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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 364. GMT-Master, reference 6542 Montre bracelet en acier avec deux fuseaux horaires, date et lunette Bakélite | Stainless steel dual time zone wristwatch with date, bracelet and Bakelite bezel Vers 1957 | Circa 1957.

Rolex

GMT-Master, reference 6542 Montre bracelet en acier avec deux fuseaux horaires, date et lunette Bakélite | Stainless steel dual time zone wristwatch with date, bracelet and Bakelite bezel Vers 1957 | Circa 1957

Lot Closed

September 29, 11:15 AM GMT

Estimate

30,000 - 60,000 EUR

Lot Details

Description

Rolex

 

GMT-Master, reference 6542


Montre bracelet en acier avec deux fuseaux horaires, date et lunette Bakélite |

Stainless steel dual time zone wristwatch with date, bracelet and Bakelite bezel

 

Vers 1957 |

Circa 1957

 

Cadran: noir, légèrement tropical

Calibre: cal. 1035 automatique, 25 rubis

Numéro de mouvement: DN'759'235

Boîtier: acier, fond vissé

Numéro de boîtier: 322'252

Fermoir: bracelet Rolex Oyster en acier et boucle déployante

Dimensions: 38 mm, circonférence du bracelet approx. 165 mm

Signé: boîtier, cadran et mouvement                                                                    

Ecrin: non

Papiers: non

Accessoires: aucun


Dial: black, lightly tropical

Calibre: cal. 1035 automatic, 25 jewels

Movement number: DN'759'235

Case: stainless steel, screw-down back

Case number: 322'252

Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Size: 38 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 165 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: no

Accessories: none

 

Poids brut 85.10 g |

Gross weight 85.10 g

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 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 the entire Rolex production by being the only reference fitted with a 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 metal or ceramic was used in its place.

This present piece has its black dial that has turned into an attractive and discreet tropical shade, further increasing its desirability. Its case retains attractive proportions and sharp bevels.

All these elements have been looked after at high standards to make this watch a most enjoyable piece to wear.