Lot 61
  • 61

Rolex

bidding is closed

Description

  • A stainless steel automatic centre seconds wristwatch with 24-hour indication on a bakelite bezel with date and braceletcirca 1961 ref 6542 Oyster GMT-Master
  • diameter 38mm.
cal.1030 nickel lever movement, 25 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to 5 positions and temperature • black dial, luminous dot, baton and triangular numerals, gilt tracks and signature, red 24-hour hand, aperture for date • stainless steel Oyster case with screw-down crown and case back, rotating bakelite blue and red bezel calibrated for 24-hours • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp

Condition

The movement is running. The dial is nicely aged with discolouring to the numerals and hands. Areas of the luminous material are missing from the hands. The bakelite has four cracks around the bezel and it has lost some of the colour to the blue sector. Case and bracelet overall scuffed from wear.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by a Rolex Guarantee dated October 14th, 1961 and presentation case.

The GMT-Master was created in 1954 on request of Pan American Airlines and was immediately adopted by pilots, ship's captains, navigators, travellers and members of the Armed Forces, according to a 1960 Rolex catalogue.

Rather than using a steel bezel as had been introduced on the Submariner, the first GMT (ref. 6542) was launched with a bakelite bezel. Being less reflective than metal, bakelite was favoured by pilots as being less distracting when flying. The bakelite bezel was soon phased out as it was often found to fracture.