The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most historic and iconic watches the brand ever produced. Its origin dates back to a commission request by Pan Am, the now-defunct airline giant, for a timepiece capable of tracking multiple time zones simultaneously. This need birthed a watch that would transcend its utilitarian purpose, becoming a symbol of adventure, exploration, and timeless style. Within the vast and varied world of GMT-Masters, the reference 1675, particularly those sporting the coveted "nipple" dials, occupy a special place in the hearts of collectors. This article will delve deep into the nuances of the Rolex 1675/3 and the enigmatic "nipple" dials, providing an educational overview, exploring the history of the Rolex GMT, and offering guidance on authenticating a vintage example.
Educate Me on 1675/3 and 16753 Nippel Dials
The Rolex 1675 GMT-Master was produced from approximately 1959 to 1980. The reference number itself doesn't directly denote the dial type. The "3" in the 1675/3 doesn't refer to a specific model variation but rather represents a common shorthand used by collectors and dealers to distinguish certain dial characteristics. In this context, the "/3" often (but not always) signifies a watch with a specific type of dial – the "nipple" dial.
The term "nipple" dial refers to the slightly raised, dome-shaped markers applied to the dial. These markers, unlike the flat or slightly recessed markers found on other 1675 dials, possess a subtle three-dimensional quality, giving them a characteristic "nipple-like" appearance. This subtle detail is what sets these dials apart and makes them highly sought after by collectors. The exact manufacturing process that created this unique texture remains somewhat of a mystery, adding to their allure. It's believed to be related to the application process and the type of luminous material used.
It's crucial to understand that the "1675/3" designation isn't an official Rolex categorization. Rolex didn't use this notation in their official documentation. The "/3" is a collector's convention, and there's no guarantee that every watch referred to as a "1675/3" will indeed have a nipple dial. Further complicating matters, some 1675 dials exhibit characteristics intermediate between a flat dial and a true nipple dial, making identification challenging even for experienced collectors.
The difference between a 1675 and a 16753 is more significant. The 16753 is the successor to the 1675, featuring a quickset date function. This means the date can be adjusted independently of the time, unlike the 1675, where the date advances only when the hour hand is cycled through midnight. Therefore, a 16753 with a nipple dial would be an even rarer find, combining the desirability of the quickset date with the unique aesthetic of the nipple dial. However, it's important to note that nipple dials are far less common on the 16753 than on the 1675.
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