The story of the Rolex GMT starts with an increase in the number of transatlantic flights enabled by the jet engine, and reaches its zenith thanks to a partnership with one of the most successful airline companies of the mid-20th century. The venerable Pan-American Airlines was looking for an extremely reliable tool watch that would allow its pilots to keep track of two different time zones. Rolex created an ingenious solution, using the rotating Bakelite bezel that worked in conjunction with a fourth, 24-hour hand permitting the wearer to clearly keep track of two time zones.

Instantly recognizable because of its colorful bezel, Rolex’s first GMT-Master was produced for only five short years before the brand addressed the fragility of a Bakelite bezel.

The present reference 6542, manufactured in 1958, is a wonderful example of this seminal GMT-Master model. The glossy black lacquer dial has developed a golden sheen over the years due to UV exposure which balances well with the well-preserved gilt minute track and gilt printing. The case retains crisp, architectural facets and lovely original dimensions. Over the years, the GMT-Master has remained a perennial favorite amongst enthusiasts and the general public alike due to its practical functionality as a simple-to-use travel watch. It is a model that has a casual fair, which is suitable in both formal and informal settings, and early examples like the present lot are wonderful watches that provide a window to the innovative history of the Rolex brand and this iconic model’s origins.