Vietnam War GMT 1675 serial number date verification

[warpath]

Vietnam War GMT 1675 serial number date verification Request...I have been offered a GMT the owner purchased in 1969 on R&R while serving in Vietnam, serial number 2035xxx...After checking several databases none seem to agree...I have found ranges from 1966 to 1969. Any help verifying the approximate is appreciated. Thanks.

Ed

[Kingface66]

That sounds about right. And while all databases vary somewhat, some are off by YEARS.
Stick to this one here

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362

[Tools]

You're in luck... A GMT of that era would have the date stamped inside the case back if it is original

[warpath]

He has not removed the back

[Wiener48]

Show us pics from your Vietnam GMT.

Here is a special thread about mine https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=590688

[Tools]

Originally Posted by warpath

He has not removed the back

Dating by serial number is not an exact science, but rather a good guess.

I would say that it is a '67, plus or minus a year or two.

[Floorguy]

I use QualityTyme. They put it at ‘68 ‘69

[warpath]

It's not mine yet.

[springer]

203XXXX based on my case back data document would normally have a 1968 case back. Try this thread:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=350245

Personally, I prefer the case back as a dating tool, much more so than individual charts.

With a 1968 case back, my best guess would be the watch was sold new during late 1969 or 1970.

[Dan S]

Nice-looking watch, regardless of the year. Very plausible that it was purchased in 1969. It looks like the bracelet will need some restoration.

[vintagewatch]

This 1675 has a 201XXXX serial number and looks pretty similar for reference.

[Woody]

Looks like a nice original watch to me - if you decide to go for it then please post some pictures and share with us the backstory.

[benzng]

Mmmm rivet bracelet. my favorite

[VintageVagabound]

Originally Posted by warpath

Vietnam War GMT 1675 serial number date verification Request...I have been offered a GMT the owner purchased in 1969 on R&R while serving in Vietnam, serial number 2035xxx...After checking several databases none seem to agree...I have found ranges from 1966 to 1969. Any help verifying the approximate is appreciated. Thanks.

Ed

I’m not sure I understand the “Vietnam War” provenance. Is the original buyer selling to you? If so why is the date so important? Wouldn’t the original owner know when they bought it? If it is somebody else selling it saying that the previous owner bought it on R&R (Philippines?) in 1969 then I can understand trying to do some due diligence. Either way war time watches have a difficult provenance to prove unless there is a picture of the owner wearing it in the combat zone. Otherwise it’s just a nice 1675 which is all that really matters. I wouldn’t add any value to the history of the watch unless it can be proven. Just make sure you’re paying the going rate for 1675s and nothing more

[warpath]

This watch has provenance from the original owner who wore it throughout his long military career.

[warpath]

More images

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by warpath

This watch has provenance from the original owner who wore it throughout his long military career.

It's a nice watch and I would buy it, but IMO, this does not add significant value. Think about it. If you sell the watch someday, a buyer won't care at all about your unverifiable claim that the previous owner wore it throughout his military career.

[kwcsports]

Cool watch, I'd buy it.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It's a nice watch and I would buy it, but IMO, this does not add significant value. Think about it. If you sell the watch someday, a buyer won't care at all about your unverifiable claim that the previous owner wore it throughout his military career.

I agree with Dan. This is a beautiful watch of course. The story is great, but without documentation it’s just a story. Similar to the 6549 I bought, the daughter claimed the father first wore it in trenches in the military, but then chose to buy the exact same model in stainless which he ultimately did as he felt stainless would wear a beaten better. It doesn’t add any value to watch, just a cool story to pass down. Still a beautiful watch regardless and I would jump all over it if I wore you.

Good luck

John

[warpath]

Thanks for the comment. The provenance from the original owner with this watch is substantial and I don't mind sharing that privately. The watch isn't for sale, but when/if it is that material will be available, of course.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by warpath

Thanks for the comment. The provenance from the original owner with this watch is substantial and I don't mind sharing that privately. The watch isn't for sale, but when/if it is that material will be available, of course.

Your welcome.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by warpath

Thanks for the comment. The provenance from the original owner with this watch is substantial and I don't mind sharing that privately. The watch isn't for sale, but when/if it is that material will be available, of course.

I didn't realize you had documentation. That will probably add some value for the right buyer, especially if you have the original receipt/invoice.

Funny that you say the watch isn't for sale, since your very first post suggested that it was for sale. Or at least you said it had been "offered" to you. Perhaps you meant that it was being offered as a gift.

[warpath]

The watch was offered for sale and my initial post was intended to verify the date associated with the serial number. It isn't wise to post every detail of a potential transaction while trying to research a potential purchase. I do appreciate positive input. Trying to share an interesting watch with a solid history is all I mean to do here. As I said, privately I'll gladly share more details and history. I specialize in historical military artifacts and watches with a solid history are always a bonus.

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I didn't realize you had documentation. That will probably add some value for the right buyer, especially if you have the original receipt/invoice.

Funny that you say the watch isn't for sale, since your very first post suggested that it was for sale. Or at least you said it had been "offered" to you. Perhaps you meant that it was being offered as a gift.

I was confused as well Dan. It is being offered to him/her. Then if it is for sale the provenonce will be provided. Anyway he/she gets it, its an awesome watch with or without proof.

[springer]

Originally Posted by warpath

The watch was offered for sale and my initial post was intended to verify the date associated with the serial number. It isn't wise to post every detail of a potential transaction while trying to research a potential purchase. I do appreciate positive input. Trying to share an interesting watch with a solid history is all I mean to do here. As I said, privately I'll gladly share more details and history. I specialize in historical military artifacts and watches with a solid history are always a bonus.

As a Vietnam era veteran (U.S. Army from 72-74), I, like you, enjoy collecting some militaria myself every now-and-then. I haven't collected but a couple watches but my favorite is my GMT 1675 set sold during Jan/1972 and complete with the original Bangkok PX purchase receipts and the custom airborne Olongapo bracelet which were normally made by craftsman located at Subic Bay, Philippines.

[AmberVictor]

wow

[warpath]

Killer set

[SunTzu]

That is awesome! Phenomenal ensemble.

[springer]

Originally Posted by SunTzu

That is awesome! Phenomenal ensemble.

Thanks...and my sentiments exactly when I found it. The box set I found interesting since it wasn't one that I have seen before.

[GrandCanyon]

What a great find. Springer, I have learned a great deal about the GMT model from you on this forum. As an original owner of a 'serviced' 1981 16750, I appreciate the history and technical information you and others have shared about the GMT.