Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.

Geneva, Mar 21, 2020

LOT 267

ROLEX, REF. 6542, GMT-MASTER TROPICAL GILT DIAL BAKELITE BEZEL, STEEL

CHF 40,000 - 60,000

USD 41,000 - 61,000 / HKD 320,000 - 475,000

Sold: CHF 51,250

Very fine and extremely rare stainless steel, self-winding, two time zone wristwatch, tropical gilt dial with date and an added original bakelite bezel.


Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-10

Very good

Patinated

Brand Rolex

Model GMT-Master

Reference Ref. 6542

Year Circa 1959

Bracelet stainless steel Jubilee folded bracelet with deployant clasp 2.65/ endlinks 555

Numbers 482597

Caliber 1065

Dimensions 40 mm.

Signature Case, dial and movement

Accessories Box, additional bakelite bezel, instruction booklet and Rolex passeport

Notes

Created in collaboration with PAN AM pilots in 1954, Rolex introduced its first dual time zone watch, the GMT-Master Reference 6542 to help pilots better keep track of multiple time zones. It was developed on the basis of a regular Turn-O-Graph Reference 6202. The differences were a different bezel and a modified movement. The first version of Reference 6542 had a bakelite bezel insert with abundant presence of radium.
This example, made in 1959, is one of the most stunning pieces appeared on the market, preserved in beautiful conditions, accompanied with an original bakelite bezel.