Gilt Dial, PCG 1675 Rolex GMT-Master

Gilt, chapter ring, and PCG. These are the adjectives that nerds like us care about, and they mean everything. This is about as beautiful a GMT-Master as exists without going all the way to 6542. Some might even argue it tops it, but they’re wrong. What are we looking at here? This is one of the earliest SCOC dials, from 1960. That beautiful chapter ring dial, in tandem with the pointed shape of these early crown guards is enough to make nearly twice the value of an end of the line matte example. From the start or end of production, survive this beautiful.

We all know the tale of the GMT-Master, created with Pan-Am in the mid 1950s just as humanity was encountering the need to track two time zones easily. But it was not until the 1675 that it became durable. We all adore a 6542, but try finding one with a perfect bezel. I’ll wait. No, this is a sweet spot. Early gilt dials in the 1675 have all the warmth and character of gold print under gloss, with a bezel you can live with. That was a winning formula from the start. From 1959 until 1980, over 18 dial variants are known. It’s not an easy watch to know everything about, but just about everything you need to know is written down on various guides scattered across the internet. Gilt is generally the collector’s preference, which reflects in values, though some might prefer fuchsia. But condition comes before everything. To all intents and purposes, anything with a small GMT hand from birth is going to have a premium attached.

The shape of the early PCG here is something lovely as well. 40mm steel case also exhibits one of the most desirable early pointed crown guard (often abbreviated as PCG) styles, where the shape resembles a parrot’s beak. These are sometimes called ‘Cornino’ by the Italian collectors. After the early 1960s production, this evolved into a flatter pointed shape. It is a small blip of exceptional voluptuousness. And the small GMT hand. This is one of the all time great variants. If you want to use your 1675 every day and not have to think too hard about it, it’s a fantastic option.

This example is a stand out for condition, which is the main reason it’s here. There are many gilt 1675s in the world. Not like this though. The case is full with great solid bevels that do not appear recut to me. The dial is mega, gloss preserved with full plots. It comes from a well-regarded Californian retailer.