The Rolex GMT-Master, a watch synonymous with travel and adventure, holds a particularly poignant place in history due to its association with one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The story of Che's Rolex, a specific 1958 GMT-Master ref. 1675, is inextricably linked to the events surrounding his capture and death in La Higuera, Bolivia, on October 9th, 1967, and subsequently, its controversial acquisition by CIA operative Félix Rodríguez. This article will delve into the fascinating history of Che's watch, exploring its model, its place within the broader context of Rolex GMT-Master history, and the ethical questions raised by its post-revolutionary journey.
The Original Pan Am Rolex GMT: Before we discuss Che's specific watch, it's crucial to understand the broader context of the Rolex GMT-Master's inception. The GMT-Master, first introduced in 1954, was a groundbreaking timepiece designed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). The burgeoning age of jet travel necessitated a watch capable of displaying multiple time zones simultaneously, and Rolex rose to the challenge. The original GMT-Master, primarily the reference 6542, featured a rotating 24-hour bezel, allowing pilots to easily track different time zones. This functionality made it an incredibly practical and desirable tool for international travel, a characteristic that would later prove attractive to figures like Che Guevara. The design, robust and functional, cemented its place as a benchmark in watchmaking, a status that continues to this day. The early GMT-Masters, like the one Che possessed, represent a pivotal moment in horological history, marking a transition from purely functional timekeeping to instruments that catered to the needs of a rapidly globalizing world.
Che Guevara's GMT Model: Che Guevara's Rolex GMT-Master was a reference 1675, produced sometime around 1958. The reference 1675 marked a significant evolution from its predecessors. While retaining the core functionality of the original GMT-Master, the 1675 featured improvements in durability and water resistance. Its larger case size and slightly redesigned crown offered enhanced usability, making it a more robust companion for the rigors of revolutionary activity. While the exact specifications of Che's watch—such as the dial color and bracelet—remain somewhat debated among collectors, photographic evidence suggests it was likely a black-dial variant, a popular choice for the era. The watch itself wasn't just a timekeeping device for Che; it was a symbol of his global travels and his engagement with a world increasingly interconnected by air travel. The GMT function allowed him to keep track of time zones across his revolutionary campaigns in Cuba, the Congo, and Bolivia.
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