Rolex. A very fine, rare and attractive stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bakelite bezel

Prospective buyers should be aware that the import… Read more

GMT-Master - 1955-2015 The following ten lots, 13 - 22, represent an attractive selection of different "GMT-Master" wristwatches, one of Rolex's most legendary timepiece. The watches show the technical and design development of the model which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2015. Due to the extraordinary success of the Rolex Sports models in the 1950s, it came to no surprise when the world's largest airline Pan Am commissioned a specially designed watch allowing their pilots to keep track of time in two locations. With the beginning of transatlantic flights with jet aircrafts, travellers appreciated the fact that the journey times were reduced from 13 hours to 7 but suffered from new phenomena, the jet lag. Worried about the possible effects on their pilots and, after researches, Pan Am management advised them to keep on "home" time while away from base. As at the same time they needed to know the local time and consequently, a joint task force from Pan Am and Rolex was assigned. The team devised a watch with an additional hour hand, which revolved once every 24 hours and a rotating bezel marked with those same 24 hours. The model was named "GMT-Master" after the world's standard time, the Greenwich Mean Time. Reference 6542 - lots 13 & 14 The first GMT-Master model was introduced in 1954, featuring a bright acrylic or bakelite bezel insert with the twenty-four hour markings printed to its underside, chosen to reduce reflection which would disturb pilots. After two years it was replaced by a less fragile aluminium insert. The black gloss dials featured gilt printing. The cases were without crown guards. Reference 1675 - lots 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 Reference 1675 was launched in 1959, introducing the crown guards. Early versions featured the pointed version (lots 15 and 16), later the rounded style. Dials now with the mention "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". As of around 1965, the dial changed from black gloss and gilt printing to black matte and silvered printing. The small arrow tip of the 24 hours hand was exchanged against the larger size version in the late 1960s. Reference 16710 - lot 21 GMT-Master II, in production from 1989 to 2007. Dials changed from tritium to Luminova to Superluminova. Various changes to cases, bezels and bracelets. Reference 116748 SA - lot 22 GMT-Master II ref. 116748 SA for sapphire was launched at BaselWorld in 2006. It is one of the firm's few precious stone set models. THE PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR

Rolex. A very fine, rare and attractive stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bakelite bezel

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, GMT-MASTER, REF. 6542, CASE NO. 212'868, MANUFACTURED IN 1956

Details

Rolex. A very fine, rare and attractive stainless steel dual time automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and bakelite bezel
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, GMT-Master, ref. 6542, case no. 212'868, manufactured in 1956
Cal. 1030 automatic movement, 25 jewels, black gloss dial, luminous dot, baton and dagger numerals, luminous central hand for the second time zone with small arrow tip, sweep centre seconds, magnified window for black and red date, tonneau-shaped water-resistant-type case, revolving blue and red bakelite bezel calibrated for 24 hours, screw back stamped IV.56, screw down crown, stainless steel Rolex buckle, case, dial and movement signed
38 mm. diam.

Special notice

Prospective buyers should be aware that the importation of Rolex watches into the United States is highly restricted. Rolex watches may not be shipped into the USA and can only be imported personally. Generally a buyer may import only one watch into the USA. For further information please contact our specialists in charge of the sale. Please note other countries may have comparable import restrictions for luxury watches. On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price.

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Lot Essay

Made in 1956, the present reference 6542 is an early example of this celebrated model, distinguished by its very good original overall condition.

Often cracked or even replaced with the later metal inlay, the bakelite bezel is with the exception of a small fissure between 22 and 23 intact and shows bright colours.

The unrestored black gloss dial with gilt printing harmonizes beautifully with the sand-coloured luminous material to numerals and hands. Furthermore, it sports the rare and sought-after small arrow tipped 24 hours hand.

The case is likewise in very good overall condition. Extremely carefully polished, it has retained full proportions, the beveling to the lugs is clearly defined.

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