Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Bakelite Bezel Gilt Dial
Released in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master is the iconic result of Pan Am and Rolex's collaborative effort to design a watch that could tell the time in two different places at once. With the popularization of commercial flying, the distances flown were only getting greater, which meant pilots crossed time zones during flights more frequently, and hence a need for uniformity across the industry was created. As a result, the aviation industry began to use a standard time-zone to eliminate timing errors and the like. Greenwich Mean Time was decided upon as this standard, and as such, the GMT-Master's fourth hand, the 2nd hour hand, was to stay on Greenwich Mean Time - which is where the name for the watch comes from. Produced between 1954 and 1988, the GMT-Master is perhaps one of Rolex's most iconic models, and its first reference; one of the best known. Produced from 1954 until 1959, the ref. 6542 was a regular Rolex Turn-O-Graph with a modified movement, an additional hour hand, and its famous bi-colored Pepsi bezel. Unfortunately, this bezel, made from an early form of plastic, Bakelite, would famously crack and break due to its fragility, however, the example we have here features an incredibly well-preserved Bakelite bezel without any cracks.
THE DIAL Dial and hands feature original radium luminous, that has aged to a pleasing color.
THE BEZEL Featuring a beautifully-aged and well-preserved Bakelite bezel insert with a stunning color combo of dark red and a dark denim blue, this ref. 6542 retains the original essence of the GMT-Master that was lost with the later introduction of the steel bezel variant, the 1675.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
