Vintage GMT

[Meantime]

Hi all,

Hope you enjoy the brief history of my GMT.

Model: GMT Master 1675
Year: 1960
Case: 621860 (Thin) UJIKOL
El Cornino RCG (Pointed crown guards (? - >1963))
Bracelet: 078360 oyster steel 6-6 links
Movement: Microstella 1565 calibre
Dial colour: Black

Purchased new in Singapore April 1962, and only ever serviced by Rolex. 1973 service included a new dial (Radium problem?), bracelet clasp and bezel insert. Original Pepsi 1960 Red-Back, and blue back insert (1993 service) are still in my possession. The black/silver insert was added in early 2000.

Watch has been worn continuously since date of purchase and have never owned or worn any other model of wristwatch over the last 62 years. Some time ago, the date magnification on the crystal was accidently damaged when contact with a wall distorted the lens. I followed the recommendation of one of your contributors to use “Polywatch” on the crystal which has removed the abrasion, however, a slight distortion of the numerals remains.

Following the replacement dial being fitted in 1993, I noted the illumination was less evident than before and faded completely within a short time. Also, no recommendation was made by Rolex to replace the hands which still seem to match the appearance of the other luminous features on the new dial. (?)

Only recently found your Rolex Forum website and enjoy reading the very informative and knowledgeable contributions from your Rolex owners. I’ve learned more about Rolex watches in the previous months than the last 60 odd years.

Best regards
Meantime

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum.

[springer]

Welcome aboard. I can't wait to see some photos of this vintage GMT.

[Meantime]

Hi,

Sorry! First time I posted and attached 4 images (or thought I did), Will try again soon.

Regards
Meantime

[Stan Cooper]

Great story, Meantime! I have a question for you: why a GMT-Master? Are you a pilot or do you travel extensively?

I can't wait to see photos. My first nice watch was a Bulova Accutron Astronaut I bought at a military post exchange in 1965. I agonized between the Accutron and 1675 GMT-Master over which to buy, and was swayed by the guaranteed accuracy of ±2 seconds per day and chose the Accutron (they were priced the same at the PX). I've been kicking myself for the past 59 years.

I still have the Accutron and it still keeps great time, but I rarely wear it.

[Superdave]

Fantastic! For me, it doesn’t get any cooler than a GMT worn everyday by the same person for 62 years.

[RichM]

Great story. Welcome to TRF.

[Callmepeshy]

Welcome

Great story - love the one watch for 62 years.

[Dan Pierce]

Now that's an entrance. Welcome to TRF.
dP

[996marty]

Welcome to the forum now I can’t wait to see some pictures

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Great story, Meantime! I have a question for you: why a GMT-Master? Are you a pilot or do you travel extensively?

I can't wait to see photos. My first nice watch was a Bulova Accutron Astronaut I bought at a military post exchange in 1965. I agonized between the Accutron and 1675 GMT-Master over which to buy, and was swayed by the guaranteed accuracy of ±2 seconds per day and chose the Accutron (they were priced the same at the PX). I've been kicking myself for the past 59 years.

I still have the Accutron and it still keeps great time, but I rarely wear it.

Cool watch Stan!

[linesiders]

Welcome aboard!!

[XavierM]

Welcome !
Can’t wait to see some pictures :)

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Meantime

Hi all,

Hope you enjoy the brief history of my GMT.

Model: GMT Master 1675
Year: 1960
Case: 621860 (Thin) UJIKOL
El Cornino RCG (Pointed crown guards (? - >1963))
Bracelet: 078360 oyster steel 6-6 links
Movement: Microstella 1565 calibre
Dial colour: Black

Purchased new in Singapore April 1962, and only ever serviced by Rolex. 1973 service included a new dial (Radium problem?), bracelet clasp and bezel insert. Original Pepsi 1960 Red-Back, and blue back insert (1993 service) are still in my possession. The black/silver insert was added in early 2000.

Watch has been worn continuously since date of purchase and have never owned or worn any other model of wristwatch over the last 62 years. Some time ago, the date magnification on the crystal was accidently damaged when contact with a wall distorted the lens. I followed the recommendation of one of your contributors to use “Polywatch” on the crystal which has removed the abrasion, however, a slight distortion of the numerals remains.

Following the replacement dial being fitted in 1993, I noted the illumination was less evident than before and faded completely within a short time. Also, no recommendation was made by Rolex to replace the hands which still seem to match the appearance of the other luminous features on the new dial. (?)

Only recently found your Rolex Forum website and enjoy reading the very informative and knowledgeable contributions from your Rolex owners. I’ve learned more about Rolex watches in the previous months than the last 60 odd years.

Best regards
Meantime

Please post some pictures!

[MitchSF]

Wow! Sixty-two years of continuous wear, has to be a record.

[Crown & Shield]

Nice story and a cool handle

[roadie1]

Cool story Would love to see pics!

[repaircraftsvc]

MY Life as a GMT

[repaircraftsvc]

Here are the photos
In the 1990s had hand changed to later model one so I could see them better. It has had the stem changed twice when they went bad. Remember this is a working watch that used for what it was made for to fly and tell GMT time.I just had custom band repaired this week just got it back today original wore out years ago

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by repaircraftsvc

Here are the photos
In the 1990s had hand changed to later model one so I could see them better. It has had the stem changed twice when they went bad. Remember this is a working watch that used for what it was made for to fly and tell GMT time.I just had custom band repaired this week just got it back today original wore out years ago

That's quite something. It deserves an investment in the correct bracelet.

[SVH]

Thank you for sharing, Meantime, I hope the forum will let you post the photos!