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Old 4 August 2015, 12:20 AM   #1
AGENT4734
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HODINKEE: Rare white dial GMT

https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/Albino-GMT-Master-6542
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:33 AM   #2
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Great article, and an absolutely beautiful piece.
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:36 AM   #3
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Wow. Cool story and cool pics
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:36 AM   #4
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Cool story
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:42 AM   #5
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Awesome.
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:49 AM   #6
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Thanks for posting. Good read.
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:53 AM   #7
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I still remain skeptical
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Old 4 August 2015, 12:58 AM   #8
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I've kept my opinions out of the debate to date and will continue to do so until Rolex SA pipes in.
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Old 4 August 2015, 01:01 AM   #9
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I've kept my opinions out of the debate to date and will continue to do so until Rolex SA pipes in.

Has Rolex commented on other rare items?
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Old 4 August 2015, 01:02 AM   #10
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Wowzers! that is one sexy watch.
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Old 4 August 2015, 01:49 AM   #11
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cool watch!
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Old 4 August 2015, 01:50 AM   #12
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Betcha they'd sell a gazillion of them if they did an updated version.
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Old 4 August 2015, 02:07 AM   #13
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Nice story and perhaps that's all it is ...
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Old 4 August 2015, 02:25 AM   #14
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I think a modern version is SS would sell tremendously well!
I'd buy one!!
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Old 4 August 2015, 02:42 AM   #15
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I am not skeptical to the history of these white dial pieces, as I've been aware of them for 20 years... but, this one looks a little curious to me, I'm not 100% sold for some reason.
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Old 5 August 2015, 12:26 PM   #16
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Same here, I was drooling all over the images when I read the article, but I have my doubts that it's the real thing. I don't doubt either that a few white dialed GMTs existed, and part of me feels that I may even seen an illustration of one in an old Rolex brochure, but may be mistaken... But in any event, a commenter pointed out the alignment of the text, which seemed suspect -- I did the same and agree, something is up with the 'Oyster Perpetual' text. I've never seen a single line of text that skews up any portion of the way through...

I'm more posting this as to have a more seasoned expert chime in to say that it is within the realm of Rolex error, as to reeducate myself...

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Old 5 August 2015, 01:22 PM   #17
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Same here, I was drooling all over the images when I read the article, but I have my doubts that it's the real thing. I don't doubt either that a few white dialed GMTs existed, and part of me feels that I may even seen an illustration of one in an old Rolex brochure, but may be mistaken... But in any event, a commenter pointed out the alignment of the text, which seemed suspect -- I did the same and agree, something is up with the 'Oyster Perpetual' text. I've never seen a single line of text that skews up any portion of the way through...

I'm more posting this as to have a more seasoned expert chime in to say that it is within the realm of Rolex error, as to reeducate myself...
Could also be the picture...the watch may not be lined up parallel to the lens.
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Old 5 August 2015, 01:50 PM   #18
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Stunning absolutely stunning, great share, fantastic looking watches, anybody ever seen one in the wild?
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Old 5 August 2015, 01:54 PM   #19
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Receding of the dial luminous is not uncommon, but the bubbling in the dial luminous material and the sharp irregularities in the outlines of the luminous on the dial are suspect, IMO. The hand luminous and dial luminous texture don't match at all either, though replaced hands are not an uncommon thing to encounter, so that doesn't really say much. Real or not real? I don't know. Too controversial for me...

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Old 5 August 2015, 05:13 PM   #20
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Debatable, yet to see literature that convinces me Rolex made these. Certainly the later versions with CG are not authentic.


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Old 5 August 2015, 05:36 PM   #21
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oooohhhh, the White Ghost!

I had read rumours, even saw a pic once, but this is the first time I have seen a documented example.

I think we'll be waiting a while for Rolex SA to weigh in, but wouldn't it be relatively simple to just send it in for a "service quote"?

That would force their hand to either verify or confiscate!!!
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Old 5 August 2015, 11:38 PM   #22
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I'm a believer, I always was

Great article.
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Old 6 August 2015, 01:57 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Porsche View Post
oooohhhh, the White Ghost!

I had read rumours, even saw a pic once, but this is the first time I have seen a documented example.

I think we'll be waiting a while for Rolex SA to weigh in, but wouldn't it be relatively simple to just send it in for a "service quote"?

That would force their hand to either verify or confiscate!!!
Yeah if it was counterfeit but they wouldn't confiscate it for aftermarket parts, but I agree with the point. I'd like to see one of these with RSC service papers at least to evidence authenticity. They wouldn't work on it and give it back with an aftermarket dial.

Up to this point it's still a "Sask-watch" for me...
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Old 6 August 2015, 02:01 AM   #24
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Yeah if it was counterfeit but they wouldn't confiscate it for aftermarket parts, but I agree with the point. I'd like to see one of these with RSC service papers at least to evidence authenticity. They wouldn't work on it and give it back with an aftermarket dial.

Up to this point it's still a "Sask-watch" for me...
I disagree. if an authentic dial plate has been repainted, they'll still service it. so white dial, and service papers.
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Old 6 August 2015, 02:31 AM   #25
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i disagree. If an authentic dial plate has been repainted, they'll still service it. So white dial, and service papers.
+1
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Old 6 August 2015, 04:36 AM   #26
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I disagree. if an authentic dial plate has been repainted, they'll still service it. so white dial, and service papers.
Joe, not sure what it is I said that you're disagreeing with. An authentic dial plate would not be an aftermarket part. I agree that it doesn't authenticate the watch as all original, but it at least provides some evidence to the fact that it is an authentic Rolex. But that becomes an interesting question. Would Rolex give back a watch "as is" that came in with a repainted dial? The reason I ask that question is because they are typically anal about everything being factory issue so they are comfortable offering the two year service warranty. Would perhaps the outside paint job on the dial be stipulated in the papers? I can easily see them insisting on fixing the dial to avoid having a paint job not done by them chip off and get into the movement.
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Old 6 August 2015, 05:13 AM   #27
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The problems for me ....

Nice to think that the white dial 6542 could be genuine but I'm highly sceptical.

Firstly, I've never seen one with a plausible back story, ideally with an absolute link to an original owner with credibility.

Secondly, I've only ever seen pics of examples that are in stunning condition. Fifty years old and not a scratch on 'em

Has anyone on RF ever physically handled a white dial 6542 or are we all working off internet pics.
An optimist might assume they live quietly in private collections but I'm just not convinced.
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Old 6 August 2015, 06:55 AM   #28
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I'm a believer, I always was

Great article.
Me too!




(and Santa, oh and the Tooth Fairy)
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Old 6 August 2015, 06:57 AM   #29
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It would be nice just once to find a quote from a former PANAM executive that he/she HAD one!
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Old 6 August 2015, 07:15 AM   #30
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Nice to think that the white dial 6542 could be genuine but I'm highly sceptical.

Firstly, I've never seen one with a plausible back story, ideally with an absolute link to an original owner with credibility.

Secondly, I've only ever seen pics of examples that are in stunning condition. Fifty years old and not a scratch on 'em

Has anyone on RF ever physically handled a white dial 6542 or are we all working off internet pics.
An optimist might assume they live quietly in private collections but I'm just not convinced.
While I fully believe there was a white "Pan Am" 6542 dial based on the evidence I have, the dial on the Hodinkee watch does not pass the "sniff test" at all for me.
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