ROLEX
GMT-Master, ref. 6542, n° 427344
Around 1958
Steel wristwatch with second time zone
Case : round, two-tone bakelite bezel, screwed back and stamped "6542 IV.58" inside, signed
Dial : "Tropical", luminescent hands and indexes, "arrow" hand for indicating the second time zone, date window, signed
Movement : automatic cal. 1030, chronometer certified, signed
Diam.: 38 mm
A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with 2 time zone
Launched in 1954, the ref. 6542 is a cult watch since it is the first GMT-Master model produced by Rolex. Sold only until 1959, it is a rare reference in the world of collector's watches. Originally developed for the pilots of Pan-American airlines, the GMT-Master was a revolutionary tool watch when it was launched, because it allowed the time to be read thanks to a second time zone materialized by a two-tone Bakelite bezel. Particularly fragile, this material, which absorbs shocks poorly, was replaced 5 years later by a metal insert and made way for the ref. 1675. Highly sought after given its short production period, the ref. 6542 is a collector's item that can be appreciated with a perfectly preserved bezel. The example presented has a bezel that is barely marked by the ravages of time, which makes it a particularly attractive piece for any connoisseur in search of a watch that is as rare as it is legendary. With its case stamped "IV.58" and engraved "6542" on the inside, this watch also has the advantage of offering a "tropical" patina with hypnotizing golden highlights.
Launched in 1954, ref. 6542 is a cult watch, as it was the first GMT-Master model produced by Rolex. Sold only until 1959, it is a rare reference in the world of collector's watches. Originally developed for the pilots of Pan-American airlines, the GMT-Master was a revolutionary tool-watch when it was launched, as it allowed the wearer to read the time thanks to a second time zone materialized by a two-tone bakelite bezel. Particularly fragile, this shock-absorbing material was replaced 5 years later by a metal insert, giving way to ref. 1675. Highly sought-after given its short production period, ref. 6542 is a collector's item that can be appreciated with a perfectly preserved bezel. The bezel on this timepiece is barely marked by the ravages of time, making it a particularly attractive piece for connoisseurs in search of a watch as rare as it is legendary. With its case stamped "IV.58" and engraved "6542" on the inside, this watch also has the advantage of a "tropical" patina with hypnotic golden reflections.
