Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

New York, Dec 11, 2008

LOT 272

Ref. 6542, GMT-Master Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual, GMTMaster, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified," Ref. 6542. Made in 1958. Case replaced by Rolex, Geneva in 1980. Fine and rare, two time zone, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with date, special 24-hour bezel and hand. Accompanied by an extra 6542 original case, fitted box and correspondence from Rolex, dated June 1980.

USD 14,000 - 18,000

EUR 11,000 - 14,000 / CHF 16,000 - 21,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, red and blue graduated bidirectional revolving bezel for the second time zone in 24 hours, crystal with cyclops lens. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minute track, aperture for the date. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 1030, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 39 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-07

Good

HANDS Replaced

Notes

The watch is accompanied by various documentation detailing the work done at Rolex in 1980. At that time, Rolex performed a complete overhaul on the watch, possibly in response to the request of the original owner, concerned about the effects of radiation. This may explain why Rolex replaced the original case with a new/old stock case, reference 6542, with a 6 million serial number confirming its 1980 pedigree. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Rolex 6542 GMT that has 2 cases, both original to the watch.