Rolex GMT-Master 1675 - ‘MK1’ Black Matte Dial - ‘Pepsi’ Bezel

The GMT-Master has been a cornerstone of Rolex's collection since its debut in 1954. Developed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways, it was created in response to the rapid expansion of the aviation industry during the 1950s. As long-distance air travel became increasingly common, pilots and crew required a reliable instrument to track multiple time zones simultaneously. Rolex met this need with the now-iconic GMT-Master. Its defining feature, a rotating 24-hour bezel paired with a fourth hand completing one full rotation every 24 hours, allowed users to easily read two time zones at once. This groundbreaking functionality established the GMT-Master as an essential tool for professional aviators and a pioneering innovation in travel watches. A major evolution arrived in 1959 with the introduction of reference 1675, which succeeded the original 6542. The new model brought significant updates, including crown guards, a more robust case, and an upgraded movement. Remaining in production for over two decades, the 1675 became one of the longest-running and most celebrated references in the GMT-Master lineage. Among the many dial variations of this legendary reference, the 'Long E', also known as the MK1, stands out as one of the rarest and most highly collectible. This first-series matte dial earns its nickname from the distinctive typography of the Rolex signature: the central bar of the letter 'E' in ROLEX is noticeably elongated compared with later executions. Dating to 1972, the present example features one of these highly desirable MK1 dials, complemented by the iconic, here subtly faded, 'Pepsi' bezel, and paired with the more refined bracelet configuration: the Jubilee. With its unmistakable aesthetics, historical significance, and rare dial variant, the Rolex GMT-Master 1675 'Long E' is regarded as a true grail among collectors, celebrated for its timeless appeal and enduring legacy in the world of horology. This timepiece represents a particularly fine example, preserved in excellent condition, and perfectly embodies all the qualities that make both the variation and the reference so highly sought after.