My Watchbox: The Rolex GMT Master "Pepsi" Ref 1675

A Watch That Tells Time and Stories: My Personal Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 Pepsi

Last week marked three years since my mother passed away. To honor her memory, I made a special purchase: a Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 Pepsi from 1978. This wasn’t just a watch to me; it was a deeply personal choice, infused with nostalgia and love.

The watch carries a couple different layers of meaning. It starters, the watches' production year matches the year my parents got married, a serendipitous connection that makes it feel as if it bridges the past and the present. Ironically, it also ties into one of my mother’s favorite actors, Tom Selleck. 

My mother loved watching him on ANY show, but seemed to gravitate towards Magnum, P.I., where he famously wore a Pepsi*. That watch was more than an accessory for Selleck; it was part of his character’s identity, a symbol of adventure, reliability, and timeless charm. It also was WAY cheaper to acquire than if I went for his iconic Ferrari 308 GTS!

(She also loved Elvis, but his watch collection was way too over-the-top for me.)

And before you ask, yes a Chronosport Sea Quartz 30 is also on my short list of watches to own in the near future...

This GMT Master is not about owning the latest model or showcasing a "flex" timepiece. It’s about the memories of my mother every time I look at it.

Why We Choose the Watches We Do

This experience has made me reflect on why watch enthusiasts choose the watches that we do. It’s not always about getting the latest release or flexing a high-value piece on Instagram.

Often, a watch is more than a tool for telling time; it becomes a vessel for our stories, memories, and milestones.

A vintage piece, like my Rolex GMT Master, can evoke a specific time in history, a personal connection, or even a cherished moment with a loved one. For some, it’s the watch they wore to their first big job interview. For others, it might be a gift marking a significant life event, like a graduation or an anniversary. And for people like me, it’s a way to keep someone’s memory alive—to carry a little piece of them with you every day.

Beyond the Hype: Watches as Personal Symbols

In a world where much of the luxury watch industry is driven by trends, status, and exclusivity, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the deeply personal reasons people buy watches. Sure, a Rolex might be a symbol of success to some, but to others, it’s a symbol of connection, of time well spent, and of memories never forgotten.

That’s the beauty of watches. They’re not just objects of craftsmanship and design; they’re storytellers. Each scratch, each winding, and each tick carries a part of us, our journeys, and the people we love. When I look at my Pepsi, I don’t just see a watch—I see my mother’s smile, her joy in simple pleasures, and the love that shaped my life.

A Watch Worth Keeping

As collectors, enthusiasts, or even casual wearers, we should remember that the best watches are not always the flashiest or the rarest. Sometimes, the best watch is the one that feels like home. It’s the one that makes you smile when you put it on, that reminds you of who you are and where you’ve been.

So, the next time you’re looking for a watch, consider this: What story do you want it to tell? What piece of you will it carry?

For me, the Rolex GMT Master Ref 1675 Pepsi tells a story of love, nostalgia, and timeless connection. And that makes it priceless.

We'd love to hear from you. What watch has some meaning to you and is on your short list to buy someday?

* Hodinkee did an article stating that the Magnum PI watch was actually the reference 16750 (produced from 1981-late 80s) due to some distinct characteristics being pointed out. I opted for the 1675 because this particular watch had the perfect patina and denim faded bezel. The fact that the production year also matched my parents wedding made it a no brainer for me; even though I would really love that quick-set date feature!