In fact collectors often cite the tool watch concept as one main reasons they like vintage Rolex or any Rolex for that matter. Rolex watches not only looked good, they were durable and had a function.The second appeal the GMT master has in my view more so than other lines is the concept of ‘tool watch’. They are always referring to color. There are few watches that have more attractive colors than the GMT Master, especially the first reference the 6542 with its fragile but beautiful bakelite bezel insert.
Yes the submariner (introduced by Rolex in 1954) might have come before the Replica Rolex GMT Master (1955) but the story of the creation of the GMT Master is more charming in my view. The GMT Master is my favorite reference, model, line (whatever you want to call it) within the Rolex universe. Created specifically for PANAM pilots in the 1950s, Rolex introduced its first dual time zone watch, the GMT Master 6542 to help pilots better keep track of multiple time zones. When I think of a tool watch – I think of the GMT master -even before the submariner.
The first GMT Master was the 6542 (main picture above), and this will the focus of our report. They are the most beautiful, the most colourful and probably the most rare of all GMT models. In 1959 Rolex replaced the legendary 6542 with the 1675 which would go on to last more than 20 years. Collectors often talk about Patina. Or tropical. Or shades of brown. While the 1675 is an extremely attractive GMT Master reference and some of the most beautiful and rare versions exist like the double swiss underline GMT (see post here), the holy grail in GMT Master collecting -remains the 6542 – especially those Replica Rolex With Bakelite Bezels.
The first is color. I love colors and I think vintage watches really is about color. Lets think about it. In my opinion also the most beautiful – good enough reason to take a closer look at this icon. Why? Well for a start my 18th birthday present was a Fake Rolex bi-color Gold GMT Master given to me by my mother in 1992. So the GMT Master has a special place for me personally. But I like the GMT Master for two other reasons.
