Humbly asking for opinions and advice on my first Rolex vintage (GMT 1675)

[Sam Crow]

Hey guys,

Thinking with my heart and not my brain, I bought this 1675 (circa 1978) locally for ~5200 USD, no box and papers (well, got a Rolex service box). It was an impulse buy as the condition looked pretty good to me and I thought the price was decent, but I hadn't done too much research before hand. I just knew some basics, acrylic crystal, matte dial, tritium, hacking, no quick set date, etc...

I would really appreciate if I could get your thoughts on my watch, what may not be original, did I get robbed, bracelet stretch is good/bad (my first jubilee), etc... Please be critical and don't hold back.

As well, I'd like to use it as a daily wearer as I like to wear my watches, and right off the bat I was thinking of replacing the crystal as there is a ding at 6:30 and the cyclops is distorted over the 10s digit. Perhaps also an aftermarket jubilee for daily wear. From what I've read, I may be better off to skip the RSC in favour for an independant watchmaker (thinking Shane Ede) Opinions?

Hopefully, the pics tell you all you need to know...

cheers,
Rob


Bracelet stretch acceptable?





Dial and hands look pretty good to my untrained eye, but are they original? Distortion of cyclops from polishing?


Silver date wheel.







If I'm not mistaken, this serial places it at 1978.





I believe the bracelet and end pieces are correct for this model. The clasp pin is a bit loose.

[lhanddds]

First, congrats on your watch. I think the GMT is very versatile (jubilees, oysters, Natos, faded or new bezels). They are my favorite. The case looks nice. I wouldn't worry about the jubilee right off. You can have MY restore it and wear it on a Nato for a while when you are ready. Might be a service insert, but not sure. Congrats again, the vintage world is addictive.


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[TimeToGo]

Not bad of an acquisition for not knowing what you were doing. You did well!

The dial, Mk-5 is appropriate for the year of production. Get the movement looked at, check the timing, and get it pressure tested.

The bracelet, I-code, is for a mid 80's watch. No biggie.

While the insert may not be original to the watch, it is not a thin font/service. Nice colors!

Congrats!

[RC2]

😀👌

[Sam Crow]

Thanks for the comments guys. After buying the watch, then delving into this sub forum, I realized how little I knew about vintage. Wasn't sure if I should be congratulated or laughed at.

I actually like the jubilee, very light and comfy - but wasn't sure if the stretch looked silly or normal.

Any reason for me not to replace the crystal? The dent at 6:30 and cyclops distortion is a bit bothersome.

Finally, should I worry about tritium flaking and should I do something proactive about it, like getting the pots/hands sealed (if there is such a thing?)

[MitchSteel]

Id get the hands sealed when you take it in For service.
Shane is very respectable.Also Al Jensky ( Archer), both are very good, and very reasonable.
Send the Jubilee out to Michael Young, he'll make it new again, and you're good to go for many years to come.

Congrats

[omitohud]

U did good. Nowadays it's a good price even just for the head only. As mentioned get the bracelet refurbished. Not aftermarket though as it cheapens the watch IMO.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[brandrea]

Congrats on your first vintage piece. Chonger at Dimiani is also excellent for service. I just got my 5513 back from there last week

[springer]

Looks like the watch might have been to the RSC in the past. Decent price with the replaced parts to include the hands, insert and bracelet.

I would not recommend you do anything to the hands since they appear to have been replaced already - there is nothing wrong with them based on the photos.

[Sam Crow]

Thanks a lot guys. I didn't even consider getting the bracelet reconditioned but it seems to be the no-brainer choice here. Seems I have a few choices for local watchmakers for service, new crystal and whatnot, will look more into each one.

I've always loved the look of plastic since owning my pre-moon Speedy Pro for quite a few years. But finally having it on a Rolex, is really quite nice. That, with the jubilee even with stretch, is quite a hypnotic combo to me - I can't seem to quite capture it in pictures, will keep trying though.

[harry in montreal]

I like that watch man
The band is nice. I like the little 50's on the last link underside. This differentiated the jubi between the Gmt and the other models. The crystal will get scratched to hell over time. Enjoy it as is. I don't ever swim w mine. I am afraid of killing the nice matte dial

[Sam Crow]

Thanks Harry, I didn't even notice the 50s, so much to learn. ..

I had hoped to be able to swim with this watch too, but it seems not worth the risk.

[ADINVA]

Congrats on this new purchase. I think it is a good price given the conditions based on the photos. Servicing for vintage watches at RSC are not cheap. I believe you did not overpay this watch. Great catch!

The case does not appear over polished either. Nice watch!

[Jonnyred72]

Originally Posted by springer

Looks like the watch might have been to the RSC in the past. Decent price with the replaced parts to include the hands, insert and bracelet.

I would not recommend you do anything to the hands since they appear to have been replaced already - there is nothing wrong with them based on the photos.

I agree- Get a new acrylic and water test done, Bracelet to MY, and it should last you many good years! Congrats!

[harry in montreal]

The 50s make it an unusual part and makes me think it was taken care of. Harry

[Matt748]

I think it looks great,
Really good choice and really nice condition.
If your happy with it then enjoy it, it's a great piece.

[watchcrank]

Very nice example for a dally wear. Easy to change up the insert and bracelet or strap.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by springer

Looks like the watch might have been to the RSC in the past. Decent price with the replaced parts to include the hands, insert and bracelet.

I would not recommend you do anything to the hands since they appear to have been replaced already - there is nothing wrong with them based on the photos.

x2. I think you did very well. Prices for 1675s have been going up a lot recently. I haven't seen this price range for ANY 1675 in the last few months, especially not for one that looks as good as the one you bought. Congrats!

[mineral]

Nice 1675. Congrats.

[harry in montreal]

Considering the price of a new GMT, I rather have a 1675.

[Sam Crow]

Thanks guys, I'm feeling much more reassured about my impulse buy now. I will likely send the bracelet off to Michael Young, and I'm already looking at alternative bracelets/straps to hold me over in the meantime.

I'm a bit concerned though that the bracelet may no longer fit me after being tightened. It only has 18 links (3 with screws). The only real latitude I have is in the clasp adjustment, currently the bracelet pin is in the 4th hole (approx 1 cm in).

Otherwise, like some of you mentioned, it may have been to the RSC already and so I'll just look for a crystal replacement and pressure check for now - probably Chonger at Damiani (as brandrea suggested) since he's local. I'll ask for his opinion on whether service is required as well.

Only the second day with this watch and it's running 5 seconds slow which is pretty good I think.

Thanks again guys, really appreciate the info and advice. I'm not a flipper, so I'll try my best to take good care of it and wear it long term.

[Zoran]

Nice catch Rob, you did very well
I agree with many of the guys here. Replace the crystal (so you have a perfect view on that nice dial and hands) and get it pressure tested.
I wouldn't change anything else, but enjoy it as is. If you really feel the bracelet is too loose, have it tightened. I am sure you can score some extra links for that bracelet in case it becomes too small.

Enjoy!

[Sam Crow]

Thanks Zoran.

So just an update, I'm pretty much following the advice you guys gave me. I dropped my watch off with Chonger at the Damiani AD/RSC, because he seemed to be favoured by various Canadian vintage Rolex owners here. The Canada RSC at St. Clair is actually much closer to me, but I also hear they probably wouldn't touch this watch anymore.

Chonger looked over my watch and took the time to explain and show me what needed to be done. He also did confirm that the watch was in fact last serviced by Rolex in 1997. So basically, I'm getting the full service done and he knows from a collector point of view what not to replace, dial, etc.... Actually, he was aware of the tritium hand sealing procedure and said he would include that in the service. Overall, it's not going to be cheap, but I feel good about it and I plan this watch to be a keeper. I asked Chonger to leave the bracelet with me.

I contacted Michael Young and he gave me the go ahead to send the bracelet. I'm still thinking about it. The stretch didn't actually bother me too much, and it was quite comfy and light. But then, coming from oysters, I'm not familiar with how a tight linked jubilee should feel like. I am a bit worried after he's done it may be too short and I would have to get more links. Anyway, I took a pic for posterity in case I go ahead with it. As you can see, I'm using the 4th hole in the clasp adjustment.

[Chunky]

Originally Posted by Sam Crow

Thanks guys, I'm feeling much more reassured about my impulse buy now. I will likely send the bracelet off to Michael Young, and I'm already looking at alternative bracelets/straps to hold me over in the meantime.

I'm a bit concerned though that the bracelet may no longer fit me after being tightened. It only has 18 links (3 with screws). The only real latitude I have is in the clasp adjustment, currently the bracelet pin is in the 4th hole (approx 1 cm in).

Otherwise, like some of you mentioned, it may have been to the RSC already and so I'll just look for a crystal replacement and pressure check for now - probably Chonger at Damiani (as brandrea suggested) since he's local. I'll ask for his opinion on whether service is required as well.

Only the second day with this watch and it's running 5 seconds slow which is pretty good I think.

Thanks again guys, really appreciate the info and advice. I'm not a flipper, so I'll try my best to take good care of it and wear it long term.

Hi rob, very nice watch. I am also considering seeking out Chonger concerning service and an acrylic replacement for my 1680 red. Can you give me an idea what his estimate was to service your GMT?

[Sam Crow]

Originally Posted by Chunky

Hi rob, very nice watch. I am also considering seeking out Chonger concerning service and an acrylic replacement for my 1680 red. Can you give me an idea what his estimate was to service your GMT?

Hi Charles, will send you a pm.

[roll9]

Great looking GMT. Congrats.

[Robbyvm]

Nice looking GMT, it is a great reference indeed !!
you did well losing your Rolexvintagevirginity

[strafer_kid]

Very nice 1675 - has got to be one of the best Rolex ever turned out! Enjoy!

[Charlie3755]

Congrats on the watch.

If would ask MY if he could add a couple of links for you. I did not need links for mine but he did replace all the screw pins at my request.

It took 3 weeks for USPS to get the bracelet to MY. While he asked for 6-8 weeks to turn it around. He had it done in 2 weeks.

Before



After




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[Sam Crow]

Originally Posted by roll9

Great looking GMT. Congrats.

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Very nice 1675 - has got to be one of the best Rolex ever turned out! Enjoy!

Thanks guys!

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

Nice looking GMT, it is a great reference indeed !!
you did well losing your Rolexvintagevirginity

LOL, I was nervous at first, but it hurt so good. Still feeling it a bit...

Originally Posted by Charlie3755

Congrats on the watch.

If would ask MY if he could add a couple of links for you. I did not need links for mine but he did replace all the screw pins at my request.

It took 3 weeks for USPS to get the bracelet to MY. While he asked for 6-8 weeks to turn it around. He had it done in 2 weeks.

Before



After




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That looks amazing! I actually just sent mine out to MY today, but I didn't even think to ask him to add more links. I'll send him a quick email, hopefully he can do it. I went with Canada Xpresspost, so he should get it in 5 business days.

Now the waiting game begins. I miss my GMT! I'm keeping myself busy looking into vintage DJs now...