Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master (Reference # 6542)

With Rolex placing an emphasis on the GMT-Master II BLNR in recent marketing efforts, it is as good a time as any to take a look at early GMT-Master models, like the Reference 6542 shown in the photo. This yellow gold configuration dates back to 1959, just a few years after the first GMT-Master was introduced. Developed by Rolex in association with Pan Am Airlines, this watch harkens back to the golden age of aviation, when trans-continental travel was made possible by jet engine technology.

The GMT-Master 6542 features an 18k gold case that measures 38mm in diameter and houses an automatic Caliber 1006 with 25 jewels. The yellow gold material makes this reference particularly rare given the fact that most tool watches of this period were manufactured in stainless steel, not precious metals. Another interesting material feature is its Bakelite bezel tinted in cognac brown. Bakelite was used to minimize the reflection on the bezel to make it easier for pilots to read the time while flying. The date wheel has a cream color that adds another interesting element to this unique piece.

Rolex GMT-Master 6542 (photo: Phillips)

This particular 6542 was put up for auction by the original owner at Phillips in Geneva last year selling for approximately $139,000 US. Many Baselworld 2017 rumors indicate that Rolex may be releasing a new GMT-Master II configuration based on the heavy attention the model has been getting in recent weeks. The consensus is that a 'Coke' configuration will be released in stainless steel. I think it would be interesting to see a new yellow gold GMT as well.

The combination of brown and gold evokes the aesthetic of the bronze models that watchmakers like Panerai and Tudor have released in recent years. The only reason I don't think Rolex will release a new stainless steel GMT is that they have invested so much in promoting the BLNR in recent months that I don't think it makes sense to cannibalize those sales with a competing steel configuration. In a few weeks all of our conjectures will be either confirmed or dispelled. I will be sure to post all of the new Rolex configurations from Baselworld 2017 as soon as they are revealed. For now, check out my predictions here.

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Roger Federer Wins Australian Open for Fifth Time Wearing Rolex GMT-Master II (photo: ATPworldtour.com)

While the world waits to see what Rolex will present at Baselworld 2017 in March, the watchmaker is already making international headlines with their association with the world of sports. The Rolex 24 at Daytona took place this weekend at the same time the Australian Open came to a close. Roger Federer made a huge career comeback after an injury to win the men's final against Rafael Nadal yesterday, his fifth win at the Grand Slam tournament.

Rolex took full advantage of the exposure, with Federer wearing a GMT-Master II BLNR and the watch being featured prominently on screens at the event and on the homepage of their official website. This publicity may lead some to think that they will be releasing a new GMT configuration this model year. However, it mainly just seems like the watchmaker is wisely promoting one of their most popular stainless steel models at a time when precious metal configurations aren't selling as well on the international market.

Closeup of Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR (photo: Rolex)

The positioning of the BLNR at the beginning of this year (just after SIHH 2017) reinforces the strength of Rolex's international branding efforts centered around the Testimonee concept. Introduced by their founder, Hans Wilsdorf, almost one hundred years ago, this concept uses the achievements of public figures like Federer to catapult their timepieces into the spotlight. While there are other brands that have gained prominence in this century, very few have the amount of name recognition that Rolex does worldwide.

In a few weeks we will see what model configurations the watchmaker will be updating this year at their stand at Baselworld 2017. Federer was photographed wearing the Daytona 116500LN for their website after its introduction last year. Regardless of which models will get attention at the trade show, it is clear that Rolex is focusing on their most beloved model configurations, like the BLNR, for now. For more information on the Australian Open, visit atpworldtour.com.

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Rolex 24 at Daytona (photo: Stephan Cooper)

Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona model is a grail for many watch enthusiasts, but even more so for participants in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the first major motorsports event of the year. The winner will walk away from the 24 hour endurance race that begins Saturday at 2:30pm at the Daytona International Speedway with a Daytona from Rolex in addition to a glorious career milestone.

Five time winner Scott Pruett will be racing again this weekend, this time with a new Lexus entry. “The Rolex 24 At Daytona is magical for drivers, teams and fans alike because of its rich history and the level of performance it demands from all those who compete. It is the ultimate race against time in challenging conditions, we drive for long hours in darkness, and I’m extremely proud to be racing again this year,” says Pruett of the circuit. 

Daytona International Speedway, 2016 (photo: Rolex/Stephan Cooper)

Rolex Sea-Dweller Double Red Reference 1665 (photo: phillips.com)

Rolex's Sea-Dweller model celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and Baselworld 2017 predictions all point to a new configuration for this classic diver's watch. The 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller (Reference #1665) shown above dates back to 1977. It features a Mark IV dial and the name of the model in two lines colored red, the origin of the nickname it is known by today.

The impressive depth rating of this timepiece (610 meters or 2000 feet) is the result of technology developed by the watchmaker and COMEX, the Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise, a French diving company. Rolex made many non-commercial timepieces for COMEX before creating one offered to the general public. One of the innovations of this 38 millimeter stainless steel diver's watch is the helium escape valve that is still part of the model to this day. This allows tiny helium molecules to escape the case without damaging the crystal due to the pressure during decompression after a dive.

The 1665 above was auctioned by Phillips last year in Geneva for approximately $27,500 and is preserved in its original condition. Some have speculated that the 50th anniversary edition of the Sea-Dweller 4000, should an anniversary model be released this year, will have the name colored in blue. I created a blacked out concept of the Sea-Dweller 4000 with the name in red to honor the double red shown above.

We will have to wait and see what Rolex does with this model at Baselworld in March. Regardless of what new configurations they release, though, the 'Double Red' will always be a favorite amongst collectors. The absence of the Cyclops magnifying lens, the depth rating and the simple display of the 1665 accentuated by the red lettering creates an irresistible combination for fans of brand. For more information on this and other vintage Rolex watches, visit phillips.com.

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Every Rolex Tells a Story: Garibeñe Muguruza (photo: Rolex)

Current French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza will not be advancing to the Australian Open semifinal after a loss to American Coco Vandeweghe this week. However, the Venezuelan-born Spanish tennis star has much to be proud of in her career. In 2014, after defeating Serena Williams in the fourth round of the Australian Open, she decided to honor the milestone with the purchase of a Rolex watch.

"Since I was a kid, my father and my mother both had a Rolex and I always wanted to have one as well. But my father always told me, 'You have to earn it, you have to work hard and one day you will have the chance to buy one yourself.' At the end of that year I felt that that moment had finally come, that it was a great reward for what I achieved," says Muguruza on her Every Rolex Tells a Story page at rolex.com.