Rolex. A fine and rare stainless steel automatic calendar dual time bracelet watch with bakelite bezelModel: GMT MasterReference: 6542Date: Purchased 18th December 1957Movement: 25-jewel Cal.1030 automatic, Glucydur balance, adjted to 5 positions & temperatureDial: Black, lumino dot hour markers, baton quarters, gilt outer minute divisions, magnified roulette date aperture at 3, polished Mercedes hands with lumino inserts, centre seconds, arrow tipped red dual time handCase: Brhed and polished tonneau, screw down back and crown, blue and red Bakelite bezel insert, No.212542Strap/Bracelet: Fitted brhed rivet Oyster linkBuckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp, stamped 4 63Signed: Case, dial & movementSize: 38mmApaniments:Rolex box, outer card, GuaranteeFor further information on this lot please visit theProvenance: The model 6542 was manufactured from 1954 until 1959 and is 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 biness travellers in general. This reference found further fame around 5 years after Rolex finished production; this time on the wrist of Honour Blackmans Psy Galore in the James Bond movie Goldfinger.The early models are immediately recognisable by their bright Bakelite bezels as with the current example. The delicate nature of Bakelite and the radium radioactivity of the lumino numbering meant many were replaced during their lifetime leaving those in original condition very rare. This rarity is further defined by the short production period of the reference as a whole.