OVERVIEW

Of the many reasons why the Rolex 1675 is among the coolest watches ever made, the one that takes the cake is the massive palate of color combinations you might get in the bezel inserts. From bright blue and orange to teal and tomato red, how these anodized aluminum inserts have aged over time from your most basic blue and red is what gives the 1675 the most aesthetic variation of any vintage Rolex model. What’s even more fascinating is that none of it was intended. If Rolex had their way, they would still all look exactly like the day they were made.

Which brings us to the most sought after shade of color for a 1675 insert: Fuchsia. In the mid to late 1960s some Rolex 1675s had inserts that aged from red to a most perfect shade right in between pink and purple. Not all GMTs from this period had inserts that aged this way, but all fuchsia inserts today are from that time period, which means a fuchsia insert is only really correct with a “Long E” dial. This small window of time makes finding an all original or all coeval fuchsia 1675 more difficult than other Rolex 1675s.

Of course, what makes any vintage watch even more rare than its production number is if it’s in outstanding original condition which this example is very much so. Besides its sharp and unpolished case and perfect dial and hands, the fuchsia insert itself is as vibrant and clean as a nearly 60 year old watch can be. On the less valuable fuchsia inserts, the blue has faded to a ghost grey while this one is a striking cobalt blue. For the discerning collector looking for the absolute best example of every watch they add, this one is as good as it gets.

CONDITION NOTES

CASE: Very sharp & unpolished case featuring thick lugs and its original shape and chamfers. The 1675s of this time period were considered “thin cases” and were produced with a thinner profile than the ones before and after.

DIAL & HANDS: Perfect MK1 matte dial with creamy light yellow tritium lume and original matching hands in clean condition.

MOVEMENT: Running well with high amplitude and accuracy. Movement is clean with no corrosion.