Rolex - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6542
    Movement No: DN904’157
    Case No: 482’987, inner caseback stamped III.59
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1066, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 65, max overall length 190 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.59
    Dimensions: 39 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: With COSC certificate stamped in 1960
    Literature: For another example of a reference 6542 with Bakelite bezel see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 192

  • Catalogue Essay

    Destined to inspire admirations and wonders, this spectacular Rolex GMT-Master with Bakelite bezel epitomizes the perfect amalgamation of fine artistry and the brand’s ingenious design. The present GMT-Master 6542 remains in wonderfully superb condition with a Bakelite bezel that has successfully stood the test of time. Astoundingly, the bezel has aged to the hypnotizing tones of Prussian blue and burgundy, further bolstering the uniqueness and splendor of this timepiece.

    It is worth noting that an example of reference 6542 fitted with its wondrously preserved Bakelite bezel is extremely rare, as these bezels are very fragile and delicate, showing the first owner’s love and care of the watch. The black glossy dial is further embellished by luminous indexes and gilt printing which have developed a warm and creamy patina. With the original COSC certificate, the present lot offers a now-or-never opportunity for watch connoisseurs to collect a fine museum-grade timepiece.

  • 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.

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829

Ref. 6542
A very attractive, rare and well-preserved stainless steel dual time wristwatch with date, sweep center seconds, Bakelite bezel, bracelet and COSC certificate

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

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 1,900,000 
€115,000-219,000
$120,000-240,000

Sold for HK$2,500,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001
 

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019