Rolex GMT-Master - Bakelite

6542 - 1957 with Box, Papers & Military Purchase Receipt

£46,950.00

Why We Like It:

The 6542 is a historically important tool watch, the first GMT. Launched in 1954 the GMT master was amazing but flawed, due to being highly radioactive. Rolex issued a recall in 1959, demanded by the Atomic Energy Commission due to the use of Strontium 90. As a result, most GMT Masters were replaced with aluminium bezels making the original Bakelite inserts very rare. But there are early bezel replacements that are non-radioactive, made out of bakelite and with luminous numbers. This is one of those examples, an early non radium Rolex recall with bakelite bezel, matching hands and dial. In addition, this example has box, papers and military purchase receipt making this a unique set.

What you should know:

Non radium bezel, dial and hands. The previously polished case is in great condition, still sharp and crisp. The 6636 stretch rivet bracelet with 80 end links, is in perfect condition and also comes with a USA non stretch rivet bracelet. This was supplied by an authorised military exchange and purchased by a serving US military officer, we think stationed overseas. So a watch that was clearly used. The bezel does have a few cracks and has aged over the years, the dial also has very fine spidering cracks that can be seen when the light light hits it correctly. But all are period correct and have aged together and match perfectly. The movement serial matches the paperwork and the case number matches the invoice. The watch has just been serviced and is working perfectly. A fantastic piece of history you don’t see everyday!

Year: 1957

Size: 38mm

Set: Rolex box, extra USA rivet bracelet, papers & Military purchase receipt

Water Resistance: N/A

Movement: 1030