Rolex “18kt NCG” GMT-Master

Description

Offered here is a stunning and rare transitional solid 18kt yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master, Reference 1675, circa 1963.  This model, dubbed the “No Crown Guards” or “NCG” for short, was the direct successor to the Reference 6542, which was the very first Rolex GMT-Master model.  In transitioning from the 6542 to the 1675, Rolex upgraded the movement and bezel, moving away from the frail bakelite bezel insert of the 6542, to a more sturdy and capable aluminum set up.  At this time, Rolex did not change the middle-case, and the GMT-Master was still 38mm in size, and did not have crown guards, which would come a couple years later (in addition to a larger, 40mm case size).  These earliest gold 1675s also noticeable had not yet been fitted with the trademark Rolex mercedes hand set, and used “Alpha” or dauphine hands, which were only used for a very short period of time.

This early gold GMT-Master is in great vintage condition.  The case has been previously polished, but shows gorgeous beveled edges, which thick lugs.  The correct and early “dash” semi-gloss brown dial is immaculate, with no flaws visible.  The dial still retains its original tritium lume, aged to a nice yellow color; the hands have been color-matched in the past.  The watch comes fitted on an 18kt gold Rolex Swiss Rivet bracelet with 80 endlinks; the bracelet has 12 full links and no stretch.