38 Rolex Nice and Beautiful GMT-Master “Cornino” “Freccino” Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Reference 1675, With Black Gilt Dial Turning Tropical Brown, Date, Bracelet and Service

Estimate: €18,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: GMT-Master
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 1675
Year: 1960
Case N°: 625890
Caliber: 1560
Movement type: Automatic
Bracelet: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 40 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement

At the beginning of the ’50s, the famous airline company Pan Am was looking for a small instrument which could allow the pilots to keep track of time in two locations. It is said that “necessity is the mother of inventions”, and this needs to which Pan Am sought to find an answer was satisfied by the usual and unsurpassed genius of Rolex, in the wake of the incredible success of the tool-watches that they started producing in the middle of the 20th century. In 1954, therefore, was presented the first GMT model, Reference 6542 with its immediately recognizable bakelite bezel insert with the twenty-four hour markings printed on its underside. Only 5 years later, in light of the success of this model, the reference 1675 was presented, which remained in production until 1980 and which had significant and important modifications able to solve some flaws of the previous model. First of all the bakelite ring, which tended to crack, was replaced with a more resistant steel ring and were also added the crown guards. The lot offered here is a beautiful specimen of 1675 with special features: the stainless steel case is in great conditions with a well preserved chapter ring and very attractive gilt printing. The rarity of this timepiece is further enhanced by the presence of pointed crown guards, nicknamed “cornino”, as well as the original small arrow tip of the 24 hour hand, usually changed to the later version during services. This watch definitely lavish, together with the appealing feature just described, is also equipped with the always fascinating stainless steel Oyster riveted bracelet.