My First Vintage Rolex - GMT 1675 - Advice Needed

[miskalachi]

Hi all,

Newbie to the forum here!

I've recently decided that I'm going to make my first vintage Rolex purchase, a 1675 GMT to be precise.

I've been doing as much research as possible over the past 6 to 8 weeks and quickly realised how much of a minefield it is. I've contacted multiple sellers on Chrono24 and other online dealers, some giving me reasonable detail of the watch for sale, others not and I've come away deflated with the whole process - I feel most just want to make the quickest sale possible.

So I've come on here seeking some general advice on things like;

- What GMT should I be seeking i.e. Long E, Gilt, Radial ?
- Does it need boxes and papers?
- Should it be recently serviced?
- What parts should ideally be original?
- What year(s) should I aim for i.e. 60's, 70's, 80's ?
- Does anyone know any trusted dealers / sellers in the U.K or Europe ?

Any help at this stage is really appreciated.

Cheers

[JasonBetts]

Hi Miska. I'm new in this vintage minefield also. I used to be like you in the beginning, setting which watch to hunt and in what certain conditions I'll have to stick with. Unfortunately, in my case, it doesn't work that way. From where I come from, good vintage rolex is really rarely on offer locally. We have no or risky access on buying and sending from overseas due to complicated Customs that can set you back thousands of $ importing luxurious watches. Not to mention it could be lost or damaged en route.

So what I did was to have my options wide open, searching for any vintage pieces that may be available within budget and work backwork from there.

In other words, you don't find the watch but it finds you and you'll have to figure out whether the plus and minuses work out for you. I'm learning there will never be the perfect vintage. Maybe there is out there, if money is not an issue for you.

So to conclude, I was searching for months for the perfect birth year 1675, but ended up on a nicer and better 16750


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[Sidmind]

I thnk all those answers depend on your budget.
- Which model, each little option apart from the norm just adds cost but does it make you happier?
- Box, Papers, adds value and more money but does little since you cant wear them.
- Serviced, once again budget for it regardless, don't always trust someone saying its been serviced without proof.
- ALL parts should be original, anything that is not will just cost you money to replace after the fact. the question is can you tell if it is all original?
- Older more money
- no idea on dealers in the UK

[Amex4711]

Originally Posted by miskalachi

Hi all,

Newbie to the forum here!

I've recently decided that I'm going to make my first vintage Rolex purchase, a 1675 GMT to be precise.

I've been doing as much research as possible over the past 6 to 8 weeks and quickly realised how much of a minefield it is. I've contacted multiple sellers on Chrono24 and other online dealers, some giving me reasonable detail of the watch for sale, others not and I've come away deflated with the whole process - I feel most just want to make the quickest sale possible.

So I've come on here seeking some general advice on things like;

- What GMT should I be seeking i.e. Long E, Gilt, Radial ?
- Does it need boxes and papers?
- Should it be recently serviced?
- What parts should ideally be original?
- What year(s) should I aim for i.e. 60's, 70's, 80's ?
- Does anyone know any trusted dealers / sellers in the U.K or Europe ?

Any help at this stage is really appreciated.

Cheers

Hi,
I've been doing research for nearly 12 months to find my perfect GMT1675gilt and it was like to learn for exam
There are a few vintage professional and private sellers in germany but without help it's very difficult to find your watch.

[Sky21]

Originally Posted by miskalachi

Hi all,

Newbie to the forum here!

I've recently decided that I'm going to make my first vintage Rolex purchase, a 1675 GMT to be precise.

I've been doing as much research as possible over the past 6 to 8 weeks and quickly realised how much of a minefield it is. I've contacted multiple sellers on Chrono24 and other online dealers, some giving me reasonable detail of the watch for sale, others not and I've come away deflated with the whole process - I feel most just want to make the quickest sale possible.

So I've come on here seeking some general advice on things like;

- What GMT should I be seeking i.e. Long E, Gilt, Radial ?
- Does it need boxes and papers?
- Should it be recently serviced?
- What parts should ideally be original?
- What year(s) should I aim for i.e. 60's, 70's, 80's ?
- Does anyone know any trusted dealers / sellers in the U.K or Europe ?

Any help at this stage is really appreciated.

Cheers

Contact Lee Fowler, he is a U.K. based member here who is very knowledgeable on GMTs. He should be able to steer you in the right direction. Good luck with your search.

[lee fowler]

I would indeed be very happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding a purchase.

Lee

[roh123]

Decide on what era of GMTs you like the most and find one in the best condition possible. If you have a limited budget; find a model that fits it and again look for mint condition. Perfect watches are pricey but long term they will be much better deals than average or bad ones.

Good luck!

[1675-David]

X2 what Per said and I assume you've already read this thread, it's invaluable!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=353899

[Amex4711]

for me the main reason is "buy the seller"

[miskalachi]

Thanks for all your initial responses guys. Glad there is help out there!

I understand I might not get 'a perfect' example but I'd like to try my hardest to find the best one out there for my budget.

I've sent you a PM Lee, hope to hear from you soon.

[Dan_lie]

Before I bought, I was reading a lot about different dials and making sure everything was period correct and not franken or service.

I think the dial and case condition are the most important.

As previously said, better to spend a little more for a good example.


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[suligeo]

Your decision for a 1675 is very good.
Here is one of mine, maybe I let go soon

[ras47]

For comparison, here's my GMT2 with a new bezel insert.
Beside the patina, the only major external difference seems to be the addition of the cyclops.

[rootbeer7]

Definitely Long E!

[wkimmd]

Originally Posted by suligeo

Your decision for a 1675 is very good.
Here is one of mine, maybe I let go soon

uhh, if you are letting that one go- dibs!