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28 - ROLEX GMT-Master, known as the “Pussy Galore” Ref.
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Estimate €20,000 - €40,000
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Description
ROLEX GMT-Master, known as the “Pussy Galore” Ref. 6542 No. 427323 Circa 1959 Steel wristwatch with dual time zones Case: round, Bakelite bezel with radium-filled Arabic numerals, screw-down crown bearing the logo, screw-down caseback, signed and bearing the reference “6542” and the number “IV1959” Dial: lacquered “Gilt” dial bearing the inscription “SWISS” at 6 o’clock, painted luminescent hour markers with a patina, gold-coloured minute track, ‘Mercedes’-style hour hand, baton-style minute hand, central seconds hand, red hand for the second time zone, date window with cyclops at 3 o’clock, signed Movement: automatic, chronometer-certified, signed – Calibre 1030 Strap/Clasp: riveted-link steel Oyster bracelet known as “Big Logo”, made by Gay Frères, dated to the second quarter of 1959 Diameter: 38 mm Wrist circumference: approx. 18 cm Provenance: Descendant of the original owner, a former Air France employee. This watch is accompanied by a photograph of its original owner, who was an employee of Air France. This adds to the prestige of this model, originally intended for PAN AM. The founding model of the GMT-Master range, the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542 was introduced in 1954 to meet the specific needs of pilots at Pan American World Airways (better known as PAN-AM), at a time when intercontinental air travel was booming. It was the first Rolex watch to feature a 24-hour hand, allowing the simultaneous display of two time zones. The Ref. 6542 is distinguished by several features that have since become iconic: a case without a crown guard, a lacquered dial with highly legible ‘Gilt’ lettering, and a two-tone red and blue rotating bezel – known as the ‘Pepsi’ bezel – made from Bakelite. This material, which was subsequently discontinued due to its fragility, lends those examples preserved in their original condition a very special appeal. This model took on an extra dimension in the collective imagination when it appeared on the wrist of the character Pussy Galore in the film *Goldfinger* (1964), played by Honor Blackman. This detail, which was unusual in the cinema of the time for a watch worn by a female character, is the origin of its nickname, which is used by collectors today. Additional information: Condition report provided for information purposes only:  At the time of writing the catalogue: signs of normal wear and tear; bevelled edges still present; slight lifting of the Bakelite between 9 o’clock and 11 o’clock and between 2 o’clock and 3 o’clock; dial lacquer very slightly cracked; a beautiful, even ‘pumpkin’ patina, slight loss of radium on the minute hand, movement in working order, routine servicing recommended, no warranty Clasp 259 Endlinks 65
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About the sale Collectors’ watches
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Auction time 07/01/2026 at 5:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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