ROLEX GMT WITH LE MANS CONNECTION
18th November 2025
Kick starting the Specialist Watch sales at Gardiner Houlgate for 2026 on the 24th February is this quite special Rolex GMT Master 1675 wristwatch
formerly owned and worn by Le Mans motor racing driver John Rulon-Miller.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master 'PEPSI' stainless steel gentleman's wristwatch, reference no. 1675, serial no. 3387xxx, circa 1972, Swiss T<25 dial, bi-rotational bezel with 'Pepsi' insert, Mercedes style hands, cal. 1570 26 jewel movement, the inside case back dated 'II.72', Oyster 7836 on jubilee bracelet with 550 end links, 40mm bezel
** with the original Oyster bracelet dated '4.72' to the clasp
John (Jay) Rulon-Miller (1939 – 2022)
This Rolex has a rich motorsport provenance. Purchased in Frankfurt Germany, in 1974 from the U.S Rhein-Main Air Force Base PX by his wife, Eloise as a gift to her husband John.
John's GMT Master accompanied him through many memorable years on the track and most notably during his four appearances at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978.
In 1976 John and his team to include Tom Waugh and Jean Pierre Laffeach, in his much loved red Porsche 911 RSR were the sole survivors of the IMSA GT class and finished a very respectful 14th overall, but crucially 1st overall in their classification.
In 1995, John became the first American-born driver to elected Full Membership of the prestigious British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), a distinction he valued greatly. Alongside family & friends, John was a regular visitor to the BRDC's home at Silverstone Circuit for the British Grand Prix and other major sports car races. John was a 'larger than life' character and remained a very popular member of the 'racing scene' throughout his life.
John sadly passed away in April 2022
For further detail please contact David Hare 01225 812912