ROLEX 6542 GMT MASTER GILT STEEL

This is a beautiful vintage GMT. Rolex introduced the GMT Master in the mid 1950’s with this reference 6542 which was discontinued in 1959. The 6542 case has no crown guards and was originally outfitted with a Bakelite bezel insert. The Bakelite bezel inserts proved to be fragile, and over the years the vast majority of 6542s came to have replacement inserts. Our watch offered for sale still has its original Bakelite insert, which makes it very rare indeed. In fact, the entire watch is 100% original and still thankfully in mint condition. This is a true collector’s piece.

Original stainless steel case measures 37.5mm by 13.2mm thick. Case has no crown guards as seen on all subsequent GMT Master models. Plastic crystal with cyclops magnifier over the date. Lugs are fat and even. Case has full metal. Screw down crown operates perfectly. The big story here is, of course, the original blue and red Bakelite bezel insert still sitting in the original bezel 54 years after the watch left the Rolex factory. That is pretty amazing.

Serial number 397XXX dates watch to 1958. Inside case back is marked II.1958.

Original untouched black gilt dial is a pleasure to behold. Patina is uniform across all luminous plots and the original hands. Look at the original small arrow red 24 hours hand. Dial is in mint+ condition.

Original automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1030 movement with 26 jewels and adjusted to 5 positions and temperature. Movement is clean and running. This movement is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer.

Bracelet is Rolex Jubilee made in Mexico early version, in very clean condition with moderate stretch and with enough links to fit almost an 8 inch wrist.

This Rolex GMT Master 6542 is a pleasure to own and will serve as a fine addition to any Rolex collection.