6542, GMT-Master, Steel

There are many interpretations of travel watches today, but this is, unarguably, the travel watch. This is where it all started: the 6542. The 6542 has a remarkable history. It signified man's conquest of the air (created first for Pan Am pilots), played a major role in ending radium dials, and for decades has been the watch of the jet set. The GMT-Master has captured the world's imagination, calling to mind adventure, opulence, and utilitarian capability at its core. It has since become the symbol of a deeply-lived, well-travelled life. This is a near-unbelievable example with known history, incredibly preserved with a deep tropical dial.

The 6542 was so thoroughly considered in execution that the formula has barely changed since inception, seventy years ago. A rotating bezel segmented in blue and red to separate day and night, read off of a 24 hour hand. That simple solution has proved to be as simply perfect as the wheel. 6542 bezels however, famously, were not so permanent. That this original bezel in radium has survived with zero cracking or hairlines whatsoever is certainly the exception. Famously, Rolex recalled all 6542 examples, during which time most received aluminum bezels and a T < 25 dial.

In 6542 as all vintage, condition is everything. This example, originally sold in Newcastle Upon Tyne, has it both in case and dial. The dial is an unbelievable even tan-chocolate. Dials with this warmth are something Rolex will never make again, a flaw of production that recalls here both the golden age of Rolex professional watches and the golden age of travel. Its bezel is altogether and unbelemish, the numerals still fluorescing as they should. It is an example that excites both vintage Rolex scholars and geiger counters.

The 6542 with its lack of crown guards, rotating dual-tone bezel, and pointer handset, is the watch all travel watches have been based on since 1955. It is certainly in the argument of the most significant Rolex references to have been designed. And examples in this state, to all intents and purposes, don't really exist anymore. To work on this example and find it a fittingly appreciative, loving, respectful home has been a complete privilege.

This is an unbelievable 6542 in all aspects of condition, impressively preserved under the closest scrutiny. Its case has full proportions with razor sharp edges and appropriate wear levels on all surfaces, in the 482XXX range, in our estimation not refinished at any point. The solid rivet bracelet and caseback both date perfectly to the watch. The bezel is uncracked and original, not even a service bakelite which can be seen through the depth of the dot placement. Its dial is deeply tropical with an even gloss gilt layer, aged to a tannish-chocolate tone. The watch registers in the correct range on a geiger counter and all luminous elements fluoresce in the correct tone and grain under UV, matching perfectly. This example is a bit of a time capsule, complete with its original set and hang tags, it's not likely a repeatable proposition.

This watch is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.