Rolex

• cal. 1030 automatic nickel lever movement, 25 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to five positions and temperature • aged black-to-brown dial, luminescent dagger, dot and baton indexes, luminescent Mercedes-style hands, sweep center seconds, gilt printing and tracking, magnified date aperture in red • tonneau water-resistant-type case, Bakelite rotating bezel indicating 24 hours with corresponding central hand, screw-down crown, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster USA bracelet

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The dial has aged to a brown color in the upper left quadrant in particular and has aged nicely otherwise throughout. The gilt printing appears to be entirely original as does the Serpico y Laino signature. The case shows general wear with general surface scuffs throughout. The outside of the back is stamped 'SyL Acero' as described in the note. The bezel has some scuffs to it as well as some minor damage to the interior rim near 12 and 14. The numbers between the lugs are 322203 and 6542. The number on the inside of the case back is 6542 and IV 57, indicating the fourth quarter of 1957. Overall this is a wonderful watch in very nice condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

By 1953, the commercial trans-Atlantic airline industry was at a point where planes were able to take off on one side of the ocean and land on the other in a matter of mere hours. Partly as a result of this, Pan American airlines approached Rolex, and the two companies began working on a watch that could easily tell the hour in two different time zones.

When Ref. 6542, the first GMT-Master, was released in 1954, it became the official timepiece of Pan-Am Airlines. Their pilots found the watch to be a useful tool in the cockpit where many timing calculations were necessary over the duration of the flight. In addition, the simple ability to know what time it was 'back home' was very easy to see with the watch's colorful Bakelite plastic bezel.

The present lot is especially unusual as the bezel has been well preserved with only minor wear and the dial is signed by the retailer, Serpico y Laino of Caracas, Venezuela, one of the most important retailers in the Americas. In addition to this, the outside of the case back is marked 'S y L Acero' ('S and L Steel'). Over the years, most of these retailers marks on the case backs are lost due to wear and polish. The rich brown tropical color to the dial also enhances the watch's overall aesthetic charm.