1978 Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Pepsi Matte Dial

The 1978 Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 “Pepsi” represents one of the most iconic generations of Rolex’s original pilot’s watch. Introduced in 1959 and produced until approximately 1980, the 1675 established many of the design elements that would define the GMT-Master for decades, including its 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, bidirectional 24-hour bezel, arrow-tipped GMT hand, and instantly recognizable red-and-blue “Pepsi” color scheme. This 1978 example is fitted with a Rolex service matte dial and Rolex service bezel insert, giving the watch a cleaner, refreshed appearance while retaining the unmistakable character of the vintage 1675. The acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifier, crown guards, and classic Oyster construction preserve the proportions and wrist presence that have made the 1675 one of the most recognizable vintage Rolex sports watches.

Inside is Rolex’s automatic Calibre 1575 GMT, a chronometer-certified movement operating at 19,800 vibrations per hour and based on the robust 1570-series architecture. Unlike later GMT-Master II models, the 1675’s 24-hour hand is synchronized with the conventional hour hand, with the rotating bezel used to read a second time zone. This particular example was serviced by Belmont Watches in September 2026, providing fresh mechanical attention for its next owner while maintaining the appeal of a nearly five-decade-old Rolex sports watch. With its 1978 production, classic Pepsi configuration, service matte dial and insert, and freshly serviced movement, this Ref. 1675 offers the unmistakable look and history of a vintage GMT-Master in a particularly wearable configuration.

Serial: 5,107,XXX

Case Year: 1978

Case Reference: 1675

Case: 40mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Dial: Service Matte Dial - Tritium

Hands: Tritium

Date Wheel: Open 6's and 9's

Bezel: Service Pepsi Insert

Bracelet: Rolex U.S.A. C + I Stretch Rivet Oyster bracelet - Stainless Steel

Movement: Rolex 1570 - Serviced September 2026 - One Year Warranty

Glass: Plexiglass

Accessories: September 2026 Certificate of Service from Belmont Watches

Thick case with no notable wear. Bracelet has light normal wear with minimal stretch. Service dial has great beige lume. Hands lume reflects dial beige lume with steel deterioration but no lume loss. Service bezel insert has little to no wear. Watch was serviced by us September 2026 by us.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.