Stunning :)
1970 Rolex GMT-MASTER 1675 just back from Steven Hale after full service ... included new crystal, replacement winding tube, replacement auto drive wheel, replacement rotor axle, one replacement bracelet link.
Fitted with its original folding links bracelet ... it's a full set apart from outer Rolex box.
Q&D pix using kitchen window light ... reflections on cyclops hides the date
Watch was left for service with Steven Hale South Molton St Mayfair on 11/11/21 when I was quoted 6 months ... they apologised for delay ... staff coping with Covid
This was my first Rolex sports watch bought s/h in 1999 from Austin Kaye.
Bracelet with new folded link looks a lot better than pre-service
Watch worn for special occasions only ... too risky wearing as an everyday watch ...especially in Central London ... original dial / lume has aged nicely.
dunk
Last edited by sundial; 21st June 2022 at 13:58.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
Stunning :)
Very cool
Absolutely stunning, a watch I want to own one day!
Gorgeous watch!
That's handsome Dunk.
Been a great investment too!
Cheers,
Neil.
Thank you for all the +ve comments ... it's a keeper :) I should have included its 'bits' in the pix .. i.e. box / papers etc
dunk
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
Congrats, its a classic and in top condition. One day....
Wibble
I soooo prefer the old 'rattly' vintage models over anything Rolex produces today. The watches used to have soul, now they're just cold, calculated marketing bling.
Superb example. Lucky man
Flipping heck thats absolutely lovely.
I am lucky enough to have a really nice 16750 and its almost the ugly sister in comparison.
have a very similar 1675 bought on this very forum over 10 years ago. They are lovely things to own and wear. Horrible to set after a long time in the safe though! :-)
That has aged so well. What a beautiful watch.
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Wow! Dial is incredible! Thanks for sharing
Looks lovely and curious what it cost in 1999 from Austin Kaye!
Wow that looks great :-)
Aye she's a beauty.
Thanks for the photo's, really liked the first one.
That patina is sweeeeet!
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Just checked Austin Kaye invoice ... actually purchased June 2002 ... I'd bought an Omega in 1999 ... in 2002 Austin Kaye had a sale when all their stock was reduced by 15% ... From memory, supposedly to celebrate England winning one of their matches in FIFA 2002 World Cup ? ... But maybe was a cash raising exercise? ... I bought 3 watches including a Zenith Prime for my brother (which he still has) and a Sea Dweller
At that time was possible to buy a s/h GMT Master for £reasonable ... The Rolex 2002 catalogue shows NEW s/s GMT Master II listed at £2350 ... Not sure if there was a waiting list for new sports models ... if there was then maybe 'new grey' sold for a premium?
Vintage GMT-Master 1675 is now sought after but back in 2000-ish was considered 'fairly ordinary'. Fashions change.
dunk
Last edited by sundial; 22nd June 2022 at 00:33.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
That looks absolutely beautiful.
I've had 2 1675's and sold both as I never felt they were substantial enough for everyday wear unlike a 1680,5513 or 1665 which I have used as daily wearers.
I'd buy that one in a minute though to give it another go.
What a thing. I use the word 'thing' as it's a watch, it's jewellery, it's stunning, it's almost as old as I am, it's something to be treasured. I'm assuming in your hands, and beyond, it will become a family heirloom.
Have the hands been renewed? My 1980 16750 looks like it has new hands, but if yours hasn’t- then poss mine hasn’t either, and they don’t age at the same rate?
Your bezel looks just right - I’m not a fan of the totally-washed out bezels of many older GMTs.
That dial is amazing. Love the vintage lume. Congrats.
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That is glorious.
Reading the first bit i thought it was a sc post in the wrong place. Very glad it isn't!
Looks amazing - enjoy!
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That is just stunning!
Beautiful watch:)
Update ... Not happy with watch after service ... Await SH's complimentary postage pack so can return for adjustment ... bezel is far too stiff / tight to the extent I broke my nail trying to turn it ... I need to use the GMT function. And timekeeping could be better ... gaining over 10 seconds/day after fully winding.
dunk
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
I bought my GMT-II at list in early 2003 if memory serves. I was being quoted a year or so wait time by ADs in London, but at that time I was up and down to Edinburgh a lot where I ended up getting one in 2-3 months.
I'm wearing it today, and it's certainly picked up its fair share of um...patina over the years, but it's a great workhorse of a watch. Unfortunately somewhat tarnished by the stupid prices and attitude around the brand these days.
Wow, looking absolutely lush that.
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Last edited by sundial; 10th July 2022 at 14:12.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
This is the second report I've read about a watch having to go back to Steve Hale after servicing.
I've been looking for somewhere to service my 16570 Explorer II but not so sure Steve Hale is the man for the job.
That is a super example of a vintage 1675 so thanks for sharing the pictures. I used to always enjoy looking in the Austin Kaye window whenever I was walking down the Strand.
Austin Kaye appears to be in the process of being repurchased from the liquidators.https://find-and-update.company-info...filing-history
Last edited by sundial; 10th July 2022 at 02:17.
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"
When purchased by me in 2002 I was unaware that AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service.
I'm curious as to the likely location of this particular AAFES-Europe store and whether the Guarantee / Chronometer certificate, might offer a clue?
Also enquiring via MWR.
And wondering if could have been purchased from, e.g., a UK USAF PX store, e.g., Lakenheath or Alconbury?
Is anyone familiar with this particular AAFES 'stamp' style / font?
Being a GMT watch, I'm wondering if it has any military provenance but realise it's likely not possible to trace the original purchaser.
BW, dunk
"Well they would say that ... wouldn't they!"