Looking for vintage GMT 6542 info

[Shmitty65]

I just managed to purchase a 1958 GMT 6542 with a large arrow 2nd time zone hand and an all blue bezel. It came from the original owner and has the 1030 movement, always serviced at Rolex Toronto. Odd combination with the blue metal bezel and large arrow hand. Has anyone seen anything similar to this over the years ?

[RC2]

Service parts from years of use.


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[Shmitty65]

Definitely will be serviced and cleaned but working great for now as I just bought it days ago. I'm just trying to research the watch as all my searches come up empty.

[southtexas]

Where's the all blue bezel insert? I understand those were issued to the Peruvian Air Force, and highly sought after.

And your little hand was probably replaced during a service. Hopefully springer will be along to provide lots more info.

[watchcrank]

6542 has a faded pepsi insert ie. blue/red. parts of movement have been changed, it should have had a 1030 if memory serves. Sourcing the Bakelite bezel is expensive, 10-20K and very fragile. Dial looks OK but close ups without flash would be better to see.
Small hand is pricey and asking is $600-$1200 for nice ones.
Well worth a trip to ABC or other watchmakers for case polish and service. Michael Young can refresh the bracelet and the parts needed (except for Bakelite bezel) are not overwhelming. that's my opinion only. I'd leave the bezel/insert on it and you have a daily wear watch that's cool. M

[southtexas]

You are certainly correct about the Bakelite bezel belonging on 6542. However, I'm still curious to see the all-blue bezel

[Shmitty65]

After further searching, I found the 1956-1959 GMT Masters had both bakelite and metal bezels as well as small and big arrow second time zone hands. I had the watch dealer inspected and I stand corrected about the all blue bezel as it shows all blue in bright light and in low light will show Pepsi blue and faded red. The dial, hands and bezel are original as well as the 1030 movement.

[Shmitty65]

Here's the info and a GMT with large arrow hand picture from 1 of 3 Vintage GMT History sites

[joe100]

The large triangle GMT hand is a later replacement on the 6542

[waspy1]

All the hands are replacements. This would have come with gilt hands with the small 24hr hand as mentioned. Likewise the insert has replaced the Bakelite one. Still nice but it's the difference between a 10k watch and 30k+


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[Shmitty65]

69

[springer]

Originally Posted by Shmitty65

As shown in the above second photo, the 6542 came with both large and small arrow 24hr hand in 1958. As well, in the first photo description above, the factory bezel after 1956 was either bakelite or the metal bezel due to premature cracking of the bakelite. After the dealer who inspected the watch confirmed the original parts, afterwards he offered to buy the watch

This info regarding the large 24-hour hand on 6542s is interesting, but sadly, it is incorrect as others have commented on. The larger hand would not be produced for many years after the 6542 model was discontinued.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by southtexas

You are certainly correct about the Bakelite bezel belonging on 6542. However, I'm still curious to see the all-blue bezel

Those were a 1675 and had an all red GMT hand

[joe100]

I'd rather have a nice mint 1675 than a 6542 jammed with service parts.

[southtexas]

In my opinion it's still a very nice watch if the price was right!

[Kingair]

It's gonna cost a fortune to find the bakelite bezel

I would return it and source another complete and correct matching one

Just my .02

HAGOne

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[RLX-lvr]

Always nice to see a 6542.

Like the others have said, sadly the hands have been replaced, along with the arrow hand. Originally it came with the small arrow. The large arrow hand never came on the 6542, only introduced on the 1675 in mid to late 60's.

The bezel and insert are later replacements as well , but no biggie, as most have been or the the years.

[Vintwatch]

Sorry to hi-jack the thread but can someone give guidance on where i could view the metal bezel that was used after the bakelite was discontinued?

[richnuts2]

i have just purchased a 6542 1958 Pepsi, the question i have is the date wheel my shows all black dates, i doubt this is correct can some one advise if it can be replaced with the red and black mine also has the larger arrow

[Paul]

Your 6542 would have originally had a 'roulette' date wheel - dates alternating red and black.
The correct date wheels do come up for sale sometimes.

Your watch would have originally had a small arrow hand - with all hands gilt finished.
Gilt small arrow hands can be found too