Rolex GMT-Master 1972 Mark 2 Dial History

reintitan · 2016-12-04T12:31:38Z

Discover the history of a 1972 Rolex GMT-Master with a Mark 2 dial, including its original owner, purchase details, and vintage condition.

Reintitan shares the fascinating history of his Rolex GMT-Master, a 1972 model with a Mark 2 dial, originally purchased by a US Embassy official in West Germany. His post highlights the watch's provenance, including original papers and a preserved caseback sticker, offering a glimpse into its journey through time.

From 1972 with Mark 2 dial.

Originally purchased by one Joel Kleiman (who apparently worked in Room 5012 of the US Embassy) on February 19, 1977 from the American Embassy Community Association Retail Store in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, West Germany for the princely sum of $327. (And it looks like with an employee discount the total was actually $278).

I bought this watch set from a well-known and trusted dealer from Miami several years ago.

The caseback sticker was saved and stuck on the back of the punched papers.

The green passport holder has seen better days. 1960s - 1970s era plastic becomes brittle over time.

More pictures of the watch.

The tritium luminous on the hands and dial have mellowed to a very pleasing matching ivory color.

Nice bevels.

Key Points from the Discussion

The author discovered the original owner, Joel Kleiman, passed away in 2005, and was a philanthropist assigned to various State Department posts globally.
The watch's loose fit on the author's wrist necessitates a trip to a Rolex Service Center for proper sizing, as he lacks the correct tools.
The watch's historical context, particularly its purchase in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, West Germany, evokes connections to Cold War-era espionage novels.
The tritium luminous material on the hands and dial has aged to a pleasing, matching ivory color, indicating its vintage authenticity.
It is advised to keep the original bracelet intact and adjust the clasp spring, or use another bracelet, rather than altering the original.

The Discussion

Bounce781

Dec 4, 2016

Do you ever wear it or is it a safe queen?

reintitan

Dec 4, 2016

The condition is tops!

reintitan

Dec 4, 2016

so the watch wears loose on my wrist. Unfortunately, I don't have the correct tools to size it so I'll have to make a trip out to Giovanni at the Rolex Service Center in San Francisco to get it done. That's a 16700 in the pic below.

Bounce781

Dec 4, 2016

Amazing set. Congratulations

JToddH

Dec 4, 2016

It's amazing to have such a complete set so wonderfully preserved and in tact.

reintitan

Dec 4, 2016

and could go back and buy more 1970s Rolex like 1016s, 1655s, 1019s, and Daytonas!

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