Rolex GMT-Master 6542 'Bakelite'

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Exceptionally well preserved GMT-Master 6542 from 1957 with its original bezel and bakelite insert! It comes with a steep price tag but completely justifiable due to its conditions. Dare I say this specimen is among the best GMT-Masters to ever surface in history? This one ticks al the boxes. Rarely have we seen the fragile bakelite bezel in mint condition but just like the dial it is in perfect condition. The beautifully warm-coloured radium plots match the original handset perfectly and is in strong contrast with the glossy gilt dial. This piece comes on the riveted Oyster bracelet, made in the USA. Collectors: act fast and stand in line!

Introduction

Rolex GMT-MasterFasten your seatbelts for the story of the Rolex GMT-Master. Aviation company Pan-Am requested Rolex to create a wristwatch that would display multiple time-zones simultaneously, as their flights got longer; crossing multiple time-zones. Rolex came up with the GMT-Master (‘GMT’ stands for ‘Greenwich Mean Time’) in 1954. The watch features a date-function and an extra hour hand (with triangle) that points out the second time zone on the bi-directional turning, 24hour bezel.Still linked to aviation and although meant for professional use, it enjoys a much wider fan base ever since it first saw light. Over the years it underwent some changes and there are so many wonderful variations of this all-time Rolex classic. Some GMT’s are great as a single purchase, others are a wonderful addition to any collection and some of them can be considered as the crowning glory.REF. 6542The very first GMT ref. is the 6542, available in either steel or 18k yellow gold and has no crown guards. Because it would reflect less (to avoid pilots being blinded) Rolex chose to use Bakelite as the material for their bezel inlays. Unfortunately the numbers tend to flake of in warmer environments and the bezel cracks easily, making it very rare to still have the original bezel. Nicknamed the ‘Pussy Galore’ as she wore it in James Bond Goldfinger. It was only produced for five years and replaced by the 1675 in 1959.

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.