ROLEX, GMT-MASTER WITH BAKELITE BEZEL, REF. 6542Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 22,500
Estimate
USD 15,000 - USD 25,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
Lot Essay
Created in 1954 at 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 models. A 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 glare during flights and therefore limit interferences with navigation.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The case is in good condition with light scratches and few small nicks. The case and lugs have been lightly polished. Both sets of numbers between the lugs have scratches through them and are partially obscured. The serial number is hand-etched beneath the original stamped serial number. The back of the lugs have light scratches and show evidence of the bracelet. The case back has light scratches and few small nicks. The inside of the case back is stamped '6542' and 'III.59' indicating its production in the third quarter of 1959. The inside of the case back has watchmaker's marks. The bezel appears to be correct, but was stripped of its radium at one point and does not register on the Geiger. The dial appears to be relumed. The GMT hand is a later replacement. The hour, minute and second hands appear to be later replacements and relumed. The date changes as the hands pass midnight. The end links are marked '380' and the bracelet '9315.' The bracelet is a later replacement. The bracelet is in good condition with light scratches. The date changes as the hands pass midnight. The movement is in working order at the time of cataloging, consistent with the age of the watch. The movement has not been tested for accuracy. A service is recommended given the age of the watch.