Rolex. A rare stainless steel automatic calendar bracelet watch with dual time zone and bakelite bezel

GMT Master, Ref: 6542, Circa 1959

Model: GMT Master
Reference: 6542
Date: Circa 1959
Movement: 25-jewel Cal.1035 automatic, adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, No.DN77****
Dial: Black, luminous dot hour markers, baton quarters, outer minute divisions, magnified roulette date aperture at 3, gilt Mercedes hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds, red arrow tipped dual time zone hand
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back and crown, inside back date coded III.59, blue and red 'pepsi' bakelite bezel insert, No.rubbed
Strap/Bracelet: Fitted expandable rivet link
Buckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp, stamped WAB
Signed: Case, dial & movement
Size: 38mm

The model 6542 was manufactured from 1954 until 1959 and distinguishable from its replacements by the lack of guards to protect the crown. Originally designed to enable PanAm pilots to see two different time-zones at a glance, the Rolex GMT soon became favoured among business travellers. The early models are immediately recognisable by the bright bakelite bezel as with the current example.