Reference
Rolex GMT-Master
Reference 6542 · 18k Yellow Gold
The lowest current ask for the Rolex GMT-Master (ref. 6542) is $10,500 at Bulang And Sons, among 8 live listings we track. The auction record is $350,000 (Phillips Geneva, 2016). Updated October 1, 2026. View lowest ask →
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About this reference
The Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 in 18k yellow gold was produced between approximately 1955 and 1959. This reference represents the first generation of the GMT-Master line, originally developed for Pan Am pilots. The gold variant is significantly rarer than the steel counterpart, featuring a 38mm case without crown guards and the caliber 1036, 1065, or 1066 movement. Collectors prioritize this reference for its "Bakelite" bezel insert, which is prone to cracking and contains radioactive strontium-90. Gold models typically feature "nipple" dials with elevated hour markers and leaf-shaped hands. On the secondary market, prices for 18k gold 6542 models generally fall within the mid-to-high six-figure range, depending heavily on the preservation of the fragile bezel. A notable auction result occurred in 2016 when a well-preserved example with a cognac-colored Bakelite bezel sold for over $200,000.
Auction track record
1 documented sale since 2016. Top hammer $350,000 at Phillips Geneva in 2016. Median hammer: $350,000.
Ranks #60 of 74 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
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Rolex GMT-Master 1675/8 Unqiue Brown Khanjar Nipple Dial wit
Ref. 1675/8 · 18k Yellow Gold
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Rolex GMT-Master II 126718GRNR
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Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO "Pepsi"
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Rolex GMT-Master 1675 MK1 Long-E Dial Fuchsia Insert with Bo
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
AED 84k
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Rolex GMT-Master 16700 "Pepsi"
Ref. 16700 · Stainless Steel
AED 72k
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Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi | REF. 16750 | Stainless Steel | 1979
Ref. 16750 · Stainless Steel
AED 64k
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1969 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Mk. I "Long E" Dial
Ref. 1969 · Stainless Steel
AED 58k
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Rolex GMT-Master "Pepsi" | REF. 1675/0 | Black Matte Dial |
Ref. 1675/0 · Stainless Steel
AED 55k
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1984 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16750)
Ref. 16750 · Stainless Steel
AED 54k
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Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Tritium Dial
Ref. 16710 · Stainless Steel
AED 39k
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Rolex GMT-Master II 116748SANR 18K Yellow Gold Diamond
Ref. 10655 · 18k Yellow Gold
AED 360k
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Rolex 1675 GMT-Master Gilt Underline Dial with Papers
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
AED 238k
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1958 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 6542) Gilt "Chapter Ring" Dial
Ref. 1958 · Stainless Steel
AED 237k
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1978 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Mk. II Dial "Blueberry"
Ref. 1978 · Stainless Steel
AED 202k
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Rolex GMT Master Yellow 1675 Gold Brown Dial
Ref. 1675 · 18k Yellow Gold
AED 198k
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1977 Rolex GMT-Master "Blueberry" (Ref. 1675) Mk. III "Radia
Ref. 1977 · Stainless Steel
AED 190k
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Full Set 1963 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt "Chapter Rin
Ref. 1963 · Stainless Steel
AED 165k
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Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" | Meteorite Dial | REF. 126719BL
Ref. 2020 · 18k White Gold
AED 160k
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1978 Rolex GMT-Master 18K YG (Ref. 1675) Black Dial
Ref. 1978 · Stainless Steel
AED 145k
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1966 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt Dial W/ Box, Double P
Ref. 1966 · Stainless Steel
AED 134k
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Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 126719
Ref. 126719 · Stainless Steel
AED 130k
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1981 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16758) 18K YG
Ref. 16758 · Stainless Steel
AED 126k
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Tropical 1960 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt "Chapter Rin
Ref. 1960 · Stainless Steel
AED 125k
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All documented hammer prices
For this reference (and close variants).
| Lot | Year | Hammer | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6542 · GMT-Master | 2016 | $350,000 | Phillips Geneva |
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