MK Personal Collection Rare Rolex GMT Ref 1675 Gilt Dial, Cornino (Pointed Crown Guards) Circa 1963.

MK Personal Collection The present lot is part of a larger privately held collection and is intended for exhibition purposes only. Rare Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 "Cornino" Gilt Dial with Pointed Crown Guards, Circa IV.1963. This is an exceptionally rare and highly collectible early Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 wristwatch, dating to approximately the fourth quarter of 1963 (case back engraved IV.63). It features the coveted pointed crown guards—known among collectors as “Cornino” or “small horn” guards—used only in the earliest production years before Rolex transitioned to rounded shoulders around 1965. The watch showcases an exotic gilt glossy dial, a hallmark of early 1675s, with luminous round, triangular, and bâton hour markers, a gold-painted outer minute track, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock magnified by the original acrylic crystal with “Cyclops” lens. The dial exhibits minor sunspot patina consistent with age and originality. The luminous steel “skeleton” hands are in good condition and retain their vintage charm. Housed in a robust three-body stainless steel case with a screw-down case back, the watch is fitted with a bi-directional graduated bezel. Originally a red/blue “Pepsi” insert, the bezel has aged into a unique coral-orange and light-electric blue tone—an organic transformation prized by collectors for its character and individuality. Powering the watch is the Rolex Caliber 1560 GMT movement, rhodium-plated with 26 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and five positions. The movement (Serial #D13262) is in good running condition and reflects the mechanical excellence of Rolex’s golden era. The watch is paired with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 9315 with end links stamped 380, correct for the period. Historical Significance: - The Ref. 1675 was introduced in 1959, replacing the Ref. 6542, and remained in production until 1980—making it the longest-running GMT-Master reference. - Early examples like this one feature gilt dials, small arrow GMT hands, and Cornino crown guards, all phased out by the mid-1960s. - The 1675 was originally developed in collaboration with Pan Am Airways to assist pilots in tracking multiple time zones. Collector Notes: This watch represents a transitional moment in Rolex’s design evolution and is a textbook example of early GMT-Master aesthetics. Its combination of gilt dial, pointed crown guards, and tropical bezel aging makes it a standout piece for serious collectors seeking charisma, rarity, and daily wearability.