Rolex

• cal. 1035 automatic winding movement, 25 jewels, mono metallic balance, butterfly rotor • black 'tropical' dial,  luminescent triangular, baton, and dot indexes, luminescent Mercedes hands, red arrow hand for second time zone, magnified aperture for date at 3, gilt outer minute divisions, gilt coronet and lettering • stainless steel Oyster case, screw down crown and inscribed case back, later blue and red bi directional rotating bezel • case, dial, and movement signed

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.Case in overall fair vintage condition with wear, scuffing and scratches consistent with use and age. Please note that the bezel is later associated. Bezel with some areas of color loss especially from 12-16. Bezel with fracture at 13. Lugs with wear and some small areas of nicks. Signs of polishing to the case. Some areas of oxidation to the coin edged bezel and screw down crown. Case back with scuffing and wear and inscribed "Peterkin." Crystal with heavy wear, scuffs, and scratches. Some signs of light oxidation to the date wheel.Original dial with attractive patina. The tropical dial is very lightly browned. Golden markers and text are remain vibrant. Light oxidation to the luminescent areas. Movement in overall good condition with some areas of light oxidation.
"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."

The present lot features a beautifully aged tropical dial with dark brown hues, vibrant and well preserved golden markers. 

By 1953, The commercial trans-Atlantic airline industry was advanced and booming. Passengers took off on one side of the ocean, and arrived on the other in a matter of hours. During this golden age of commercial flight, Pan American Airlines approached Rolex to begin working on a dual time wristwatch appropriate for trans-Atlantic travel. 

When Ref. 6542, the first GMT-Master, was released in 1954, it became the official timepiece of Pan-Am Airlines. Their pilots found the watch to be a useful tool in the cockpit where many timing calculations were necessary over the duration of the flight.