829
Rolex
Ref. 6542
GMT-Master
A very attractive, rare and well-preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with date, sweep center seconds, Bakelite bezel, bracelet and COSC certificate
- Estimate
- HK$1,000,000 - 1,900,000€115,000 - 219,000$120,000 - 240,000
HK$2,500,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1959
- Reference No
- 6542
- Movement No
- DN904’157
- Case No
- 482’987, inner caseback stamped III.59
- Model Name
- GMT-Master
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1066, 25 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 65, max overall length 190 mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.59
- Dimensions
- 39 mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- With COSC certificate stamped in 1960
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Destined to inspire admirations and wonders, this spectacular Rolex GMT-Master with Bakelite bezel epitomizes the perfect amalgamation of fine artistry and the brand’s ingenious design. The present GMT-Master 6542 remains in wonderfully superb condition with a Bakelite bezel that has successfully stood the test of time. Astoundingly, the bezel has aged to the hypnotizing tones of Prussian blue and burgundy, further bolstering the uniqueness and splendor of this timepiece.
It is worth noting that an example of reference 6542 fitted with its wondrously preserved Bakelite bezel is extremely rare, as these bezels are very fragile and delicate, showing the first owner’s love and care of the watch. The black glossy dial is further embellished by luminous indexes and gilt printing which have developed a warm and creamy patina. With the original COSC certificate, the present lot offers a now-or-never opportunity for watch connoisseurs to collect a fine museum-grade timepiece.
It is worth noting that an example of reference 6542 fitted with its wondrously preserved Bakelite bezel is extremely rare, as these bezels are very fragile and delicate, showing the first owner’s love and care of the watch. The black glossy dial is further embellished by luminous indexes and gilt printing which have developed a warm and creamy patina. With the original COSC certificate, the present lot offers a now-or-never opportunity for watch connoisseurs to collect a fine museum-grade timepiece.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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