Lot 2263
  • 2263

ROLEX | VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, ORIGINAL MATTE DIAL, BAKELITE BEZEL AND BRACELETREF 6542 CASE 112843 'PINK' GMT-MASTER CIRCA 1956

Estimate
1,200,000 - 3,000,000 HKD
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Description

  • VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, ORIGINAL MATTE DIAL, BAKELITE BEZEL AND BRACELETREF 6542 CASE 112843 'PINK' GMT-MASTER CIRCA 1956
Movement: cal. 1035 automatic winding, 25 jewelsCase: stainless steel, bakelite bezel, screw-down case backBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex bracelet and folding claspSize: 38 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximatively 190 mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee and presentation box

Condition

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is in extremely great overall condition with an amazing finishing to the serif and coronet. The luminous materials to the hour markers with slight blemishing, however has aged in a very consistent pumpkin color. The luminous materials to the hand has loss, and the GMT hand has been replaced, but is common for it's age. The bakelite bezel is in excellent condition with only very minor stretch marks where the bezel meets the crystal. The case is in very well preserved condition with no obvious signs of polishing, however with minor wear at places. The bevel are still very well defined to the edges and is crisp throughout. The lugs with very minor wear from the bracelet. The case back with surface wear visible to the naked eye, inner case back is stamped "IV.56". The big logo bracelet is slightly stretched and unstamped. The present watch is not only extremely rare but also been kept in exceptional condition accompanied by original box and paper. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Catalogue Note

In the world of vintage Rolex, collectors are inspired when they find something unusual. There are many highly interesting attributes of this bakelite GMT that makes this watch a very important discovery. Firstly, the dial intrigues with the red signature of GMT Master. Secondly, is the longer Mercedes hour hand known as the ‘swan neck’. Thirdly, the finish of the dial and finally, the overall condition of the case, dial and bezel and the accompanying original Guarantee and unusual presentation box, retaining the outer cardboard box. The dial would appear to have a matte finish with is impossible for a Swiss dial from the mid 1950s. Examining the dial in greater detail, it originally had a black glossy finish but appears softer and more matte, perhaps a result of the radiation burn from the luminous indexes and bezel. The bakelite insert itself is in incredible condition with only some very minor cracks between 8 and 10 o’clock and another one between 12 and 14. The aging of the calibrated bezel is very consistent with the aging of the lumes and hands, which have turned into golden brown and still reacting with UV and Geiger machine. The case is very crisp with very strong bevels to the edges and the case back is stamped for the 4th quarter of 1956.

 There is an almost identical watch illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches mobile app by John Goldberger. We must conclude only a handful of examples have survived of what appears to be some sort of prototype GMT with bakelite bezel from 1955 to 1956. The watch is in incredible condition and is amazing to have survived with its original accessories.