Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 6542) Gilt "Chapter Ring" Dial, 1958

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Rolex GMT-Master, a symbol of sophistication and versatility, has a storied history that dates back to 1954. It all started when Rolex received a request from Pan American Airways (Pan Am) to develop a technical pilot's watch capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously. With the advent of commercial transcontinental flights, Pan Am needed a watch for their long-haul international flight crews that would enable them to keep track of time in multiple locations. Out of this request, the Rolex GMT-Master was born, with the reference 6542, the very first GMT-Master. Functionality was at the forefront of the original design for the GMT-Master, formed through the recommendations of Pan Am pilots directly, which actually helped the inspiration for the red and blue bezel color scheme that was later affectionately nicknamed the "Pepsi" bezel. Following suit with the other Rolex "sport" models of the time, like the Submariner which was introduced a year prior, the ref. 6542 featured a 38mm case with no crown guards, a rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown. However, the GMT-Master was differentiated by being the first sports model fitted with a date complication as well as the revolutionary additional 24-hour hand. GMT, which stands for Greenwich Mean Time, is the universal time standard that regulates the world's clocks and is the basis for aviation planning and schedules. The Rolex GMT-Master has a fourth 24-hour hand that displays the same time zone as the standard 12-hour hand but on a 24-hour scale. This GMT hand allows wearers to set the watch to GMT or any other time zone and then adjust the offset using the rotating 24-hour bezel to display a second time zone. This remarkable feature makes the Rolex GMT-Master a must-have for anyone who frequently travels across multiple time zones, allowing them to easily and precisely track two time zones. Stock # RLXGMT6542 Brand Rolex Style GMT-Master Model 6542 Serial 47XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Glossy Black, Gilt "Chapter Ring" Millimeters 38 Bracelet Rolex C+I "USA" Oyster Rivet Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The excellent and early no-crown-guard case was recently professionally polished to display era-correct, factory-like dimensions, angles, and chamfers, showing minimal signs of previous wear. The bakelite "Pepsi" bezel insert appears to be a very early tritium service unit and is in great overall condition, showing honest signs of use and a subtle crack next to 4 o'clock, which is expected. The lume in the bezel has achieved a lovely creamy beige patina that matches the dial nicely and exhibits no degradation under UV light inspection. The inside of the case back is stamped IV. 1958. The watch comes supplied on a later Rolex C+I "USA Made" Oyster rivet bracelet dated to 1964. The bracelet retains 11 links that show light stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original glossy black "OCC" gilt chapter ring dial is in beautifully preserved condition, retaining the glossy finish throughout with subtle speckling present around the center of the dial and some age spots present between the 5 and 8 o'clock markers. The original radium lume plots remain full and round exhibiting no notable degradation under UV light inspection and feature a charming golden-beige patina. The original radium-lumed gilt hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The "roulette" date wheel is original featuring "open" 6's and 9's with alternating red and black numerals. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.