Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 10, 2015

LOT 123

ROLEX REF 6542 GMT BAKELITE BEZEL TROPICAL DIAL Rolex, "Oyster Perpetual", "Gmt-Master, superlative Chronometer officially certified", case no.263139, ref. 6542. Made in 1957. Very fine and rare, two time zone, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch, 24-hour bezel and hand with a stainless steel Rolex Jubile bracelet with deployant clasp.

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

HKD 160,000 - 240,000 / USD 21,000 - 31,000

Sold: CHF 22,500

Three-body, polished and brushed, red and blue graduated bidirectional revolving bezel for the second time zone in 24 hours, screw down case back and crown, crystal with cyclops lens. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes, outer minutes/seconds track, aperture for the date. Luminous steel skeleton hands. Cal. 1030, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self compensating Breguet balance spring, butterfly rotor, index regulator.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-7-55-22

Very good

Oxidized

Luminous material reapplied

Later original

Notes

Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 38 mm. THICKNESS 12 mm. Approx overall length 175 mm. A beautiful example of the pilot tool watch, the GMT. Bakelite bezels have become extremely rare due to their extreme fragility and were often replaced with later metal inserts. This example still retains its original bakelite bezel and the dial has turned to a beautiful light brown color, giving the remaining gilt writing on the dial an almost phantom effect.