GMT 1675/16753 “Root-beer” - History Question

[thehunter]

I’m having a healthy debate with a friend on the history of the 1675/16753 RB. My RB is stamped with case-back 1675, and I understand dates to 1974. However I believe that by 1974 Rolex was using model number 16753 so I’m thinking my date is wrong. Does anyone know when the ref number change happened? I understood that 1675 RBs with applied logos from that era were quite rare - can anyone confirm that?

Also - I have seen some vintage stainless/gold RB’s that look to be ref 1675/16753 with a solid brown bezel - was this bezel factory issued on that model?

First picture is my watch - second one I took from the internet to illustrate the bezel I’m talking about.

Thanks everyone!

[Chope Man]

I think solid brown was dedicated to the full gold model.

Besides, I really like yours! Probably the best two tone, in my opinion.

[thehunter]

Originally Posted by Chope Man

I think solid brown was dedicated to the full gold model.

Besides, I really like yours! Probably the best two tone, in my opinion.

Thanks!

I thought it was just on the gold version as well, but not 100% sure about that.

[faimag]

The TT brown 1675 was offered only with the brown/gold insert.


The full brown was for the 1675/8 full YG.

My TT from 1977-1978


As for the transition from the 4-digit model 1675/3 to the 5-digit model 16753, it happened in 1980-1981.

[thehunter]

Originally Posted by faimag

The TT brown 1675 was offered only with the brown/gold insert.


The full brown was for the 1675/8 full YG.

My TT from 1977-1978


As for the transition from the 4-digit model 1675/3 to the 5-digit model 16753, it happened in 1980-1981.

My case is 1675. There is no 3. Does yours say 16753?


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[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by thehunter

My case is 1675. There is no 3. Does yours say 16753?


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Same. Only 1675 between the lugs. For the TT in this model it's usually denoted by 1675/3, with the "3" indicating a TT version. That said, I don't think that was ever actually engraved on the case. However, the later model is a 16753, in the 16750 model range, a five digit version introduced somewhere around 1982 running thru 1989. Please correct me if i am wrong on that. Anybody? Bueller, Bueller, Bueller...?

[faimag]

Originally Posted by thehunter

My case is 1675. There is no 3. Does yours say 16753?

Sorry for the delayed response. My case is stamped 1675 (4 digit); there is no 3. The 16753 is the subsequent model (5 digit TT).

[TimeLord2]

From this article, not sure how well researched, it says the early versions were all brown until the bi-color was introduced (when? IDK…) https://www.fratellowatches.com/tbt-...753-root-beer/ Mine is all brown, and my Dad, who gave it to me, had never changed the insert. its a 3.248 mil serial, placing it somewhere around 1972.

[thehunter]

That’s helpful, thanks!

[Fleegle]

I'm learning from this thread.
Mine pictured below, has a sunburst dial. The watches above all appear to have matt dials.
Is this date related?
Thanks in advance.

[HORNBLOWER]

1675

[pmartin1675/3]

Hi Everyone!!

I have a 1973/4 gmt master root beer with matt dial (3'4XX,XXX serial number). The watch reference stamped in the case is 1675 and the original insert bezel was all brown until the service.

Some years ago (2017) I took my watch to the RSC in Mexico City for a full service. They told me Rolex gonna keep the original insert bezel and replace it with a two tone one (brown/gold). So, I kept mine and left the watch without insert bezel.

They told me Rolex does not produce brown inserts anymore, so I think the all brown´s are very rare and collectible.

Best regards from Mexico!!

[Khans14]

I can offer no information to answer your question. That said, I felt compelled to respond to your post to let you know that is one absolutely gorgeous watch you have there.

[TimeLord2]

Going to give this thread a bump. There is not that much information regarding this color combination. I am always looking for more. When was the sunburst dial "Tiger's Eye" introduced? Come on WIS geeks—I challenge you! And, humbly appreciate your responses!

[baumare]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Going to give this thread a bump. There is not that much information regarding this color combination. I am always looking for more. When was the sunburst dial "Tiger's Eye" introduced? Come on WIS geeks—I challenge you! And, humbly appreciate your responses!

I give you the Italian collectors version: the real Tiger Eye should be this one because Rolex used a stone called Tiger Eye, a variety of quartz.


But somehow that name started to be used for the 16713 with a soleil dial and zaffire glass and then passed to the 16753 with plexy and also to the gold 1675/8 with brown dial.


The Root Beer nick is for the two colors on the insert that reminds the famous drink

[baumare]

Here my Root Beer



And my Nipple Dial

[motoikkyu]

My understanding is that the five digit reference root beer has a substantially different movement from the 1675, so I don't know if a case-back from one would fit the other. This is substantiated by the order in which the hands are stacked, which lets you tell without looking at the case engraving whether four or five digit reference. These are things I learned on this Forum. Having said that, years ago I bought a matte nipple 1675 dial that had had it's feet amputated, rendering it worth $150 on eBay, cosmetically sound. That one is on my 16753 (yes, I kept the original nearby) because I like the look, but enjoy the convenience of the later model.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

My understanding is that the five digit reference root beer has a substantially different movement from the 1675, so I don't know if a case-back from one would fit the other. This is substantiated by the order in which the hands are stacked, which lets you tell without looking at the case engraving whether four or five digit reference. These are things I learned on this Forum. Having said that, years ago I bought a matte nipple 1675 dial that had had it's feet amputated, rendering it worth $150 on eBay, cosmetically sound. That one is on my 16753 (yes, I kept the original nearby) because I like the look, but enjoy the convenience of the later model.

Yes, different movement with the quick set feature and different position of the feet on the dial.

[drockadam]

Root Beer GMTs are incredible. Not a big fan of the new ceramic version. An old 16753/16713/1675/3 on a jubilee is killer!

[Dan S]

The case-backs are interchangeable between 1675 and 16750/16753. In fact, the 16750 case-backs were sometimes used as service parts for 1675 watches. However, as mentioned above, the movement is totally different as is the order of the hand-stack. And the latter can be seen without opening the case.

[Rafabond]

First of all, forgive my written English, I hope it is understood well.

As I am in love with my 1976 1675/3, I will do a little history of my model and the following reference.
From 1970 to 1980, the reference 1675/3 was marketed, 1675 was inscribed on the box, the 3 was of the denomination for the steel and gold models and the / 8 for those of all gold.
It came with the matte brown dial and nippel dial, with the gold crown applied.
It still didn't carry the quick date change, and in the early 70's they had the hacking function.
From 1975-76, the Oyster bracelet reference 78363 was introduced.
Starting in 1980 the reference changed to 16753 and so it appeared on the box.
The dial was sunray brown and the crown was engraved and not a piece of gold like the previous version.
There was a dial with a coca-cola color litmus, which had the gold crown applied, in this case it was a service dial.

Reference 16753 already carried the quick date change. This latest version, 16753, with brown sunburst dial and nippel dial was the one used by Clint Eastwood.

Here are some photographs of my watch, it is from 1976, 414xxxx and with 78363 series A oyster bracelet

my watch is all original from the period (1976) except for the bezel that is in service. In 2016 I took it to Rolex to do a maintenance service, I have kept the original bezel, it is quite discolored and I prefer to take the service one that is more faithful to when it was delivered in 1976, I bought it from the first owner of the watch and now I am the second owner.

the last picture with a leather strap which I think also fits very well.

[Rafabond]

an excerpt from the booklet of the time and the reference table for the bracelets

[Rafabond]

codes to know the year of the bracelets

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by Rafabond

codes to know the year of the bracelets

Where would one find these codes at?
These are the only codes I see and they don’t align with being a 1999.


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[Rafabond]

1675, that's how they have to look until 1980.

[springer]

i didn't realize The 7836 came out in 1967. I have never seen one before that early, or any info stating they were introduced during 1967. Can anyone else confirm this?

[Rafabond]

[Dan S]

@Rafabond, that just looks like something from the internet, which is full of speculation and misinformation. Can you cite the source?

[springer]

Originally Posted by Dan S

@Rafabond, that just looks like something from the internet, which is full of speculation and misinformation. Can you cite the source?

I agree with Dan. I discussed this "1967 intro date" with several knowledgeable collectors that have been around for decades and they haven't heard of the "1967" introduction date for the 7836 Oyster. Most collectors that I discussed this with believe the introduction date was during or around 1970. The 7206 rivet bracelet was still available during 1967 and for a couple more years after that.

[Rafabond]

this is another web page

https://gmtmaster1675.com/the-bracelet/