From father to son

[glaipur]

This 1675 GMT Master was given to me by my father for my 12th birthday. At that time my mother thought I was too young to wear it (I was rather thin in my youth) and maybe my father could sense that I wasn’t as happy as he thought I’d be (I probably wanted to have a Walkman or whatever was trendy back then), so he took it back and stored it and gave it to me again for my 13th birthday in 1988. By then I had matured enough to act happy about receiving it. The watch was bought at an pawnshop in Hamburg, Germany somewhere around 1987-1988.

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I have been wearing this watch daily since that. The last decade I’ve traded back and forth with my fathers 1988 Submariner 168000. Actually I mostly used the Submariner during the summer months because I like the reflection of the sun in the Submariner Sapphire, but the GMT has always been my favorite and has been worn at my (or my fathers) wrist for over 7300 days. It has travelled the world with me and I have always slept with it and rarely take it off, however the last decade I have realized its value and that I need to be more careful about it so I’ve started taking it off during showers and bathes. The first time I really noticed its vintage value was when I visited an AD some years ago to ask about changing the bezel and the gentleman behing the desk drew his breath and almost shouted “what a perfect patina”. Fortunately I went to the right guy because I decided not to change anything.

Since I got it in 1988 nothing has been changed on the watch to my knowledge. I cannot say what the previous owner/owners did before me. It has been serviced since we bought it according to my father but he cannot recall when. My memory would indicate that it has been at least 15 years since the latest service. And yes, I’m planning on sending it to service without changing anything.


Serial number is 123XXXX, which would date the clock to 1966 according to Bob’s Watches Date Look Up Tool & Chart. This should be right when the transition from gilt to matte occurred for these and also around that time the GMT hand shifted to a large one.

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Bracelets
I have a rolled oval U.S.A Jubilee bracelet without model number and with end link codes 555. No more marks other than Rolex logo and the coronet that sticks off the end of the clasp. The bracelet is well stretched as you can see on the photos.
The watch also came with a later Oyster Bracelet 93150 with end links 501 B. The clasp is marked K12 which would date the bracelet to December 1986.

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Case
Reference and serial number are clearly visible between the lugs. Small dings and signs of usage but what I think is an unpolished case with nice chamfers that go all the way around to the guards.

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Box and papers
There is a box stating Montres Rolex S.A. Geneve Switzerland 10.00.01. I have vague memories of an outer box but this must have been lost during the years or stuffed away in the cellar or something. I also remember some tags but I can’t manage to find them either. I have asked my father about this but he is old and his memories are not what they used to be.
1 Booklet green holder but sadly without papers.
1 Green Velvet travel pouch.

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Date wheel:
Round 3
Closed 6
Closed 9
Hooked 7

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I would like to learn more about this particular example and thought I would reach out to all experts here on the forum. I’d appreciate all information and thoughts you might have on this.
Some questions I haven’t been able to find out:

1. Original dial? My guess is that this is a later MK4 dial, is that correct?
2. If not original, what mark should it be?
3. Short minute hand but is it original hands?
4. Did the GMT hand fall off or age dark?
5. Is there any way to date an USA Jubilee bracelet without model number?
6. Later end links on the Jubilee?
7. Original box?
8. Can someone help me find the papers=)
9. Anything else that you experts might think about? Please enlighten me.

Hopefully this one will be passed down to one of my sons one day. Unlike my father this will probably be after my death, because I don’t think I could be without this one.

[watchcrank]

1.2 million should have a non chapter gilt dial, the date stamp inside the case back will help date.
Still has the small arrow hand and is period. Can't tell if other hands have been replaced or re lumed. Insert is later replacement.
The bracelet is probably later replacement and may have come on an oyster. The original jubilee end links would have perhaps been unmarked or have 55's rather than the newer 555.
Box may be close to year, there is a code on bottom of box that will help date.
You can not get Certificates or paperwork other than a service repair paper from RSC.
I am sure more can be discussed as others chime in.

[TheGRman]

What a fantastic history you've been through with your watch! How very unique and personal is your story. Not an expert on any of your questions, but I enjoyed reading your post very much... thanks for sharing.

[Bxtek]

Thanks for sharing your story and also for the fantastic pictures! That is a beautiful watch you have, and an even more beautiful story to go along with it! Just like TheGRman, I am no expert either and I am sorry that I am unable to help with your questions. I also enjoyed reading your post very much too though! I love reading ones like this!

[rumjungl]

This site will be of use for your research:

https://gmtmaster1675.com/

[Wahlberg]

Love the first picture. I would love to wear this.

[Avav1]

gorgeous watch, i hope you pass it down to someone some day...

[henrylee]

What a beautiful watch and great story/history. I hope your sons appreciate it as much as you and your father!

[linesiders]

Great story & history! Live it, love it, and never trade it away ; )

[andrewjb88]

brilliant story! get it serviced and enjoy some more.

[strafer_kid]

Great story and great watch!

[glaipur]

It is now being serviced.

[tekno]

Originally Posted by glaipur

It is now being serviced.

Awesome watch! Even cooler its your dad’s.


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[twnturbo]

Great pics & watch

[CPRWATCH]

Great story & great watch , I don't know enough about the reference to give expert comments . But I know I would happily wear your watch as is

[GADNYC]

Who says nothing good comes from a pawn shop in Hamburg! What a great story, so nice that you and your father can share this together.

[glaipur]

10 weeks and €1400 later it is back from service, with 13 non visible parts exchanged.

[glaipur]

Well, the glass is visible I guess

[BigBlue1]

Looks great.

[Rolexlover92]

So Awesome!! Love that it’s your fathers watch! I too have my fathers Rolex Datejust. Who is doing the service on the GMT? Rolex Service Center?

[glaipur]

Not RSC. Official Rolex retailer.

[Mark020]

That is the same