Rolex

• cal. 1030 automatic winding movement, 25 jewels, monometallic balance, butterfly rotor • black 'tropical' dial, gilt outer minute track, gilt coronet and lettering, red small arrow hand for second time zone • stainless steel Oyster case, screw down case back, luminous Bakelite blue and red bi-directional rotating bezel • case, dial and movement signed

Movement running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case is in good condition with wear consistent with use but retains original lines though slightly worn. Small swirls and scratches overall, points of the lugs slightly worn. Case back with dents to the reeding and wear overall, the dents from attempted openings by the wrong tool. Bezel in very good condition with very crisp teeth and bakelite insert in very good condition with no cracks. Dial in good condition with slight 'tropical' brown shade, patina to the indexes, and some oxidation to the date wheel. Hour, minute and seconds hand have been replaced with contemporary pieces but with newer lume. Movement in good condition with some loss to the finish.
"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."

The present lot has a beautifully preserved Bakelite bezel, maintained in excellent condition, which lends a third dimension and depth to the case. It is very rare to find a Bakelite bezel on a 6542 in such good condition, as the material itself is rather brittle. The present lot is in unpolished condition with thick lugs with minor wear to the edges from normal use. The steel bezel has solid, well defined teeth. 

The present lot also features a lovely aged tropical dial with dark brown hues with gilt lettering, minute track, and gilt outlines for the indexes. 

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.