Rolex “Gilt” GMT-Master

Description

Up for grabs is an exceptional example of a Rolex GMT-Master with a glossy gilt dial, circa 1966 (1.4m serial).  This example is the last gilt dial Rolex produced before transitioning to the matte dial in/around 1967.  This Rolex GMT-Master is in amazing vintage condition, one of the nicest we’ve had in some time.  The case is razor sharp and unpolished, with thick and attractive beveled edges.  The dial is beautiful – super glossy, with a mirror like finish, with virtually no wear.  The original tritium lume is present on both dial and hands, aged to a golden pumpkin and yellow color, with minor loss to the minute hand; interestingly, the 6, 9, and 12 markers, in addition to the hands, have a slightly lighter hue to them, as is sometimes seen on GMTs in the 1.4m serial range – it is unclear why Rolex experimented with different lume compounds on a single watch, but it was likely to increase quick and easy legibility at night.  The original and period-correct “fat font” Pepsi bezel has aged to a beautiful and faded appearance. Further, the watch comes equipped on its original Rolex Swiss Jubilee bracelet, with 50 endlinks and dated to 1967, with minimal stretch.