While the reference 1675 is often considered the ideal GMT, the yellow gold replica 1675/8 takes things a step further. From the earliest days of the 6542, the GMT-Master line embraced precious metals, and in the world of replica watches, this model carries forward that legacy with impressive faithfulness. Unlike the fragile bakelite bezels of early generations—pieces that could barely survive international shipping—the 1675/8, with its aluminum bezel insert, retains the spirit of the original Rolex sport design while being practical to wear today.
The earliest gold GMT-Master replicas began with so-called “Concorde hands”—slender batons reminiscent of what was seen on a 6239 Daytona. The nickname came from period advertising that paired the design with the supersonic jet. Soon after, crown guards appeared, and by the late 1970s (like this 1977-inspired example), the model settled into the familiar Mercedes hands, crown guards, and the iconic big triangle GMT pointer. Throughout all of these changes, one signature element remained constant: the nipple dial.
The nipple dial is a hallmark of Rolex’s golden-era sport replica watches. These dials, with their applied conical indices in gold filled with luminous material, marked the distinction between steel models and their precious metal counterparts. They appeared on both Submariner and GMT-Master references in the 1970s and 1980s and, since being discontinued, have become beloved among enthusiasts. Even today, they exude a vintage charm that modern pieces like the replica 126715CHNR can’t quite replicate—modern dials rarely differentiate themselves in the same way.
Dial variations add further intrigue. The 1675/8 replicas came in both brown and black, with changes happening rapidly—even within narrow serial ranges. The black versions featured a subtle glossy lacquer finish, while only the earliest browns had this treatment. In every case, the gilt-style gold printing stands out beautifully, giving the watch an unmistakable presence. Unlike some replica rolex watches that require context to be appreciated, the nipple-dial 1675/8 communicates its appeal immediately.
This particular example shows a robust case with strong edges—likely only lightly refinished, if at all. The dial is crisp, free of damage, and retains perfect legibility. The all-black bezel insert has aged gracefully, developing just a hint of ghosting. It represents the kind of replica piece that doesn’t just mimic vintage Rolex, but captures the essence of why collectors fell in love with these watches in the first place.
