The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

For a lot of Rolex collectors, the GMT Master 6542 may be the watch to possess. Although there has been numerous renditions from the GMT which have been created throughout its continuous production run in excess of six decades, the reference 6542 was the initial, and for that reason holds a unique place within Rolex’s history.

Greater Than half a century Ago: GMT Master 6542

The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

First introduced in 1954, the now vintage Rolex GMT-Master, the reference 6542 GMT-Master was created after Pan-Am Airlines designed a request a dependable watch that may concurrently display two timezones to be used on transatlantic flights. The reference 6542 could accomplish Pan-Am’s requirement of again zone display with the addition of a 24-hour hands along with a rotating bezel towards the GMT-Master’s self-winding movement.

Simply by rotating the bezel to correspond using the improvement in time, the GMT-Master could display another time zone using its 24-hour hands and also the associated hour markings around the bezel. Because of its multi-time zone abilities, Rolex named the timepiece the GMT-Master, a mention of the Greenwich Mean Time, the best foundation of standard time used around the world.

Bond Using The GMT Master 6542

Earning the nickname, “Pussy Galore” because of its appearance within the 1964 007 film, Goldfinger, the reference 6542 GMT-Master ranks one of the most legendary Amazon rolex ever, and it is largely accountable for beginning a completely new group of multi-time-zone-displaying wristwatches for pilots and frequent air travelers.

The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

Manufacture of the reference 6542 GMT-Master lasted no more than six many by 1959, Rolex had already introduced an update for their GMT-Master type of watches by means of the reference 1675. Although it wasn't being produced for any very lengthy time period, the reference 6542 offers numerous unique characteristics that distinguish it in the other GMT-Master references, which help allow it to be probably the most intriguing and collectible Amazon rolex to possess.

Most apparent one of the unique traits from the reference 6542 are its insufficient crown pads and smaller sized situation diameter. Crown pads were brought to the GMT-Master line using the reference 1675, and also have continued to be a continuing presence since. However, because reference 6542 was heavily in line with the reference 6202 Turn-O-Graph, its situation was slightly smaller sized across, and lacked crown pads completely.

Furthermore, all reference 6542 GMT-Master watches were initially fitted with glossy gilt dials. Because of their short time period of production and extremely early position inside the good reputation for the GMT-Master, the final reference 6542 watch had left the Rolex factory roughly one half-decade before the initial matte dials appeared to be suited to Rolex’s sport watches.

Bakelite

When Rolex first released the reference 6542 GMT-Master, it'd a bezel insert which was produced from Bakelite, with luminous, radium numerals set into its plastic-like material. However, as these inserts were vulnerable to cracking, Rolex altered the fabric from the reference 6542’s bezel insert from Bakelite to aluminum in 1956.

The Rolex GMT Master 6542 Watch Review

Even though they were considerably stronger, these new aluminum inserts was without the glowing, radium numerals of the Bakelite predecessors, and considerably altered the general appearance from the reference 6542 GMT-Master. Because of their incredibly brief production period and fragile nature, original Bakelite bezel inserts are thought quite rare, and therefore are highly searched for-after by collectors today.

Additionally to being the initial GMT-Master watch that Rolex ever manufactured, the reference 6542 offers various characteristics that with each other assistance to distinguish it from later-era, GMT-Master references. Consequently, surviving types of the reference 6542 - particularly if they have their original Bakelite bezel inserts - could fetch high premiums every time they have the ability to surface at auction. However, beyond any possible financial value, the reference 6542 is really a truly legendary watch having a fantastic history, whose creation helped start a completely new group of wristwatches.