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Lot 49

Rolex. A fine stainless steel automatic calendar dual time wristwatch with bakelite bezel
GMT Master, Ref: 6542, Circa 1959

Fine Watches
5 August 2020, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £40,062.50 inc. premium

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Rolex. A fine stainless steel automatic calendar dual time wristwatch with bakelite bezel

Model: GMT Master
Reference: 6542
Date: Circa 1959
Movement: 25-jewel Cal.1030 automatic, adjusted to 5 positions & temperature, No.N80****
Dial: Tropicalised black gilt, luminous dot hour markers, baton quarters, outer gilt minute divisions, magnified date aperture at 3, gilt Mercedes hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds, arrow tipped red dual time zone hand
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back, inside back stamped IV.1958, blue and red 'Pepsi' bakelite bezel, No.426***
Strap/Bracelet: Fitted folded rivet sprung 6635 Oyster link
Buckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp
Signed: Case, dial & movement
Size: 38mm
Accompaniments: Spare 62523H Oyster link bracelet

Footnotes

The model 6542 was manufactured from 1954 until 1959 and is distinguishable from its replacements by the lack of guards to protect the crown. Originally designed to enable PanAm pilots to see two different time-zones at a glance, the Rolex GMT soon became favoured among business travellers in general. This reference found further fame around 5 years after Rolex finished production; this time on the wrist of Honour Blackmans Pussy Galore in the James Bond movie Goldfinger.

The early models are immediately recognisable by their bright bakelite bezels as with the current example. The delicate nature of bakelite and the radium radioactivity of the luminous numbering meant many were replaced during their lifetime leaving those in original condition very rare. This rarity is further defined by the short production period of the reference as a whole.

Additional information

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