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 7 live listings we track. The auction record is $350,000 (Phillips Geneva, 2016). Updated August 17, 2026. View lowest ask →
Track Rolex 6542
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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 #57 of 71 Rolex auction lots we track — see all Rolex records.
Live inventory matching this reference
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master 1675/8 Unqiue Brown Khanjar Nipple Dial wit
Ref. 1675/8 · 18k Yellow Gold
¥35,024,000
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 Tropical Brown Gilt Chapter Ring Dial
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
¥4,616,800
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 MK1 Long-E Dial Fuchsia Insert with Bo
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
¥3,645,680
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi | REF. 16750 | Stainless Steel | 1979
Ref. 16750 · Stainless Steel
¥2,786,000
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master "Pepsi" | REF. 1675/0 | Black Matte Dial |
Ref. 1675/0 · Stainless Steel
¥2,380,040
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master 1675 MK1 Long-E Dial
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
¥2,372,080
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II 16710 Tritium Dial
Ref. 16710 · Stainless Steel
¥1,671,600
Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II 16713 Black Swiss made Dial in steel and
Ref. 16713 · Stainless Steel
¥1,671,600
Rolex
GMT-Master II 40mm Black Dial Cerachrom Bezel Oyster Bracele
Ref. 2024 · Stainless Steel
¥15,920,000
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Rolex
GMT-Master II 40mm Black Dial Cerachrom Bezel Oyster Bracele
Ref. 2024 · Stainless Steel
¥15,920,000
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Rolex
GMT-Master II 40mm Black Dial Cerachrom Bezel Jubilee Bracel
Ref. 2024 · Stainless Steel
¥15,920,000
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Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II 116748SANR 18K Yellow Gold Diamond
Ref. 10655 · 18k Yellow Gold
¥15,601,600
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Rolex
Rolex 1675 GMT-Master Gilt Underline Dial with Papers
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
¥10,332,080
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Rolex
1958 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 6542) Gilt "Chapter Ring" Dial
Ref. 1958 · Stainless Steel
¥10,260,440
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Rolex
1978 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Mk. II Dial "Blueberry"
Ref. 1978 · Stainless Steel
¥8,756,000
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Rolex
Rolex GMT Master Yellow 1675 Gold Brown Dial
Ref. 1675 · 18k Yellow Gold
¥8,596,800
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Rolex
1977 Rolex GMT-Master "Blueberry" (Ref. 1675) Mk. III "Radia
Ref. 1977 · Stainless Steel
¥8,238,600
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Rolex
Full Set 1963 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt "Chapter Rin
Ref. 1963 · Stainless Steel
¥7,164,000
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Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" | Meteorite Dial | REF. 126719BL
Ref. 2020 · 18k White Gold
¥6,925,200
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Rolex
1978 Rolex GMT-Master 18K YG (Ref. 1675) Black Dial
Ref. 1978 · Stainless Steel
¥6,288,400
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Rolex
1966 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 1675) Gilt Dial W/ Box, Double P
Ref. 1966 · Stainless Steel
¥5,810,800
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Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi 126719
Ref. 126719 · Stainless Steel
¥5,651,600
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Rolex
Rolex GMT Master 1675 PCG Gilt Dial Faded Bezel
Ref. 1675 · Stainless Steel
¥5,492,400
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Rolex
1981 Rolex GMT-Master (Ref. 16758) 18K YG
Ref. 16758 · Stainless Steel
¥5,484,440
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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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