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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · GMT-Master wristwatch

Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542

Partially verified

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 is an automatic wristwatch in stainless steel, dating to circa 1955. It features a bidirectional, two-tone red and blue Bakelite bezel with 24-hour graduations, designed to enable the tracking of two time zones simultaneously when used with the additional 24-hour hand. The watch is powered by the caliber 1065 automatic movement, housing 25 jewels. The dial includes the text "GMT-MASTER" printed in a red hue that has faded over time, and the piece is distinguished by a low serial number of 112'932. The case measures 38mm in diameter and is paired with a stainless steel bracelet with an approximate length of 200mm. The case, dial, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. This reference was developed for use by pilots and air crews during the 1950s.

Front view of the Rolex GMT-Master 6542.
Front view of the Rolex GMT-Master 6542. — Monaco Legend Group / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · GMT-Master wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
6542
Catalogue / lot identifier
206855833
Source-reported date
circa 1955
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
112'932

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Features

The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter. It is equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel constructed from Bakelite, colored in red and blue segments to facilitate day and night distinction via 24-hour markings.

The dial is finished in black with luminous markers. It displays the text "GMT-MASTER" in a color that the auction description reports has faded to a light, pinkish tone. The red lettering is described as retaining white depth, contrasting with the faded red pigment.

Evidence for this section
  • “fitted exclusively with the instantly recognisable two-colour red and blue Bakelite bezel”
  • “Originally executed with the words “GMT-MASTER” in red, the particular pigments employed during the period have naturally faded over the decades”
  • “the lettering retains its crisp white depth”

Movement and Function

Internally, the timepiece is driven by the Rolex caliber 1065 automatic movement, which contains 25 jewels. This caliber was utilized to provide the dual-time zone function central to the GMT-Master model's operation.

The functionality is managed through a conventional hour hand for local time and an additional 24-hour hand configured to correspond with the graduated bezel. This arrangement was engineered to assist pilots and flight crews in navigating multiple time zones.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Automatic, cal. 1065, 25 jewels”
  • “The ability to read two time zones simultaneously was revolutionary: the conventional hour hand indicated local time, while the additional 24-hour hand, read against the graduated bidirectional bezel, displayed a second time zone.”

Identification and Provenance

The watch is identified by the case serial number 112'932. According to the auction description, this is an early serial number within the 112.xxx range for the reference 6542.

The model is recognized as part of the initial GMT-Master production series, which began in 1954 and continued through approximately 1959. The object is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet, measured at approximately 200mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case N°: 112'932”
  • “Placed within the earliest known 112.xxx serial range of the reference to our knowledge.”
  • “Introduced in 1954, it was the first reference of the now legendary GMT-Master, remaining in production until approximately 1959”

Open research questions

  • Does the current movement serial number align with the case serial number for this production period?
  • Has the Bakelite bezel insert undergone any documented restoration or replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference6542“Reference: 6542”
Serial Number112'932“Case N°: 112'932”
MovementCaliber 1065, automatic, 25 jewels“Movement: Automatic, cal. 1065, 25 jewels”
Case Diameter38mm“Dimensions: 38mm Diameter”
Bezel MaterialBakelite“fitted exclusively with the instantly recognisable two-colour red and blue Bakelite bezel”
SignatureCase, dial and movement“Signed: Case, dial and movement”

Visible details

  • Two-tone red and blue Bakelite bidirectional bezel
  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Luminous indices and hands on a black dial
  • Stainless steel oyster-style bracelet

Research qualifications

  • Authentication of the specific dial configuration and components remains subject to specialist verification
  • The extent of color change to the red dial printing is a subjective interpretation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wristwatch, Rolex GMT Master 6542, 1955

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1004d35f07

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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