Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 13, 2024
LOT 136
ROLEX, SWITZERLAND, REF. 6542, GMT-MASTER, STAINLESS STEEL
EUR 60,000 - 120,000
CHF 58,000 - 116,000 / HKD 510,000 - 1,010,000 / USD 65,000 - 130,000
Sold: EUR 104,960
An exceptional and very fine stainless steel, self-winding, two times zone wristwatch with early bakelite bezel, and an attractive and very well preserved galvanic glossy dial with gilt inscriptions, self winding
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 8 |
Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2 |
Very good |
Dial: 10 |
Patinated |
Brand Rolex, Switzerland
Model GMT-Master
Reference 6542
Year 1956
Movement No. N702643
Case No. 212818
Bracelet Expendable riveted Oyster bracelet
Diameter 38
Caliber 1030
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
** This lot will require an export license/passport. Please refer to the T&Cs for further information
Provenance
Property of a gentleman from Monaco
Biography
The GMT-Master reference 6542 was introduced in 1954, born from the avant-garde imagination of Hans Wilsdorf and his desire to provide tool-watches that met the needs of a new generation of customers ten years after the end of World War II.
One of the most exclusive features of the early models is the so-called "Bakelite" bezel.
This distinctive accessory, where the red color represents the 12 daytime hours and the blue color represents the 12 nighttime hours, consists of a metal ring filled with a plastic insert with hour markings made of luminescent material, allowing for nighttime reading of this remarkable instrument.
This bezel, which was expensive to produce and unfortunately too fragile to withstand shocks without damage, was only offered for a short time before being replaced by a simplified version with an anodized aluminum insert, whose markings were no longer luminescent.
The fascinating charm of the first GMT-Master models is therefore reserved for discerning and fortunate collectors, as very few examples have survived to modern times without losing this famous bezel.
The example offered retains all its original specific parts, with an exceptional and warm patina—a true journey through time.
One of the most exclusive features of the early models is the so-called "Bakelite" bezel.
This distinctive accessory, where the red color represents the 12 daytime hours and the blue color represents the 12 nighttime hours, consists of a metal ring filled with a plastic insert with hour markings made of luminescent material, allowing for nighttime reading of this remarkable instrument.
This bezel, which was expensive to produce and unfortunately too fragile to withstand shocks without damage, was only offered for a short time before being replaced by a simplified version with an anodized aluminum insert, whose markings were no longer luminescent.
The fascinating charm of the first GMT-Master models is therefore reserved for discerning and fortunate collectors, as very few examples have survived to modern times without losing this famous bezel.
The example offered retains all its original specific parts, with an exceptional and warm patina—a true journey through time.