rolex yacht master blueberry

THE COLLECTIVE

European Watch Company – Est. 1993

Rare Bird: The Enigmatic Rolex GMT-Master 1675 “Blueberry”

Published by david klint.

View all posts by David Klint

One of the more interesting things about vintage watch collecting is how important community-led research has been to the hobby. One would think in this modern age that all the information anyone would need about a vintage timepiece would be readily available on a brand website, but that’s not always the case. Initially, watches weren’t seen as collectible and were more viewed as just tools; because of this, many brands didn’t keep detailed records of everything, and even some who may have don’t release those records to the public. This absence of information and cooperation means now a lot of what we now know about vintage watch references has been pieced together by motivated, intelligent watch nerds.  However, this also means there are some mysteries in the watch world that may never be solved, the most famous of which might be that of the Rolex GMT-Master “Blueberry”, reference 1675 .

The Rolex Blueberry GMT, easily picked out of the crowd on account of its all blue bezel, is one of the most enigmatic and desired vintage Rolex models out there. Despite being such a highly collectible and valuable timepiece— it often commands a substantial premium over a standard 1675—there are still many unanswered questions about its origins and even legitimacy. There are all kinds of legends about the watch. Some claim a batch of blue bezels was saved from a factory fire by a brave worker, with all the rest getting burned up. Others say Rolex has confirmed that they never made a Blueberry GMT, while some claim the opposite. We may never know the truth, but the scholarly consensus is that rare genuine examples exist, and those examples share some generally agreed-upon traits. 

First, this all blue bezel was only made for the reference 1675 Rolex GMT-Master from the 1970s. This timing lines up with Rolex’s introduction of all black bezels, so part of the thinking is that the blue bezels could have been an alternative single color bezel option that Rolex was trying out. The blue bezel has been found on Mark 2, 3, 4, and 5 dials. This specific example is a Mark 2, which you can tell by the wider “Rolex” font and logo as well as the closeness of the “LE.” Most people also agree that the blue bezel was not a standard retail configuration for the GMT, but rather it was offered to clients by Rolex Service centers. It’s also believed that the blue bezels may have been allocated specifically for military orders in the Middle East. There have been multiple co-branded United Arab Emirates GMTs that have these blueberry inserts, which helps back this theory. Additionally, there are small hallmarks like the font and an alignment notch on the back of these bezels that help when validating them. As always, using a trusted and reputable dealer—like, say, European Watch Company—is the best route to go when looking to buy the Blueberry or any vintage timepiece.

Enough of the speculation; let’s talk about the specific watch at hand. It is a reference 1675 from 1973 with a Mark 2 dial, and it appears to be in excellent condition. The lume has patinated to a creamy off-white color, and it matches across the hands and hour plots perfectly. Its matte black dial has now faded to dark charcoal color, and overall the dial gives the impression that this watch has spent plenty of time in the sun. On duty in the Middle East, perhaps? For me, this is about as much patina as I would want on any watch. There’s some character here, but it’s not so aged that you start to worry about its durability. 

The case and bracelet are in great condition as well, with well-defined lines and bevels on the lugs. There are some dings and scratches here and there, and the watch was certainly worn but also taken care of. It doesn’t appear to have ever been overly polished if polished at all. Another detail I love is the original rivet bracelet. It gives the watch a more classic utilitarian vibe. While a modern Oyster bracelet is bulletproof, it’s also fairly refined; this rivet bracelet oozes classic tool watch charm. 

Powering the watch is the in-house caliber 1575 with the GMT complication and hacking seconds. Its rhodium-plated, automatic winding has a free-sprung balance, a 48-hour power reserve, and a KIF shock absorber system. This specific movement was recently serviced and is a superlative chronometer. Produced from 1965-1981—which is a hell of a run—the 1575 and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable movements produced by Rolex. This watch is the subject of many disagreements in the watch community, but if there is anything about the Blueberry that’s not up for debate, it’s that its movement is rock solid.

While the Blueberry is physically just a standard Rolex GMT reference 1675 with an all blue bezel, this small design difference and the stories surrounding it elevate the watch to serve an important role in the vintage watch collecting world. Because while knowledge is important, so are mysteries. They inspire debate, speculation and activate the imagination. In the information age in which we find ourselves—where answers have never been more readily available via google—watches like the Blueberry GMT keep us engaged with each other. They allow us all to capture the feeling of collaboration that was so prevalent in the early days of watch collecting before all the answers were just a search engine away. So while the curiosity and an inability to know may be frustrating, I hope we never solve the mystery of the Blueberry GMT.

See More of the Rolex GMT-Master Blueberry

Visit europeanwatch.com.

Join 75,000+ Other Watch Enthusiasts

Get our new arrivals first.

• Skip to content
• Skip to footer

• Français

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42

Related content

Oyster Perpetual Air-King

Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40

Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31

Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40

Used & New Rolex Watches for Sale in St. Petersburg, Florida

Welcome Pre-Owned Rolex Watch Buyers of St. Petersburg, Florida!

Who doesn’t want the best deals on pre-owned Rolex watches ? At Swiss Wrist, you’ll find amazing deals on Rolexes, as well as a wealth of information on the brand itself. We offer an extensive inventory, industry-leading warranties, high cash payouts, and a friendly, experienced staff ready to answer your queries.

Want To Sell Your Rolex ? Get Started Today!

Purchase Pre-Owned Rolex Watches -  Click Here To Start Browsing !

Rolex Watches St. Petersburg: Used Rolex Watches For Sale at Swiss Wrist

The fifth-most populated city in Florida, St. Petersburg is located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Nicknamed the “Sunshine City” thanks to some 361 sunny days per year, climate is humid subtropical and attractions are many. The city features a number of museums, including the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Salvador Dali Museum, and the Holocaust Museum. St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District features the largest independent bookstore in Florida, as well as a vibrant artistic community that includes many LGBT members. Historic districts include Roser Park and Old Northeast.

St. Petersburg residents know Swiss Wrist is the best online source for all things Rolex, and frequently come to us to sell and trade their timepieces. Residents also know we offer fantastic deals on new and used Rolex watches.  Call 1-855-256-0100 .

St. Petersburg Loves Swiss Wrist

Whether visiting the interactive Great Explorations Children’s Museum, exploring a historic district or simply enjoying the beautiful weather, there’s no better accessory than a Rolex watch. Wear yours while taking in this sunny city.

Why Choose Swiss Wrist?

1) Industry-leading three-year warranty 2) High cash payouts 3) Guarantee on authenticity 4) High Better Business Bureau rating 5) Friendly, expert service 6) Rolex history information 7) Free quotes 8) Upgrades available 9) 100% customer satisfaction guarantee

Top 10 St. Petersburg Attractions

1) St. Petersburg Pier 2) Historic Downtown St. Petersburg 3) Salvador Dali Museum 4) Kenwood Historic District 5) Fort De Soto Park 6) Great Explorations Children’s Museum 7) Cathedral Church of St. Peter 8) Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge 9) Mahaffey Theater 10) Mirror Lake Library

Used Rolex St. Petersburg

At Swiss Wrist, you’ll find the best deals on Rolex watches, as well as plenty of information on production dates, brand history, serial numbers and so much more. Check out our sales and deals of the week, or contact our courteous staff with any questions. In a beautiful city such as St. Petersburg, it’s no wonder residents love these classic timepieces!

For information about new and used Rolex watches for sale and so much more, please send us a message or call 1-855-256-0100 . We are here to help!

About Swiss Wrist

Rolex watches, services & policies.

• Скидки дня
• Справка и помощь
• Адрес доставки Идет загрузка... Ошибка: повторите попытку ОК
• Продажи
• Список отслеживания Развернуть список отслеживаемых товаров Идет загрузка... Войдите в систему , чтобы просмотреть свои сведения о пользователе
• Краткий обзор
• Недавно просмотренные
• Ставки/предложения
• Список отслеживания
• История покупок
• Купить опять
• Объявления о товарах
• Сохраненные запросы поиска
• Сохраненные продавцы
• Сообщения
• Развернуть корзину Идет загрузка... Произошла ошибка. Чтобы узнать подробнее, посмотрите корзину.

Yacht-Master

Yacht-master 42.

Oyster, 42 mm, RLX titanium

Yacht-Master 37

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Unyielding performance

Oyster, 37 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 37 mm, Everose gold

Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold

Oyster, 42 mm, white gold

Extra confidence

Yacht-Master 40

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and Everose gold

Oyster, 40 mm, Everose gold

Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel and platinum

Shop New Arrivals

Soccer Stars and Their Rolex Watch Collections

The world is slowly returning to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic, with many events slated for last year now making a highly anticipated return this summer. One such event that many are buzzing about this week is the 2020 UEFA European Championship, which was originally scheduled to take place June 12th – July 12th of last year and will instead make its triumphant return June 11th – July 11th of 2021. Despite being delayed a full year due to the pandemic, the soccer tournament will keep the name UEFA Euro 2020.

The tournament will take place in 11 cities associated with the UEFA (Union of European Football Association), including Munich, Amsterdam, Saint Petersburg, London, and Rome (just to name a few). And while attendance will be limited in accordance with social distancing requirements, fans will still be allowed to attend. Some of the biggest names in soccer will be among those participating in the tournament and if you’re at all familiar with the sport, you might also know that they boast some seriously awe-inspiring watch collections. To celebrate the return of UEFA Euro 2020, let’s take a closer look at what Rolex watches those soccer stars are sporting on their wrists.

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on Rolex watches.

Rolex Yacht-Master II 116689 – Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Yacht-Master II 116689 Key Features:

– Production Years: 2010 – Present

– Case Size: 44mm

– Materials: 18k White Gold & 950 Platinum

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Programmable Countdown Timer

– Dial: White w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Bezel: Ring Command, 950 Platinum w/ 10-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 4161

– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet

– Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet

Our list kicks off with arguably one of the most impressive watch collections in soccer. With a reported net worth of $500 million, it comes as no surprise that Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo has a remarkable watch collection. He’s been known to indulge in more extravagant watches, such as the Franck Muller 7008 T INV C INV R set with hundreds of diamonds and rubies that some speculate will set you back anywhere between $1.5 – $2 million. His watch box is also home to an iced-out Jacob & Co. Grand Baguette Diamond watch ref. 330.800.30.BD.BD.1BD decorated with 761 diamonds that is worth around $1 million.

However, Ronaldo’s collection isn’t entirely out of reach for most collectors. While he does boast a rather opulent diamond-encrusted GMT-Master II “Ice” ref. 116769TBR dubbed the most expensive Rolex and a sapphire and ruby GMT-Master II ref. 116758SARU, the soccer star also owns numerous Rolex wristwatches that will appeal to the everyday watch enthusiast. Among the most notable are the yellow gold Yacht-Master II ref. 116688, white gold and platinum Yacht-Master II ref. 116689, yellow gold Sky-Dweller ref. 326938, and the Cosmograph Daytona in both stainless steel (ref. 116520) and 18k yellow gold (ref. 116528).

Rolex Submariner 116618LB – Sergio Ramos, Spain

Submariner 116618LB Key Features:

– Production Years: 2008 – 2020

– Case Size: 40mm

– Materials: 18k Yellow Gold

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display

– Dial: Blue w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Bezel: Unidirectional, Blue Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135

– Water Resistance: 300 Meters / 1,000 Feet

Spanish soccer star and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is one of the top players in the world. While it has since been confirmed that he will be leaving the team on June 30th and will be left off Spain’s roster for Euro 2020 following an injury-plagued season, his luxury watch collection is still worth highlighting, with brands such as Patek Philippe, IWC, Bulgari, and Rolex taking up space in his impressive timepiece collection.

Ramos was recently spotted wearing a White Rolesor Datejust II ref. 116334 with a black dial. The watch has since been discontinued (along with all Datejust II models) but can still be found on the pre-owned market for around $10k. Sergio Ramos’ Rolex collection also includes the coveted Everose Yacht-Master 126655 on an Oysterflex bracelet that retails for $27,300 and a handsome yellow gold Submariner 116618LB with a blue dial and bezel, which is available on the secondary market for around $40k.

Rolex Sky-Dweller 326938 – David Alaba, Austria

Sky-Dweller 326938 Key Features:

– Production Years: 2012 – Present

– Case Size: 42mm

– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, Annual Calendar, GMT-Functionality

– Dial: Multiple Options Available

– Bezel: Ring Command, 18k Yellow Gold, Fluted Style

– Movement: Rolex Caliber 9001

David Alaba currently plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the Austria national team. He will join the Austria squad as the team vies the championship title during UEFA Euro 2020. His most recent contract earned him over $14 million/year for the next five years, giving the star soccer player more than enough cash to spend on some seriously enviable luxury watches.

One particular timepiece that caught our eye is Alaba’s yellow gold Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 326938, which retails for an impressive $46,650. The solid gold watch is just as impressive as Alaba’s soccer career, boasting a 42mm case and matching bracelet in 18k yellow gold and Rolex’s most complex movement yet – the Caliber 9001, which offers both an annual calendar complication and GMT functionality.

Rolex Submariner 116610LV – Karim Benzema, France

Submariner 116610LV Key Features:

– Production Years: 2010 – 2020

– Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)

– Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers

– Bezel: Unidirectional, Green Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale

Karim Benzema, the striker for Spanish soccer club Real Madrid and the France national team is no stranger to the UEFA Champions with over 100 appearances since 2006. Benzema is worth around $70 million and has an impressive luxury watch collection to match, including a number of models from Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and (naturally) Rolex.

Even the most experienced watch collectors will be impressed by his impressive Rolex lineup, which includes the cult favorite white gold Submariner with a blue dial and ceramic bezel – aka the “Smurf” (reference 116619). The Smurf Submariner is discontinued but can be found on the pre-owned market for around $40k – $50k. Benzema’s collection also includes the stainless steel Rolex Submariner Hulk (ref. 116610LV), which features a striking green dial and ceramic bezel (also discontinued), and the Cosmograph Daytona in white gold (ref. 116509) with a Mother of Pearl dial. Karim’s watch box also includes an impressive rose gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and at least two different Patek Philippe Nautilus watches (ref. 5712G in white gold and ref. 5980R in rose gold.

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Bob's Watches Blog Updates

Sign up and be the first to read exclusive articles and the latest horological news.

Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Style Guides

Recommended Articles

Top Rolex Watches for Men and Women: A Guide to Timeless Elegance

Best Luxury Watches to Pair with Your Ugly Christmas Sweater

The Rolex Watch Personality Test

You may also like.

Rolex GMT-Master

Rolex Blue GMT-Master II "Batman" 116710

Panerai Submersible

Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster

Omega Seamaster America's Cup Stainless Steel