ROLEX GMT-Master, ref. 6542, n° 427344 Circa... Lot 241

ROLEX GMT-Master, ref. 6542, n° 427344 Circa 1958 Steel wristwatch with second time zone Case: round, two-tone bakelite bezel, screw-down back, stamped "6542 IV.58" inside, signed Dial: "Tropical", luminescent hands and hour markers, "arrow" hand for second time zone indication, date window, signed Movement: automatic cal. 1030, chronometer-certified, signed Diameter: 38 mm A stainless steel automatic wristwatch with 2 time zone Launched in 1954, ref. 6542 is a cult timepiece, being the first GMT-Master model produced by Rolex. Sold only until 1959, it is a rare reference in the world of collector's watches. Originally developed for the pilots of Pan-American airlines, the GMT-Master was a revolutionary tool-watch when it was launched, as it allowed the wearer to read the time thanks to a second time zone materialized by a two-tone bakelite bezel. Particularly fragile, this shock-absorbing material was replaced 5 years later by a metal insert, giving way to ref. 1675. Highly sought-after given its short production period, ref. 6542 is a collector's item that can be appreciated with a perfectly preserved bezel. The bezel on this timepiece is barely marked by the ravages of time, making it a particularly attractive piece for connoisseurs in search of a watch as rare as it is legendary. With its case stamped "IV.58" and engraved "6542" on the inside, this watch also has the advantage of a "tropical" patina with hypnotic golden reflections. Launched in 1954, ref. 6542 is a cult watch, as it was the first GMT-Master model produced by Rolex. Sold only until 1959, it is a rare reference in the world of collector's watches. Originally developed for the pilots of Pan-American airlines, the GMT-Master was a revolutionary tool-watch when it was launched, as it allowed the wearer to read the time thanks to a second time zone materialized by a two-tone bakelite bezel. Particularly fragile, this shock-absorbing material was replaced 5 years later by a metal insert, giving way to ref. 1675. Highly sought-after given its short production period, ref. 6542 is a collector's item that can be appreciated with a perfectly preserved bezel. The bezel on this timepiece is barely marked by the ravages of time, making it a particularly attractive piece for connoisseurs in search of a watch as rare as it is legendary. With its case stamped "IV.58" and engraved "6542" on the inside, this watch also has the advantage of a "tropical" patina with hypnotic golden reflections. CONDITION REPORT : At the time of writing the movement is working. Please note that chronometric accuracy is not guaranteed and Artcurial cannot be held responsible for any repair costs. Brown patina dial in very good aesthetic condition, varnish cracked. Gilt writing, chapter ring perfectly visible and in good condition. Non-luminescent hands and hour markers, original small GMT hand. Original château fort bezel, tritium service bakelite insert. Case with little or no sign of polishing, chamfers clearly visible. Reference and serial number clearly visible. Case back dated 4th quarter 1958, 6 watchmaker's annotations. Caliber 1030 in very good condition. CONDITION REPORT : At the time of cataloguing the movement is running. Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Artcurial will not be held responsible for any repairs that must be required. Brown patina dial in very good aesthetic condition, cracked varnish. Gilt writing, chapter ring perfectly visible and in good condition. Non-luminescent hands and hour markers, original small GMT hand. Original château fort bezel, tritium service bakelite insert. Case with little or no sign of polishing, chamfers clearly visible. Reference and serial number clearly visible. Case back dated 4th quarter 1958, 6 watchmaker's annotations. Caliber 1030 in very good condition. Watches and clocks are sold as is. No warranty is given on the working order of the watches and clocks. Most watches have been opened to identify the type and quality of the movement, including water-resistant watches, so the buyer is advised to consult a watchmaker to review the water-resistance of the watch. Strap changes, water-resistance, restorations, revisions and adjustments are the responsibility of the purchaser. Artcurial will not accept any restoration estimates from any watchmaker. Watches and clocks are sold "as is". No guarantee is given as to the working order of the watches and clocks. Mo