A Comprehensive Guide to the Rolex GMT Master 1675 with Radial Dial

A Comprehensive Guide to the Rolex GMT Master 1675 with Radial Dial

The Rolex GMT Master reference 1675 began production around 1959, following in the footsteps of the legendary reference 6542, the previous GMT model in Rolex’s lineup. The 1675 introduced several key improvements, including an aluminum bezel, a more advanced and precise movement, and an updated case design.

A stunning Rolex Gmt Master ref. 6542 in 18kt yellow gold (courtesy Phillips)

Reference 1675 remained in production for nearly 20 years, until around 1979. During this time, it underwent various minor updates to components such as the dial, movement, and bracelet. These refinements reflect Rolex’s commitment to continuous innovation, both in terms of aesthetics and technical performance, to meet the evolving needs of its customers and stay competitive in the market.

One of the most noticeable changes throughout its production run was the evolution of the dial. Even to the untrained eye, the differences stand out: from the gilt chapter ring dials with OCC (Officially Certified Chronometer) designation, later replaced by COSC (Swiss Chronometer) certification, to dials with open minute tracks, and finally to the MATT dials featuring white graphics.

The following images showcase a selection of remarkable GMT Master 1675 models highlighting some of the dial variations that appeared during the production of this reference.

A rare and early Rolex Gmt Master 1675 OCC dial (courtesy Jatucka)
A Rolex Gmt Master 1675 SCOC gilt chapter ring dial (courtesy Jatucka)
A Rolex Gmt Master 1675 Mk1 Matt dial (courtesy Jatucka)

Among the dials for the 1675, one of the rarest and most intriguing for collectors is undoubtedly the so-called “Radial” dial. This dial is considered one of the most captivating in Rolex’s production during that era. Its defining feature is the placement of the hour markers, which are smaller and more centered compared to standard GMT dials—a detail that immediately draws the attention of seasoned collectors.

This distinctive dial configuration first appeared in the GMT Master lineup in the early 1960s. However, due to its extreme rarity, not all collectors are aware of the existence of GMTs featuring a radial gilt dial.

A rare Rolex Gmt Master 1675 with gilt radial “Swiss – Swiss T-25 dial (courtesy Jatucka)
A very rare Rolex Gmt Master 1675 with gilt radial “Swiss – Underline” dial (courtesy Jatucka)

After the brief production run of the Radial dial in the early 1960s, Rolex revived the radial configuration in the second half of the 1970s. The primary distinction between the 1960s and 1970s versions is that the later Radial dials were no longer gilt, but featured a MATT finish.

Two examples of Rolex GMT Master 1675 with Matt Radial dial produced in the 70s (courtesy Jatucka).

The production window for this rare GMT configuration is quite limited. The Matt Radial dial was only assembled on GMT Master 1675 models from 1976 to 1978, corresponding to serial numbers roughly between 4.2 and 5.5 million. Given that service cases started being produced around the 4.2 million mark, it’s easy to see how few original production cases were actually suitable for this dial, making it exceptionally rare.

As previously noted, the defining characteristic of the Matt Radial GMT dial is the more centered and smaller hour markers compared to standard GMT dials. On a more technical note, the text on these dials features more pronounced serifs, both in the upper COSC writing and the T<25 designation, when compared to other 1675 variations.

Due to their high desirability, Radial dials are frequently counterfeited. For those of us with many years of experience in the watch industry, spotting a fake Radial dial can be relatively straightforward. However, for less experienced collectors, identifying authentic Radial dials may require a closer inspection.

The following macro shots highlight key details to help you confidently verify the authenticity of a Matt Radial dial.

The handset is the typical configuration found on all Rolex GMT Masters: the signature GMT big arrow hand, Mercedes hour hand, and lollipop center seconds hand. As shown in the following pictures, the tritium on hands and tritium hour markers can develop varying shades of patina over time, ranging from cool tones to very warm hues.

A Rolex Gmt Master 1675 Matt Radial dial with a ivory patina (courtesy Jatucka)
A Rolex Gmt Master 1675 Matt Radial dial with a yellowish patina (Andrea Piccinini archive)

Casebacks which can be found on Matt Radials Gmt are essentially of two main types depending on the the serial number being lower or higher than 5.3 or 5.4 circa.

Type 1 caseback
Type 2 caseback

Additionally, the word “PATENTED” must always be present on all 1675 Matt Radial Dial casebacks. If this marking is absent it’s very likely that the caseback is a later service replacement.

The movement in the MATT Radial GMT is the classic 1575 GMT, derived from the 1530 caliber, though it features “1570” engraved on the bridge. The 1575 is an automatic movement with slow date advancement, operating at 19,800 beats per hour. It has 26 jewels, with a height of 6.30 mm and a diameter of 28.50 mm.

Calibre 1575 GMT technical sheet


An important detail when analyzing the movement of a GMT Master 1675 from this batch is the presence of the letter “D” on the movement plate. This “D” signifies that the movement was intended for a Rolex reference with a date function, such as the GMT-Master. The number following the “D” represents the COSC movement certification number. It is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that COSC movement numbers follow a sequential or logical order over time. However, if you encounter an unusually high serial number paired with a very low COSC number, it would be wise to take a closer look at the movement. Similarly, if the “D” is missing before the COSC numbers, further investigation into the caliber is recommended.

The 1570 caliber

In my view, components like bracelets, crowns, date wheels, bezels, and inlays are not the most decisive factors when purchasing a vintage watch. At the time, most Rolex sport models were designed as true tool watches. Consequently, many Rolex watches that are now collectible were frequently serviced to remain fully functional for their intended purpose. As a result, it was common for parts more prone to wear, such as bezels, crowns, and bracelets, to be replaced during servicing.

With that in mind, here is a brief summary of the key points to consider regarding these components when purchasing a Rolex GMT 1675 with a Matt dial.

The bracelets commonly found on a Matt Radial dial GMT generally fall into two main categories depending on the region where the watch was originally sold:

  1. EUROPE: Oyster 78360/580 or Jubilee 6251H0/555-550.
  2. EXTRA EUROPE: American bracelets with punched riveted links or “Hecho en Mexico” Jubilee bracelets.
A USA bracelet from mid 60’s

The crown is the classic TWIN LOCK present on all the GMT 1675 Rolex production.

A Twinlock crown

The correct date wheel is the classic with open 6 and 9 with Silver background.

Date wheel close up showing the satin finish

BEZEL AND INLAY

The bezel on a Gmt 1675 Matt Radial should belong to the second series one, this is to say the one with less marked flutes.

First series bezel
Second series bezel, correct for a 1675 with Radial dial

The aluminum inlays suitable for a Gmt 1675 with a Matt Radial dial cannot be precisely classified due to the significant variety in graphic settings among 1675 models. Differences can be observed simply by noting the position of the number 18 on the border between red and blue or the thickness of the font. Over time, these inlays may have been swapped multiple times to suit the owner’s personal preferences.

While collectors have attempted to categorize these mid-70s GMT inlays, I believe that providing overly specific definitions can be misleading. The most crucial factors to consider when evaluating a GMT inlay are that it must be original and, most importantly, that it matches your own personal aesthetic taste.

A rare Fuchsia bezel inlay for a Rolex Gmt Master 1675

When discussing serial numbers, references, warranty papers, and box/booklet sets, I will avoid providing overly detailed information to prevent aiding counterfeiters. Instead, I will highlight a notable detail found on some GMT Matt Radial specimens.

On certain original GMT 1675 with Matt Radial dials, the “STAINLESS STEEL” engraving can sometimes appear alongside the reference number, whereas it typically should be paired with “REGISTERED DESIGN.”

The following pictures show a 100% original reference and serial number that illustrate this peculiarity (courtesy Carlo Cantelli Orologi)

This article was written and published by me on Roberto “Jatucka” Randazzo’s website in 2019. I thank Roberto for allowing me to add it to the blog on my website.

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