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ROLEX | REF 6542 GMT-MASTERA YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1958
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- REFÂ 6542 GMT-MASTERA YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS DUAL TIME WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1958
Dial: cognacCaliber: cal. 1066 automatic movement, 25 jewelsCase: 18k yellow gold, monogrammed screw down case back Case number: 424275Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex bracelet with folding claspSize: diameter 38.5 mm, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Rolex factory service box, polishing cloth and service pamphlet
Condition
CASE Case in overall fair condition with signs of previous professional polish. Upper left lug with a small indentation. Left side case band with some heavier scuffing at the center. Right side band with wear and some small nicks. Lower left lug band with a nick. Note that spring bars are stainless steel. Case back is monogrammed "DP." Bracelet with equivalent polish, wear, and surface scuffing throughout. Some heavier scuffs to the clasp. DIAL Dial faded to a brighter brown/orange color. Some light surface debris and dust. Oxidation to the lumes especially 1,4, 7. Oxidation to the dual time hand visible to the naked eye. MOVEMENT Dual time function setting sporadically. Date function operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
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 reference 6542 was released in 1954 it became the official timepiece of Pan-Am Airline - and became Rolex's first GMT-Master ever produced. 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 Bakelite plastic bezel.
The present example has been well preserved and is exceedingly rare to see in yellow gold - a treat for collectors of precious metal tool watches.
When reference 6542 was released in 1954 it became the official timepiece of Pan-Am Airline - and became Rolex's first GMT-Master ever produced. 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 Bakelite plastic bezel.
The present example has been well preserved and is exceedingly rare to see in yellow gold - a treat for collectors of precious metal tool watches.