Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6542, repeated inside caseback and stamped "II 59"
    Movement No: DN'904'331
    Case No: 482'740
    Model Name: GMT-Master, "Pussy Galore"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1065, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet stamped "7206", end links stamped "65", max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "1 59"
    Dimensions: 38mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, bracelet, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Instantly recognizable by its red and blue Bakelite bezel, with radium filled twenty-four-hour numerals painted on the underside, the reference 6542 was designed to make sure that the viewer can track a second time zone under any weather conditions. Bakelite was chosen as the material for the bezel for its high readability, but due to its brittleness, Rolex quickly resolved to replace the Bakelite with metallic bezel insert. The reference 6542 was only in production for only 4 years from 1955 to 1959, adding to its exclusivity and rarity.

    The present example is distinguished by its wonderfully preserved Bakelite bezel, which has morphed into a stunning hue of burgundy red and midnight blue with the passage of time. The tropical gilt dial developed with its glossy surface radiating an array of brownness, arranging from tobacco to dark chocolate, under different lighting. On top of that, the luminous material on the bezel, dial and hands have aged to a tantalising caramel hue. It glows enchantingly in consistent brightness and intensity when put under UV light, rendering an irresistible splendor.

    Bearing case number 482'740 with case back stamped "II 59", the present timepiece comes with a Rolex Oyster rivet bracelet stamped 65, and period correct big logo clasp stamped "1 59". The present timepiece further has close case number proximity with a few previously sold examples. A notable example is one with case number 482’987 from circa 1959 that was sold at Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS in May 2019 with a result of HK$2,500,000.

    The present GMT-Master reference 6542 from circa 1959 is presented in superb condition. The delicate Bakelite bezel has stood the test of time and is remarkably well-preserved considering its age. The gilt dial has aged beautifully and reacts strongly under the geiger counter, and the case has retained strong proportions. Such extraordinary gem is tremendously hard to come by, and this high-quality example will surely allure watch connoisseurs and neophytes alike from around the world.

  • 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

1025

Ref. 6542, repeated inside caseback and stamped "II 59"
A very fine, attractive and rare stainless steel dual-time automatic wristwatch with Bakelite bezel, tropical dial, sweep center seconds, roulette date and bracelet

Circa 1959
38mm diameter
Case, dial, bracelet, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$640,000 - 1,280,000 
€76,700-153,000
$82,100-164,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024