Rolex GMT-Master 6542
Beautiful example a 1959 Rolex GMT Master, which was developed because of the demand for a watch for pilots and airline personnel who traveled ever greater distances through the air and thus moved through different time zones. The American airline Pan Am asked Rolex to develop a watch that could fulfill this purpose. And that's how the Rolex GMT Master was born. The watch for citizens of the world, according to Rolex. The Rolex GMT Master 6542 is the watch that resulted from this. What makes this generation unique, compared to later GMT Masters, is that it was equipped with a Bakelite bezel. A plastic that was used more often during this time. However, this material had a disadvantage, it was not strong and could not withstand influences such as sunlight and moisture. A 6542 with the original bezel is therefore super rare, almost all of them have been replaced by a service or aftermarket bezel. This model features an aftermarket bezel. Also typically, this Rolex 6542 was not yet equipped with crown guards as in the later models (apart from some very rare exceptions). This Rolex GMT Master 6542 is a fairly early model with a very nice gilt dial. Patinated into a stardust dial. The closet is very tight. The very neat rivited bracelet is a later USA variant from 1974. The condition is superb, especially for a watch from 1959! Nice detail: the roulette date, something Rolex has only done on a small number of watches. With this model, the even days are red, and the odd days are black.
