Fine Watches
Fine Watches
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.