THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 6542
YEAR: 1958
CASE DIAMETER: 38MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Developed in collaboration with Pan Am Airlines, then a giant in the aviation world, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master ref.6542 in 1954. The watch featured a 38 mm case, a glossy gilt dial with radium lume on the markers and hands, and a rotating blue-and-red bezel made of Bakelite. 

Some 70 years later, the 6542 has become one of the most collectible vintage Rolex models. Its beauty aside, it is nearly impossible to find examples with all of their original parts intact. The most difficult component to find is the Bakelite bezel, which was prone to cracking from heat and impact, and was often replaced during Rolex’s safety recall.

We are therefore incredibly proud to handle this example, complete with its original radium dial, Bakelite bezel, lollipop seconds hand, slender GMT hand extending past the chapter ring, roulette date wheel, and original straight-end Jubilee bracelet, which is arguably as rare as the watch itself.

It’s hard to describe how amazing a 6542 is until you hold one in your hand: a watch good enough for Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, and one that will stand tall in any collection.