GMT-Master 1675 Q's - aftermarket acrylic crystal + finish??

[achova]

I picked up a Rolex GMT-Master 1675 that's got some odd characteristics. For starters it is an early 70's #4228XXX with a hacking movement. It is reported to have been serviced in the past 10 years then set aside. It keeps good time and generally seems sound.

It is not without some red-flags.

• The crystal cyclops appears <2.5x;
• ~1983 Submariner bracelet 93150 / 580;
• Highly polished (or plated) bracelet;
• Case lugs have dimpled finish - almost like nickel plate.

I trust it is authentic based on the dial, movement characteristics, crown, serial and case reference numbers (+ engraving quality). But am wondering if the group agrees about the magnification and have seen an aftermarket acrylic crystal like this. Insight on the case lug finish would also be greatly appreciated - thanks!

1675 with greater magnification


More photos or the subject watch

[greekbum]

Somebody did a bad job refinishing the bracelet and case.It looks like the polished it and than tried to get a brushed finish. It can be fixed easily.That came on a variety of different bracelets.That is a latter model.

[agw2872]

Can't believe how badly it has been finished, who on Earth would high polish an oyster b/let like that.....I could sort that out in 30mins

[SLS]

You have two different GMT's in your post...was the second for comparison?
You may have an aftermarket date wheel or crystal...hard to tell.
Scott

[achova]

Originally Posted by SLS

You have two different GMT's in your post...was the second for comparison?
You may have an aftermarket date wheel or crystal...hard to tell.
Scott

Yes - the second 1675 is for comparison - to illustrate the difference in magnification. I agree about the horrible refinish job. In looking at this more closely, I think a prior owner took a buffing wheel to the crystal and simply removed enough material from the cyclops to affect magnification. The date wheel is steel (not white) and appears original.

I have the GMT scheduled into a local AD for a new crystal first thing next week and will let them clean up the case a little. In the mean time, I have it on a NATO strap to spare me the discomfort of looking at that bracelet...

OLD CRYSTAL


NEW CRYSTAL (different 1675)

[greekbum]

The dial, hands, and silver date wheel all look from that era and might be original to the watch.I would only have someone that knows what they are doing put the correct finish on the case.If you are not sure ask to see some of there work prior.You dont want any more metal removed from those lugs etc.The watch should come out excellent if they know what they are doing. Nice find

[Tools]

Unless that's a really great price, I might look for a better example......

[achova]

Originally Posted by greekbum

The dial, hands, and silver date wheel all look from that era and might be original to the watch.I would only have someone that knows what they are doing put the correct finish on the case.If you are not sure ask to see some of there work prior.You dont want any more metal removed from those lugs etc.The watch should come out excellent if they know what they are doing. Nice find

Thanks for the comments. I'll get it into shape over the next couple weeks and will try to avoid having too much material removed from the case/lugs....

Originally Posted by Tools

Unless that's a really great price, I might look for a better example......

I purchased it yesterday for a pretty fair price (maybe even a great price). Lots of interesting items coming out of the woodwork in this economy...

[Tools]

Good for you........


You can do wonders with the case just by popping off the bezel and following one of Jocke's great tutorials......

I wouldn't be able to pass up a great rescue..

[achova]

Originally Posted by Tools

Good for you........


You can do wonders with the case just by popping off the bezel and following one of Jocke's great tutorials......

I wouldn't be able to pass up a great rescue..

Thanks for the prod. - I was thinking about that and this will be a pretty low-risk one to try it out on. I'll take a crack at it before I take it to the AD. Now, if I win that 78360 bracelet on eBxy, I'll be in business...

[YuppieKid]

I'd venture to say that:

1. The dial is a Rolex Service Center replacement
2. The bracelet is not the original one for that model of GMT Master
3. Hacking movement? I don't recall my 1675 ever hacking (someone chime in and correct me if I'm wrong).

Here's the 1675 that I used to own ...

[achova]

Originally Posted by YuppieKid

I'd venture to say that:

1. The dial is a Rolex Service Center replacement
2. The bracelet is not the original one for that model of GMT Master
3. Hacking movement? I don't recall my 1675 ever hacking (someone chime in and correct me if I'm wrong).

Thanks for the comments.

1) Yes - the bracelet is not at all original - wrong date-stamp, wrong model, and wrong FINISH!!

2) I've had (and currently have) a few vintage sports Rolex with RSC replacement dials however I don't see any indication that that is the case here. What indicates this may be a replacement?

3) Hacking was introduced in the GMT 1675 with 1575 mvt. in the early 70's. I've specifically seen reference to 1971 - 1972.

Here are a couple threads on the subject:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=1185363
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=26270
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=33617

http://gmtmasterhistory.com/gmt-master_ref_1675.html

Ref. 1675 (/0)
Production Period: 1959-1980
Model Name: GMT Master
Caliber:

* 1565 (1959-1964) 18000A/h
* 1575 (1965-1980) 19600A/h (hacking introduced 1971)

Pressure proof to 50m/165ft
Bracelet: Oyster 78360, Jubilé 62510
Glass: Acrylic crystal
Indexes: Tritium

[greekbum]

I think the dial is correct for a 4xxx case.The hands look like a good match as well.Movement is right for a 4xxxx.Bracelet doesnt match what would have came on the watch when new.Depending on what country it was sold in it could have come with a few different bracelets.The 93150 with flip lock clasp is usually the most wanted replacement.The original rivet or oval link jubilie where not the strongest bracelets and wear out easy.(stretch)If it where my watch I would have someone that knows how to put the proper finish on the case and bracelet do it and leave it be.For the cost $100-200 why mess with it?You will never get it 100% Rolex finish.There isnt much metal left on those lugs before the pins start sticking out so I would not expierement on this 1.
Heres a link you can use for reference on 1675 dials. http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=74976
Again great find and enjoy
PS I have bought dozens of watches in similar condition that some YO YO took a dremel and tried polishing it to a chrome finish or his own version of satin or bark.To me to put the correct finish on the watch is the cheapest thing you can do and get the wow effect.