The video review above presents a fine example of a vintage Rolex 1675 GMT-Master with a “Pepsi” bezel insert. The automatic movement inside is a Rolex caliber 1575. The 40mm stainless steel case is about 13mm thick with the crystal and gives this watch a weight of about 110g with the steel Oyster bracelet attached.
The black dial features “Swiss T < 25” marking at 6:00. The date window is at 3:00 as usual and the red GMT hand displays nicely against the dark background for an easy glance at the second timezone.
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Rolex GMT series is the bezel. This watch has a blue and red “Pepsi” insert installed. Later models came in blue/red, black/red (known as the co*ke bezel), and black which makes it look similar to the Submariner. There are also brown models out there that are commonly referred to as “Root-Beer” models.
The newest GMT-Master II watches have a slate colored ceramic bezel installed. Fans of this watch are eagerly waiting for Rolex to release the ceramic GMT watches with the split color style, but who knows if they will ever launch such a thing (update: the ceramic Pepsi bezel was eventually released as well as the Batman). Another note about the GMT bezel is that it’s bi-directional and has the 24 hour scale which helps you time events or set a third time zone.
The bracelet installed on this watch is a stainless steel Oyster bracelet. It has been upgraded from the original bracelet. The lug width is 20mm, and the watch would look just as great on a blue and red stripe nato strap.
This older “holes” case has pierced lugs. Rolex stopped releasing watches with cases like this, now all modern GMT-Master II watches have solid “no holes” lugs with shouldered springbars that you release from the back of the watch. The community is usually split between collectors who prefer holes or not. The pierced lugs are easier to change straps if you’re into that.
This watch is not equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, instead it has a plastic crystal that scratches easily, but luckily any light surface scratches can be buffed out by a professional. It has a screw-down crown and a depth rating of up to 100m.
This particular watch from the KeepTheTime.com watch store is a 3 million series which dates to around 1971. It has been factory serviced by Rolex.
