Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6542 inside caseback further stamped III.59
    Movement No: DN899'389
    Case No: 482'834
    Model Name: GMT-Master "Pussy Galore"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1066, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex expandable riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 58, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.60
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box with outer packaging and hang tag

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542’s history which originated from a commission from the Pan American Airways to come up with the perfect tool watch for their pilots is very well known to collectors. As one of the most iconic vintage wristwatches, its fragile Bakelite bezel played a significant role in the difficulty we have today in finding one in original and good condition. Another event that built the myth of this watch is its appearance in the movie Goldfinger. In this James Bond film, Bond Girl, Pussy Galore, is spotted wearing the dual time zone wristwatch with bicolor bezel. In this same movie, Bond was wearing a Submariner reference 6538 that was also nicknamed after him. Ian Fleming’s choice to provide Pussy Galore with a GMT-Master was logical as his character was employed by Goldfinger as she was “a damn good pilot” as she asserted to James Bond when they first met.

    The present GMT-Master is offered in excellent condition. The Bakelite bezel is still in excellent condition, the case bears strong proportions and the expandable bracelet shows below average stretch. This watch will definitely be a great addition to any watch collection, either because it is a watch with nickname, a watch with strong history or a watch that comes in great condition with its box.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

22

Ref. 6542 inside caseback further stamped III.59
A very attractive and well preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with Bakelite bezel, bracelet and box

Circa 1959
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 90,000 
€53,400-80,200
$60,400-90,700

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019