Free Valuations & Sales Advice on Your Rolex GMT-Master

In 1953, Rolex was approached by Pan Am to create a watch that could display the time in two different time zones—essential for long-haul flights and international travel. The result was the Rolex GMT-Master, a model that has become an icon in the world of vintage watches. Known for its distinctive dual-coloured bezel, the GMT-Master is celebrated both for its functionality and its stylish design, making it a favourite among collectors of vintage sports watches. Many early editions, including models with unique dial variations and faded “Pepsi” bezels, are highly valued by enthusiasts today.

At Mark Littler Ltd, we can help you value and sell your Rolex GMT-Master watch. Our team offers a free, no-obligation valuation and can guide you through identifying key features that add value to your specific model. Whether you’re looking to sell privately or through an auction, we’ll help you explore the best options for achieving the highest return.

Notable Vintage GMT-Master Models:

Reference 6542
Reference 1675 to 16750

Contact us today to discover the true value of your Rolex GMT-Master and explore options for a seamless selling experience.

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Six things to look for in your Rolex GMT-Master

Dial

Subtle variations in the dial and text decoration on your Rolex GMT-Master can help you to identify not just your model but the specific edition of that model. Things to look for:

The colour of ‘GMT-MASTER’
Is the 12o’clock triangle outlined?
Does it have a depth rating on the dial?
White dials issued to Pan-Am ground staff are highly desirable
The colour of the numbers on the date wheel

Hands

There are changes and progressions of hand style, size, colour and decoration. The material the hands are made from to the the size of the secondary hour hand triangle are all key distinguishing points for different editions.

What colour is the seconds hand? Bronze, white or silver.
What material are the hands made from? Bronze or steel.
What size is the triangle at the end of the second hour hand?

Crown & Bezel

Like with other factors, subtle variations in the crown guards and bezel were introduced over the years and can help identify your GMT-Master.

Is the bezel metal or an acrylic insert?
Bezel colour: brown & blue, red & blue or all black
Crown guards were introduced from 1960 on model 1675.
Are the crown guards pointed or square?

Box & Papers

When looking to value your vintage Rolex GMT-Master the original box and papers should be present to get the best valuation for your timepiece. If your GMT-Master is one of the official Pan-Am editions (versions of the 6542) you should also source the proper provenance (corresponding paperwork, photographs etc.) in order to get the best prices and attract collectors.

Condition

When considering the condition of your Rolex GMT-Master first check that wear is the same all over. If a certain part of the watch shows more or less wear than the rest of the piece then this would indicate that some parts have been exchanged, replaced or repaired, which can impact the value. However, damaged watches can still be valuable, especially if they are military pieces with provenance.

Reference & serial No.

Found at the 6’oclock side of the case on vintage Rolex, the serial number is the watch’s unique identity and shows when it was made. The reference number is on the 12o’clock edge and describes the model and what your Rolex GMT-Master is made from. The model and time of production are two of the most important factors in determining the value of your Rolex.