.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Rolex period blank Guarantee, GMT-Master card and brochure, presentation box and outer packaging.
Reference 6542, the first GMT-Master model, was introduced in 1954, fitted with a bright acrylic or bakelite bezel insert, black gloss dials with gilt printing and cases without crown guards.
The present GMT-Master is not only a very early example of this legendary model but most importantly an exceptionally rare variant, distinguished by the "double-red" printing of the depth rating 50m -165ft and the designation GMT-Master.
To date, only two references 6542 with this particular dial design are known to exist, this watch, no. 112’927, and no. 112’873. This exceedingly small number leads to the assumption that Rolex tested the indication of a depth rating in addition to the model name before settling on the gilt (then white) “GMT-Master” designation only. A conceivable decision since the GMT-Master was never meant to be a diver’s watch, hence also its depth rating of 50m-165ft, half of the rating of the Submariner models from the period.
Another noteworthy fact of the present reference 6542 are the different tones of the “double red” printing, the depth rating in scarlet red whereas the GMT-Master designation shows a rather rose tone.
One of the rarest and most exclusive Rolex vintage sports watches to come to the market in many years, the appeal of this watch is further enhanced by its superbly original condition, the original bakelite bezel, the correct hands and crown and the Oyster bracelet from the same period.
Reference 6542, the first GMT-Master model, was introduced in 1954, fitted with a bright acrylic or bakelite bezel insert, black gloss dials with gilt printing and cases without crown guards.
The present GMT-Master is not only a very early example of this legendary model but most importantly an exceptionally rare variant, distinguished by the "double-red" printing of the depth rating 50m -165ft and the designation GMT-Master.
To date, only two references 6542 with this particular dial design are known to exist, this watch, no. 112’927, and no. 112’873. This exceedingly small number leads to the assumption that Rolex tested the indication of a depth rating in addition to the model name before settling on the gilt (then white) “GMT-Master” designation only. A conceivable decision since the GMT-Master was never meant to be a diver’s watch, hence also its depth rating of 50m-165ft, half of the rating of the Submariner models from the period.
Another noteworthy fact of the present reference 6542 are the different tones of the “double red” printing, the depth rating in scarlet red whereas the GMT-Master designation shows a rather rose tone.
One of the rarest and most exclusive Rolex vintage sports watches to come to the market in many years, the appeal of this watch is further enhanced by its superbly original condition, the original bakelite bezel, the correct hands and crown and the Oyster bracelet from the same period.