ROLEX | STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, TROPICAL GILT DIAL, BAKELITE BEZEL AND BRACELETREF 6542 CASE 482123 GMT-MASTER CIRCA 1957

Movement: cal. 1066 automatic, 25 jewels Case: stainless steel, bakelite bezel, screw-down case backBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Rolex bracelet with folding claspSize: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximatively 190 mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Rolex Guarantee

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is in tropical color by ageing, with stains throughout. The hands are later replaced. The luminous has been restored. The case is in good condition for it's age with light sign of polishing and light scuffs and scratches to the bands. The bezel is in very good condition for its age, with sign of stains and darken color, a sign of discoloration between 4 and 6. Inside case back engraved with "6542" and "11.1958. Bracelet end links engraved with "80" and "7206". Folding clasp engraved with "2" and "65". Overall in very good condition for its age. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"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."

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.