Rolex. A very rare and highly sought-after stainless steel automatic dual time wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, bracelet and bakelite bezel

The present example of ref. 6542 is distinguished by its original bakelite bezel and the wonderful ageing of its dial, both features that will instantly appeal to the avid collector. The watch, fresh to the market further impresses by the fact that it has never been serviced or touched in its life. It is consequently in very nice and original condition.

The GMT was born as a professional watch, developed for the commercial pilots of Pan Am. Bakelite was the chosen material for the bezel due to its low reflectivity index allowing for perfect readability without the risk of glaring the user. The downside of this material is its low durability, leading to the replacement in later models with a brushed metal bezel - which was used also as a service upgrade when the bakelite models were sent to Rolex for an overhaul. Consequently, original bakelite bezels are as rare as they are sought-after.