The year is 1959. The Cold War simmers, rock and roll explodes onto the scene, and Pan American World Airways, the dominant force in global air travel, is revolutionizing the world's connectivity. It's within this context that the Rolex GMT-Master, a watch born from a partnership forged in the skies, truly takes flight. This article delves into the captivating history of the Rolex GMT-Master circa 1959, examining its significance within the broader context of Rolex GMT models, comparing it to its predecessors and successors, and exploring its enduring legacy as a symbol of adventure and precision.
Rolex GMT-Master Reference 6542: The Genesis of a Legend
Before we explore the 1959 GMT-Master, we must acknowledge its ancestor: the reference 6542. Introduced in 1954, the 6542 was the very first GMT-Master, a groundbreaking timepiece designed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways. Pan Am, facing the increasing complexities of navigating multiple time zones, needed a reliable and robust tool for its pilots. This demand birthed the GMT-Master, a watch capable of displaying two independent time zones simultaneously – a feat unprecedented at the time. The 6542, with its simple yet elegant design, featured a 24-hour hand alongside the standard hour, minute, and seconds hands, allowing pilots to easily track both their local time and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Its sturdy Oyster case, renowned for its water resistance, ensured its reliability in the harsh conditions of air travel. While not specifically a 1959 model, understanding the 6542 is crucial to appreciating the evolution of the GMT-Master lineage.
Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675: Refinement and Evolution
The Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675, introduced in 1959, marks a significant step forward in the GMT-Master's development. While the 6542 laid the foundation, the 1675 refined the design and improved functionality. This is the model most closely associated with the "1959 Circa" designation, representing the watches produced around that year. The 1675 boasted a larger case, enhanced durability, and a more refined aesthetic. The bezel, a key element of the GMT-Master's functionality, transitioned from the earlier Bakelite material to a more scratch-resistant aluminum. This allowed for a clearer and more durable representation of the 24-hour scale, essential for tracking time zones accurately. Furthermore, the movement inside the 1675 offered improved accuracy and reliability compared to its predecessor. This model solidified the GMT-Master's position as a professional tool watch, favored not only by pilots but also by navigators, explorers, and other professionals requiring accurate timekeeping across multiple zones.
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