ROLEX | GMT-MASTER, REFERENCE 6542 A TOP QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME WRISWATCH WITH DATE, BAKELITE BEZEL AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1959

Dial: giltCalibre: cal. 1030 automatic, 25 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw down case backCase number: 461'831Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster rivet and expanding bracelet and folding claspSize: 38 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Rolex Guarantee, note from American Rolex Watch Corp and presentation box

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is in excellent condition. All scales are intact. The lumes are all in very good condition, have aged consistently to a lovely warm ivory and all react under UV. The hands are a slightly different shape of green. The bezel is intact and in extraordinary condition. The case is in amazing condition with very sharp bevels which are incredibly crisp and easy to see. The numbers between the lugs are very crisp and easy to read. The case back with very crisp milled edge. The stainless steel inscription is still visible. Inside the case back is stamped for the second quarter of 1959. The bracelet is in very nice condition with light surface wear and stamped for 1960. In really exceptional condition overall. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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 advancing 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.  The present GMT reference 6542 is an extremely rare and a very appealing example. The watch has been retained in exceptional original condition and features the highly sought after bakelite bezel that is intact and itself in incredibly good condition. The case is extremely crisp with very sharp beveled edges and the case back still retaining its stainless steel inscription. The watch is stamped II.59 on the inside of the case back and the bracelet is stamped 3.60 on the clasp. The black lacquer dial is extremely well preserved and the lumes have all aged consistently and react very well under the UV light and the Geiger counter gives a very strong reading.

There are many attributes that render this example one of the best in the world. When the watch was first offered at auction back in 2013, it made a world record price for the reference achieving some 260,000 Swiss Francs. Sotheby's is delighted to present the watch again today.