131 Rolex A well preserved and very rare, GMT Master, automatic wristwatch in steel, with signature of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, box and papers, reference 1675.

Estimate: Fr. 25'000 –⁠ 50'000

• Model GMT-Master
• Year Circa 1978
• Reference 1675
• Case Material Stainless steel
• Case Number 5'607'972
• Bracelet Material Stainless steel Rolex bracelet, approximate length 190mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
• Dimension 40mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, wallet, booklet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
• Literature This specific watch was previously sold in Phillips Geneva "THE GENEVA WATCH AUCTION: XII" auction 7th November 2020, as lot 111 for CHF 75,600.

Introduced at the dawn of the jet age, the Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675 has long been regarded as one of the most emblematic tool watches of the 20th century. Conceived to answer the needs of intercontinental pilots, it distilled functionality, legibility, and robustness into a form that would ultimately transcend its utilitarian origins. Over decades of production, the reference evolved subtly, giving rise to countless dial, bezel, and configuration variants that today form one of the richest and most studied chapters in vintage Rolex scholarship. The present example elevates the reference 1675 into an altogether different realm. What immediately distinguishes this watch is the vivid red signature of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum placed discreetly in the lower half of the dial. This singular detail transforms an already iconic model into an object of extraordinary historical and political significance, placing it among a minute and highly coveted group of specially commissioned GMT-Masters. Born in 1949, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is today the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Ruler of Dubai. Prior to ascending to these roles, he served as Minister of Defense, a period during which it is widely believed that Rolex watches bearing his signature were ordered directly from Rolex. These watches were not commercial products, but rather diplomatic gifts, bestowed upon high-ranking officials and distinguished foreign counterparts, imbued with both prestige and symbolism. Beyond the historical gravitas of the dial, the watch itself is preserved in remarkable condition, retaining the sharpness, balance, and visual coherence that collectors prize so highly in vintage Rolex. The convergence of an emblematic reference, impeccable preservation, and an unrepeatable provenance results in a watch that is not merely rare, but truly exceptional. For the seasoned collector, opportunities of this caliber are vanishingly scarce. This signed GMT-Master is not simply a variation within a reference—it is a testament to a specific moment in history, where horology, diplomacy, and power intersect, making it one of the most compelling vintage Rolex watches to appear on the market.