• cal. 1066 automatic winding movement, 25 jewels, monometallic balance, butterfly rotor • black dial, outer minute track, red small arrow hand for second time zone, aperture for date • stainless steel Oyster case, luminous Bakelite blue and red bi-directional rotating bezel, screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp

Automatic movement in working order during time of cataloguing. Lacquer dial shows sign of aging and has developed a nice tropical tone over time. Blakelite bezel is fully intact, show sign of light hairline crack underneath and discoloured in various areas. Case, bracelet and clasp with scuffs. Inside case back stamped II. 59. Case and serial numbers are clear and visible. Overall in good condition. **Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

When the first GMT-Master Ref. 6542 was released in 1954, it became the official timepiece of Pan-Am Airlines. Their pilots found the watch to be a useful tool in the cockpit where many timing calculations were necessary over the duration of the flight. Additionally, the simple ability to know what time it was 'back home' was very practical with the watch's colorful Bakelite bezel.

Recognizable by the bright colors on the bakelite bezel insert with the twenty-fouꦍr hour markings printed to its underside, this material was chosen to reduce reflectio༺n that might distract the pilots’ attention.

It was proven later that the flexibility of this material could cause the bezel insert to break in very warm environments causing th♏e printing to flake off often. Consequently, Rolex decided to replace the bakelite insert for a more resistant metal version.