Rolex 6542 GMT

The Rolex 6542 is the ultimate vintage GMT to own for any serious collection.  Prices and values on these rare collectibles have skyrocketed at Christie and Sotheby's Auction houses the past 5 years.  It was the first model in 1956 that Rolex produced in the GMT series and had some very unique characteristics:

•  it has a ceramic "Bakelite" bezel that is very fragile and prone to cracks, scratches and damage.
•  it has no crown guards to protecting the winding crown.
•  it has a gilt chapter ring dial marked "SWISS" only
•  it has a small arrow GMT hand

Production Period: 1954-1959
Model Name: Rolex GMT Master
Caliber: 1036 (1954-1959), 1065 (1957-1959), 1066 (1957-1959)
Pressure proof to 50m/165ft

The model 6542 was the first GMT Master and was launched in 1954 based on the design from the Turn-O-Graph (Ref. 6202) but with some notable exceptions.  The first released versions of the Reference 6542 had a bakelite bezel insert that was replaced with a metal one in 1956.  Its original bakelite ceramic bezel inserts were luminous but proved to be too fragile.  The watch is nicknamed "Pussy Galore" which originates from a character in the James Bond movie who wore this model. Finding a quality example with all original parts in good condition, and with the original bakelite bezel insert has become increasingly more difficult and expensive.

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*All Pre-Owned Rolex watches are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and certified authentic. Certificates are issued by WatchCSA, the industry's leading independent authority on watch authentication. WatchCSA Certified Pre-Owned certificates are provided for an additional fee at checkout. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women). Additional links can be purchased if needed.