ROLEX | GMT-MASTER, REF 6542STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, TROPICAL DIAL AND BAKELITE BEZELCIRCA 1957

Dial: black lacquerCalibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewelsMovement number: N'770'650Case: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown and backCase number: 321'848Closure: stainless steel Rolex buckleDimensions: 38mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing and date advancing. CASE: In very attractive and sharp condition retaining bevels to the lugs and good distance between the spring bar holes and the edges of the case. With scuffs and surface wear throughout and consistent with age and use. The bezel without major damage, scratches to the surface throughout, some minor discoloration. Some signs of opening to the case back which still retains a nice milled edge. The underside of the lugs scratched from contact with spring bars. DIAL: tropical dial has with aged changed colour to gold. darker patch toward the centre and around the arbour. The lacquer has cracked producing an attracting effect that is visible upon close inspection and under certain light. All lume plots present that react under UV. Hands oxidised. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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 immense popularity of the Rolex GMT-Master series to this day is a testament to the timeless design of the reference that started it all, the reference 6542. Widely considered the master of the GMT-Masters, the reference started production in 1955 and was only manufactured for 4 years, the model being discontinued in 1959. The reference is based in the mid-century glamour of air travel, having been originally designed for Pan Am pilots during the golden age of flight. It was then lifted to further accolade adorning the wrist of Honor Blackman’s Pussy Galore in James Bond, Goldfinger released in 1964.

The watch is in and of itself an icon; the first watch to bear the now famous blue and red bezel to which it may attribute its huge collector following. The 6542 is distinguished from its predecessors by its Bakelite bezel insert. While this material was soon discovered to be impractical due to its susceptibility to cracking, it produces an incredibly alluring depth to the bezel that is lacking in later models as plastic or metal was used in its place. What is more Rolex recalled many of the original inserts due to high Radium content used as luminescence. Finding examples therefore retaining their original bezel is a rare occurrence, as they were either broken, recalled or simply replaced at service making the present lot particularly scarce and highly prized.

In addition to this, and as alluded to previously, the dial of this particular 6542 has become tropical developing a golden hue that is very attractive and provides a huge amount of presence especially put in contrast to the bezel. Each dial that changes colour does so in a different way dependent on many external and internal factors. As such the dial on this watch maybe considered completely unique. It is safe to say that this watch belongs to the upper echelon of the 'tool watch' category and the opportunity to purchase a piece such as this come few and far between.

Consigned by an important private collector, the dial of this GMT is simply spectacular. The ageing process is consistent throughout the dial, the case is nice and crisp with easy to see beveled edges. The case numbers are very crisp between the lugs and the Bakelite bezel is in extremely well preserved condition.