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Lot Essay
Immediately recognizable by the bakelite bezel insert with twenty-four hour markings printed on its underside, the present example of the GMT-Master reference 6542 is offered by an important collector and impresses by the color of its dial. Of high appeal, the dial has changed over time to a magnificent metallic brown tone. This phenomenon is commonly known as tropicalization and can result in changing the color of a dial to a different color, which can be any shade from dark chocolate to a light brown.
Created in 1954 following Pan Am’s request, the Rolex reference 6542 is the first GMT reference, and the beginning of one of the most legendary and appreciated wristwatch lineage. Landmark in the history of Rolex, the timepiece was commissioned by Pan Am in order for their pilots to manage the negative effects of jet-lag due to the increased speed of intercontinental flights. The timepiece was developed with a second hand, enabling its wearer to keep track of both the local time and the time in their home time zone. The watch was also crafted with an anti-reflective bakelite bezel graduated for 24 hours, which would prevent glaring during flights and therefore limit interferences with navigation.
Nicknamed by collectors “Pussy Galore”, following the character in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger”, the popularity of the GMT-Master reference 6542 has steadily increased throughout the years. One of the most globally recognized and appreciated timepieces, the desirability of the present wristwatch is further enhanced by the beauty and rarity of its dial.
Created in 1954 following Pan Am’s request, the Rolex reference 6542 is the first GMT reference, and the beginning of one of the most legendary and appreciated wristwatch lineage. Landmark in the history of Rolex, the timepiece was commissioned by Pan Am in order for their pilots to manage the negative effects of jet-lag due to the increased speed of intercontinental flights. The timepiece was developed with a second hand, enabling its wearer to keep track of both the local time and the time in their home time zone. The watch was also crafted with an anti-reflective bakelite bezel graduated for 24 hours, which would prevent glaring during flights and therefore limit interferences with navigation.
Nicknamed by collectors “Pussy Galore”, following the character in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger”, the popularity of the GMT-Master reference 6542 has steadily increased throughout the years. One of the most globally recognized and appreciated timepieces, the desirability of the present wristwatch is further enhanced by the beauty and rarity of its dial.