ROLEX. GMT PUSSY GALORE, 6542, BAKELITE BEZEL.

ROLEX.
AN EXTREMELY RARE, WELL-PRESERVED AND ATTRACTIVE MEN'S STAINLESS STEEL GMT (DUAL TIME) WRISTWATCH BAKELITE BEZEL
Model: GMT-Master (Pussy Galore)
Date: Circa 1958
Case reference: 6542
Movement: Signed, 25-Jewels, Cal.1030, No. N674XXX
Dial: Signed, black, white luminous applied numerals, white outer minute division, silvered Mercedes hands with luminous insert, silvered centre seconds hand with luminous insert, red centre 24 hours hand with luminous insert, date aperture at the 3 o'clock position with roulette calendar
Case: Signed, brushed and polished stainless steel, blue and red "Bakelite Bezel", screw down back case, stamped 6542 inside, No. 397XXX
Bracelet: Signed, stainless steel riveted expandable Rolex Oyster bracelet
Size: 39mm
*For a similar watch with Bakelite bezel, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, p. 192.
*For a similar watch with Bakelite bezel in a recent auction, please see Lot 179, Phillips Auction Geneva, 27-28 June 2020 and Lot 48, Phillips Auction Geneva, 6-7 November 2020
Behind every Rolex model in history there is a story to tell, a raison d'être, and the GMT-Master could not be any less. This model was first created in 1954 for Pan Am Airlines, to enable pilots to track two different time zones at the same time with just a quick glance at the dial.

One of the most famous versions of the GMT-Master is the reference 6542, easily recognisable due to its (really fragile) Bakelite bezel with 24 numerals painted underside and made to glow in any weather condition. Rolex chose this material because of its low reflectivity and high readability. The peak of glory of this watch was reached thanks to the film Goldfinger 007 in 1964, in which the Bond girl 'Pussy Galore' made history by wearing for the first time a Rolex steel bracelet in a James Bond film.
39mm.
Sold for £36,250
Includes Buyer's Premium