1675 questions - Loose bezel, Bracelet wear, Price

[Christian B]

Hi everyone,

I have been offered a 1977-vintage GMT-Master (serial 546xxxx). It has had one owner, who wore it regularly. It has recently been fully serviced by the local Rolex service centre. Price is the equivalent of 5,000 US$.

I have three concerns/questions:

1. The bezel feels quite loose. Not having had experience with non-ratcheting bezels, I'm unsure how big an issue it is. It does not turn freely, but rather feels as if it would turn from rubbing against clothes etc. Can this be remedied easily, by changing or modifying the friction ring? The bezel does not feel "worn", as in lateral play, but simply turns too easily for my liking. The watchmaker says "can be adjusted."

2. The bracelet has some stretch. Of course, this is to be expected. The watchmaker says that it is 30% worn/stretched. It feels okay to me, but tighter would be nicer, naturally. Is this degree of stretching acceptable/normal given its age? Should I budget for a new/NOS/slightly worn bracelet?

3. The price seems somewhat high to me, but I have not made a counter-offer yet. I do take into account that the parts are all original. (I spoke with the Rolex watchmaker.) I get a 2 year guarantee. The dial is original. Case has been expertly, carefully polished. (unpolished would have been nicer.) No visible corrosion on hands. Very slight unevenness/graininess on hands-lume. So, basically, for this price, I get a nice, risk-free 1675. No shipping required, no insurance, no import duties. Is the price fair?

I attach two pictures that have been snapped with a cellphone. My apologies for the lack of close-up detail; my phone struggles with macro photography.

Your opinons will be much appreciated.

Thank you!
Christian

PS. There are two small scratches on the bezel at 14:00 and 22:00.

[Submarino]

It would be helpful to see some shots of the bracelet (sideways) to appreciate the stretch. I have some additional questions in order to be able to help. Is the watch coming with box and papers? The patina on hands matches the dial? Are you buying from the original owner?

[sierra11b]

I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure the bezel can be fixed relatively easy.

I want to say that's a Mk4 dial based on the 3 lines which would be correct for the serial. Would need more pictures but the lugs look strong still. Hands seem lighter tritium but that doesn't mean it's not original to the watch.

I'm on the fence with the price, though... It's a nice later serial Matte and if all is original I'd say it's a fair price, not great but certainly worth considering. Bring cash in hand and see what happens.

I will say that in my quest for the perfect 1675 that prices are really all over the board for this reference, especially in the last few months it seems. Sometimes a nice all original creamy dialed MkII pops-up for $4.5k and the next week it's an over polished early serial with service replacement dial and luminova hands for 5.5K+

[toph]

That is definitly original dial, MK4 from 77-79 approx and fits serial.
looks all good. without box and papers a i would $4500 maximum on this. GMT's are going up and up these days.

[Christian B]

Thank you very much for your input. Much appreciated

The watch is 'n a neighbouring city, and I'll take a proper camera along should I go to inspect it again. I'll remember to document the strech in all future watches. The original box is included, but without original paperwork. New paperwork will be issued by the RSC. I have the option to pay the owner direct, or pay the watchmaker at the RSC, who has the 1675 in a display case along with other vintage for-sale watches.

I inspected the dial and hands through a loupe, and think that the patina colour-match between hands and dial is quite close.

My feeling is that $4000 to $4500 is a reasonable price. I'm thinking about waiting for a 1675/16750 with a tighter bracelet, and unpolished case. As is, albeit with a tightened bezel, this specific 1675 is about a 8.9/10 for me.

Have a good weekend all!