and beautiful gilt there!

Originally Posted by waspy1

Gilt all the way. With chapter ring or not. Must have the ever so cute small 24h hand. Dial condition is everything. And matching hands.

Thanks, just noticed those differences after you mentioned them:), which ones are rarer/more desireable?

[waspy1]

Gilt all the way. With chapter ring or not. Must have the ever so cute small 24h hand. Dial condition is everything. And matching hands.

[toph]

Hi mate, I prefer non gilt to be honest. So your looking Circa 65 onwards. Faded bezels are brilliant:) matching hands and original matte dial are hardish to come by if you ask me but they do exist in decent numbers. Early 1675 have the 1560 base but it changed to 1570 late mid sixties I think . Lots of options. . Great fun searching for
Cheers

[Puffy]

i love a good matte dial and the Fat Font insert needs to have vibrant colours or a nice even fade, the one there has a red that is too faded and dull for me whereas the blue looks black

with vintage it's difficult bolting on an insert the watch didn't originally came on as bezel, dial and case need to work in harmoney and have aged together over the years

karl's is a good candidate for what i personally like... but i'd go matte over gilt as gilt pieces tend to show too much patina for my liking and sometimes the lume has turned a bile green colour like in the above example! karl's has a nice even patina and minty hands

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Puffy

i love a good matte dial and the Fat Font insert needs to have vibrant colours or a nice even fade, the one there has a red that is too faded and dull for me whereas the blue looks black

Hi Puffy, here's another pic of the insert, here showing is more blue, guess the dark lighting is to blame in the pic above!

[jedly1]

all i can do is relay the comments i have experienced directly from the few GMT owners who cant get on with them and i think its enough to warrant mentioning

blue and red too 'loud' .... (often cured by fitting an all black bezel ...right to point some nit picker tells them their gmt1675 never came with a black as an option)
small fiddly crown if you are used to subs ...
thinner case if you are used to subs .....
cluttered look with the extra complication ...

dont get me wrong i know many a folk who love them ...but there is a reason its a lot easier/cheaper to find a good matte gmt than a good matte sub ...that being that not everyone loves them ...i'd just suggest you take one for a road test first :)


oh and the experience of selling both - every good 5513 i get i probably have 5 buyers ...for every mint 1675 i usually have to wait for one...

[jedly1]

ps. just to be clear , i should be point out that i don't find this with good gilts...i tend to find they get bought by folks who have already figured out if they like GMTs or not and have usually had or have matt first ....

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by jedly1

Honestly , try a matt first .... Many people just don't get on with the pepsi look when it comes down to physically owning and wearing one , before you pile big money in , I'd experiment with that as the first priority ..... If you like and it works for you , upgrade later !

Originally Posted by springer

Many don't like the Pepsi look, that news to me a and millions of other satisfied owners!

Some of these posts are rather "grainy" lately.

Originally Posted by greekbum

The 1675 matte dial version is the most economical way to go to test your feet.Its a nice watch to own and enjoy. With all the different looks it can have you should never get tired of it. In fact you can convert it to a 2 tone with a brown or black nipple dial and then you have many options with the bezel inserts,bracelet and strap combinations that were available for various looks. As for the pepsi look not being liked Everybody has a flavor and i have found that its a desirable model and a strong seller. You cant go wrong with 1. This 1 doesn't sit unloved for long

Originally Posted by jedly1

all i can do is relay the comments i have experienced directly from the few GMT owners who cant get on with them and i think its enough to warrant mentioning

blue and red too 'loud' .... (often cured by fitting an all black bezel ...right to point some nit picker tells them their gmt1675 never came with a black as an option)
small fiddly crown if you are used to subs ...
thinner case if you are used to subs .....
cluttered look with the extra complication ...

dont get me wrong i know many a folk who love them ...but there is a reason its a lot easier/cheaper to find a good matte gmt than a good matte sub ...that being that not everyone loves them ...i'd just suggest you take one for a road test first :)


oh and the experience of selling both - every good 5513 i get i probably have 5 buyers ...for every mint 1675 i usually have to wait for one...

Originally Posted by jedly1

ps. just to be clear , i should be point out that i don't find this with good gilts...i tend to find they get bought by folks who have already figured out if they like GMTs or not and have usually had or have matt first ....

Lol, you are in dangerous territory of GMT lovers here Jed;). Thanks for sharing your market experiences with the GMT's, while not as popular as the sub, my first impressions are that they are definitely lookers and attractive and as Nikos pointed out, very versatile with what one can try out with them. True that we can't really change the mindset of the market on their desireability or why they are not as expensive as other popular references or as quick selling as the 5513s. Guess I will have to get one and find out it's appeal factor myself:)

[learningtofly]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi Puffy, here's another pic of the insert, here showing is more blue, guess the dark lighting is to blame in the pic above!

Well, I'm known for my moody, romantic watch shots after all

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by learningtofly

Well, I'm known for my moody, romantic watch shots after all

, true:)

[springer]

Browse Mike's thread here on TRF. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=31386

As far as gilt vs non-gilt GMT's, gilt-dialed GMT's are rather expensive and are not easy to find in above average condition. The watch in your photo appears very nice for its age and the insert has faded very well and looks great on the watch. It appears to have a replacement band.

As far as which model is more collectable, I can't think of any specific model, besides the gilt-dialed GMT 1675, that commands a premium based on desirability or variations. The prices are higher for the "small hand" mid-1960's model which are becoming harder to find.

The same usual factors apply to the GMT's as most other Rolex watches regarding desirability and price - which would be watch condition, original accessories and service history.

[lhanddds]

Matte dialed, non-guilt simplicity, I love it. I have a new bezel that I replaced with a faded and have not gone back. Enjoy your search

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by toph

Hi mate, I prefer non gilt to be honest. So your looking Circa 65 onwards. Faded bezels are brilliant:) matching hands and original matte dial are hardish to come by if you ask me but they do exist in decent numbers. Early 1675 have the 1560 base but it changed to 1570 late mid sixties I think . Lots of options. . Great fun searching for
Cheers

Thanks mate, am sure already having fun learning about them before going for the kill:)

Originally Posted by Puffy

i love a good matte dial and the Fat Font insert needs to have vibrant colours or a nice even fade, the one there has a red that is too faded and dull for me whereas the blue looks black

with vintage it's difficult bolting on an insert the watch didn't originally came on as bezel, dial and case need to work in harmoney and have aged together over the years

karl's is a good candidate for what i personally like... but i'd go matte over gilt as gilt pieces tend to show too much patina for my liking and sometimes the lume has turned a bile green colour like in the above example! karl's has a nice even patina and minty hands

Thanks Puffy. Understand what you say about the inserts having vibrant colours looknig great and I agree too. Just wanted one completely faded too for a different look. Think Tony has clicked those pics in dark light hence is looking black, looks blue in his For Sale link. Will update when I receive it:)

Originally Posted by springer

Browse Mike's thread here on TRF. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=31386

As far as gilt vs non-gilt GMT's, gilt-dialed GMT's are rather expensive and are not easy to find in above average condition. The watch in your photo appears very nice for its age and the insert has faded very well and looks great on the watch. It appears to have a replacement band.

As far as which model is more collectable, I can't think of any specific model, besides the gilt-dialed GMT 1675, that commands a premium based on desirability or variations. The prices are higher for the "small hand" mid-1960's model which are becoming harder to find.

The same usual factors apply to the GMT's as most other Rolex watches regarding desirability and price - which would be watch condition, original accessories and service history.

Thanks for the info mate. That thread is really good. Hopefully that insert goes well on a 1675 I get:).

[mid-o-light]

You are on same route as mine ;) I would say gilt or chocolate matte mk I. There is excellent post by Orchi in library forum shown 1675 dial variations you may want to check. Good luck hunting.

Here is my gilt 1675 and my birthyear red sub.

[jedly1]

Honestly , try a matt first .... Many people just don't get on with the pepsi look when it comes down to physically owning and wearing one , before you pile big money in , I'd experiment with that as the first priority ..... If you like and it works for you , upgrade later !

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

Matte dialed, non-guilt simplicity, I love it. I have a new bezel that I replaced with a faded and have not gone back. Enjoy your search

Thanks Larry. Your GMT looks beautiful and loing the faded insert!

Originally Posted by mid-o-light

You are on same route as mine ;) I would say gilt or chocolate matte mk I. There is excellent post by Orchi in library forum shown 1675 dial variations you may want to check. Good luck hunting.

Here is my gilt 1675 and my birthyear red sub.

Cheers mate, that's a beautiful gilt and red sub, great combo. Will check Orchis post too, thanks.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by jedly1

Honestly , try a matt first .... Many people just don't get on with the pepsi look when it comes down to physically owning and wearing one , before you pile big money in , I'd experiment with that as the first priority ..... If you like and it works for you , upgrade later !

Thanks for the advice Jed. That too sounds like an attractive option to take for starters and upgrading later. Wondering if many people not getting on with the pepsi look as you mentioned is that they don't look as great on the wrist as in pictures or is it because some construe it as too visible owing to it's vibrant colours and users want a subtle/stealth look? Or could it be because it was considered a entry level model in it's time(was it?)?

I haven't seen a 1675 in real life so wouldn't have a clue what it's going look like in reality. Judging by pics alone and from what I can see atleast, the only observation against, would have loved the crown/crown guards to be more protruding like in the subs I guess but looks happy, beautiful and striking otherwise.

[springer]

Many don't like the Pepsi look, that news to me a and millions of other satisfied owners!

Some of these posts are rather "grainy" lately.

[greekbum]

The 1675 matte dial version is the most economical way to go to test your feet.Its a nice watch to own and enjoy. With all the different looks it can have you should never get tired of it. In fact you can convert it to a 2 tone with a brown or black nipple dial and then you have many options with the bezel inserts,bracelet and strap combinations that were available for various looks. As for the pepsi look not being liked Everybody has a flavor and i have found that its a desirable model and a strong seller. You cant go wrong with 1. This 1 doesn't sit unloved for long

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by greekbum

The 1675 matte dial version is the most economical way to go to test your feet.Its a nice watch to own and enjoy. With all the different looks it can have you should never get tired of it. In fact you can convert it to a 2 tone with a brown or black nipple dial and then you have many options with the bezel inserts,bracelet and strap combinations that were available for various looks. As for the pepsi look not being liked Everybody has a flavor and i have found that its a desirable model and a strong seller. You cant go wrong with 1. This 1 doesn't sit unloved for long

Wow that's a stunner Nikos. That's a chapter ring gilt, correct? Which year?

[cruvon]

Bump for more 1675 advice!

[genevewatches]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, after my first birth year 1680 red a year ago, I must admit I strayed a bit like a kid in a candy shop and much against my initial thoughts of staying srtictly with vintage Rolexes, experimenting with a few vintages from other brands( a couple of vintage Breitlings, some Accutron Spaceviews and a vintage Pierre Cardin Jaeger, all which I love) and I now think I need to add some more vintage Rolex colour to my life. And what better reference to add colour with but with a 1675:).

So for some learning, could I please have some links to the best 1675 info you might have come across. Need info on both the normal 1675 and the gilt 1675 variations, desireability, rarity, year by year variations et al.

Also still contemplating on whether I should get myself a standard 1675 first and a gilt later or go with a gilt first. Anyone here had a normal 1675 and still felt the need to update to a gilt one? All advice, suggestions, experiences welcome:). As for my knowledge currently on 1675's it's absolutely near zero so please be patient if I do ask seemingly silly questions!

Btw I placed a hold on this faded insert to start with(Note: Not the watch) so I have a bit in common with 1675 lovers already and one less thing to worry about, even if just a small part ofthe 1675 equation:), thanks Tony (learningtofly),
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=255766

What year range of the 1675 is the fat font insert normally seen on?

Fantastic insert. Dont see those too much anymore. Curious to what you paid for the insert?

I just picked up two 1675's myself. One Mark 3 (box/papers) with all red GMT hand pepsi insert. Love it. I also have a 1/63 pointed with gloss Gilt underline dial & faded pepsi insert looooove it. Went through a LONG Panerai phase for the last many years and now I am back where I started....ROLEX. First and only owned Rolex was a date-just. I am back now because I recently came into a bunch of Rolex dials & then sold most of them to a (so called) trusted dealer and then found out how bad I was "underpaid/robbed". I seen many of the dials I sold sell for 10 + times the money. I also showed a few pics of the dials (after already sold and shipped) to a different dealer and he about had a heart attack when I told him what I sold them for. The dial buyer knew I only knew the Red 1680 was valuable. Point being is ---Do your homework no matter who you buy from trusted or not. Human beings can and will let greed drive the car when the opportunity presents itself.

However since then I picked up my first three Rolex watches and those included 2 1675 GMT's. I feel happy with them and the Mrk 3 box papers was the first step back in to this Brand. I have now began doing what I should have before which is do homework and learn first like you are.

I found you can pick up a NICE Matt white for a really good price. I have seen decent watches sell for 3K with no band and 3300 with a band. This is crazy since you can part it out for a profit considering the movement can sell for 2K. Case for 1200. this leaves dial, hands, insert etc. My point is not to tear apart a nice watch but you can not lose if you did go that route. You can wear it for a year or more and get back at least what you paid and sometimes more when you pick the right watch. I do not know everything yet what makes the gilts go for what they do but I have one too.

Buy what you like but I recommend doing homework first. I think its good to find out what makes a watch more valuable even though to a noob they look the same. I started with GMT since I knew nothing of them. Good luck

By the way..the 3rd watch I just got is a 1680 white.

I posted a pic on here before but cant seem to do it again. Would show you them but need to figure that out again.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by genevewatches

Fantastic insert. Dont see those too much anymore. Curious to what you paid for the insert?

I just picked up two 1675's myself. One Mark 3 (box/papers) with all red GMT hand pepsi insert. Love it. I also have a 1/63 pointed with gloss Gilt underline dial & faded pepsi insert looooove it. Went through a LONG Panerai phase for the last many years and now I am back where I started....ROLEX. First and only owned Rolex was a date-just. I am back now because I recently came into a bunch of Rolex dials & then sold most of them to a (so called) trusted dealer and then found out how bad I was "underpaid/robbed". I seen many of the dials I sold sell for 10 + times the money. I also showed a few pics of the dials (after already sold and shipped) to a different dealer and he about had a heart attack when I told him what I sold them for. The dial buyer knew I only knew the Red 1680 was valuable. Point being is ---Do your homework no matter who you buy from trusted or not. Human beings can and will let greed drive the car when the opportunity presents itself.

However since then I picked up my first three Rolex watches and those included 2 1675 GMT's. I feel happy with them and the Mrk 3 box papers was the first step back in to this Brand. I have now began doing what I should have before which is do homework and learn first like you are.

I found you can pick up a NICE Matt white for a really good price. I have seen decent watches sell for 3K with no band and 3300 with a band. This is crazy since you can part it out for a profit considering the movement can sell for 2K. Case for 1200. this leaves dial, hands, insert etc. My point is not to tear apart a nice watch but you can not lose if you did go that route. You can wear it for a year or more and get back at least what you paid and sometimes more when you pick the right watch. I do not know everything yet what makes the gilts go for what they do but I have one too.

Buy what you like but I recommend doing homework first. I think its good to find out what makes a watch more valuable even though to a noob they look the same. I started with GMT since I knew nothing of them. Good luck

By the way..the 3rd watch I just got is a 1680 white.

I posted a pic on here before but cant seem to do it again. Would show you them but need to figure that out again.

Thanks for the advice mate. As for the insert paid the list price. Sorry to hear you got taken for a ride on dials you sold and true, patience and research goes a long way in the vintage game though is tempting to slip up on that at times:). How bad% wise was the price you got offered and sold the dials for compared to the dealer purchase price? Looking forward to see pics of your watches!

[cruvon]

A query, what years was the GMT fat font insert around on pepsi GMT's till?
In 1680's a thin font insert I think signifies a replacement insert so why does that not hold true in 1675's where I thinnk there is a thick, medium and thin font insert that are all originals or am I missing something?

[cruvon]

Bump, anyone know the answer to my above query?
Thanks

[cruvon]

Just reposting, a query, what years was the GMT fat font insert around on pepsi GMT's till?
In 1680's a thin font insert I think signifies a replacement insert. So why does that not hold true in 1675's where I think there is a thick, medium and thin font insert that are all originals, am I missing something?
Thanks

[springer]

Alright San, regarding fat font inserts, only Rolex knows for sure and they ain't talking. But based on my ownership and experience with GMT's I'd say the fat fonts were replaced during the early 1970's. It was definitely during the 1970's but I doubt anyone knows an exact year due to how Rolex released the watches which was not always according to serial numbers.

Also, with most GMT owners, it really isn't an issue. These inserts become scratched so easy that most were replaced with newer inserts decades ago. I own many GMT's and am a purist, but bezel inserts are not a big priority when I purchase a GMT.

Another thing regarding the bezel inserts is the red backs vs the blue backs. Early versions of the bezel inserts were painted red and on the later versions they were painted blue.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by springer

Alright San, regarding fat font inserts, only Rolex knows for sure and they ain't talking. But based on my ownership and experience with GMT's I'd say the fat fonts were replaced during the early 1970's. It was definitely during the 1970's but I doubt anyone knows an exact year due to how Rolex released the watches which was not always according to serial numbers.

Also, with most GMT owners, it really isn't an issue. These inserts become scratched so easy that most were replaced with newer inserts decades ago. I own many GMT's and am a purist, but bezel inserts are not a big priority when I purchase a GMT.

Another thing regarding the bezel inserts is the red backs vs the blue backs. Early versions of the bezel inserts were painted red and on the later versions they were painted blue.

Thanks for the interesting info John! Didn't know the backs of the inserts were coloured too depending on years.
Anyone happen to have a picture of the insert backs showing the red and blue backs? wWuld love to see what they look like!