ROLEX, STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME 'GMT MASTER', REF. 6542Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 32,760
Estimate
USD 8,000 - USD 12,000
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.
Closed: 11 Jun 2025
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ROLEX, STAINLESS STEEL DUAL TIME 'GMT MASTER', REF. 6542
Rolex GMT Master reference 6542 – the earliest and rarest of all GMT models continues to be one of the ultimate prizes for many Rolex sports watch collectors.
The present watch is offered by the original owner, who dutifully serviced the watch when in regular use. It boasts a well preserved gloss gilt dial with attractive and evenly aged lume. The interior of the case back is stamped ‘IV. 1958’ for the fourth quarter of 1958.
Ref. 6542 The GMT-Master reference 6542 is unquestionably a true icon among Rolex’s tool watches. The beautiful red and blue bezel with luminous numerals, created in order to enable the wearer to distinguish between day and night time is used in conjunction with the distinctive additional hour hand with small triangle tip to show Greenwich Meantime, hence the name ‘GMT’. Its functionality and vintage good looks has made the 6542 GMT-Master an eternal favourite for collectors and tastemakers. Introduced in 1954 for the airline ‘Pan Am’, the United States’ largest international air carrier for most of the 20th century, it allowed their pilots to calibrate the exact time in any given time zone. The bakelite bezel is the defining feature of ref. 6542, with an almost three-dimensional effect to the numerals, it gives an aesthetic that is unique to the model. Because it was in production for only a very short time, and also due to its brittle nature, surviving examples are today exceptionally rare. Reference 6542 achieved international cinematic fame when it was seen on the wrist of Honor Blackman’s character ‘Pussy Galore’ in the epic 1964 James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’.
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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 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.
Movement: The movement is running 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. Dial: The dial shows light spider webbing across it's entire surface. There is some loss between six o'clock and seven o'clock. The luminescent material glows under UV light. The hands are later replacements and show light signs of aging. Case: The case has scratches and nicks throughout, and the crystal has scratches. The bezel insert is a later replacement. The inside caseback is stamped "IV, 1959." Bracelet: The bracelet is later and has scratches and wear throughout with some stretching. The end links are stamped "580," bracelet "78350," and clasp "F." Overall Condition: Good
Please note that the bracelet size is measured with the watch head attached.
1. All lots are sold "AS IS", and this condition report is provided purely as a goodwill service and may not specify all mechanical replacements or defects. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in good condition and without defects, repairs or restoration. You are accordingly encouraged to view the lots personally or through your own professional advisor.
2. For further information on these issues, please refer to the terms and conditions.
We thank you for your interest in the forthcoming sale. We remind you again that all property is sold “as is” and should be viewed personally by you or by your professional advisor before the sale to assess its condition.