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AGENT4734 · 4 August 2015, 12:20 AM

https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/Albino-GMT-Master-6542

AS1 · 4 August 2015, 12:33 AM

Great article, and an absolutely beautiful piece.

RogerF · 4 August 2015, 12:36 AM

Wow. Cool story and cool pics

tylerad1 · 4 August 2015, 12:36 AM

Cool story

lee fowler · 4 August 2015, 12:42 AM

Awesome.

RichM · 4 August 2015, 12:49 AM

Thanks for posting. Good read.

joe100 · 4 August 2015, 12:53 AM

I still remain skeptical

kilyung · 4 August 2015, 12:58 AM

I've kept my opinions out of the debate to date and will continue to do so until Rolex SA pipes in.

Cru Jones · 4 August 2015, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

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?

Comacho · 4 August 2015, 01:02 AM

Wowzers! that is one sexy watch.

tkerrmd · 4 August 2015, 01:49 AM

cool watch!

rle737ng · 4 August 2015, 01:50 AM

Betcha they'd sell a gazillion of them if they did an updated version.

joli160 · 4 August 2015, 02:07 AM

Nice story and perhaps that's all it is ...

5080 · 4 August 2015, 02:25 AM

I think a modern version is SS would sell tremendously well!
I'd buy one!!

rolfiz · 4 August 2015, 02:42 AM

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.

morafa4 · 5 August 2015, 12:26 PM

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...

kyle L · 5 August 2015, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morafa4

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.

Scot_3 · 5 August 2015, 01:50 PM

Stunning absolutely stunning, great share, fantastic looking watches, anybody ever seen one in the wild?

QueueCumber · 5 August 2015, 01:54 PM

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...

crowncollection · 5 August 2015, 05:13 PM

Debatable, yet to see literature that convinces me Rolex made these. Certainly the later versions with CG are not authentic.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Porsche · 5 August 2015, 05:36 PM

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!!!

MitchSteel · 5 August 2015, 11:38 PM

I'm a believer, I always was

Great article.

T. Ferguson · 6 August 2015, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche

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...

joe100 · 6 August 2015, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

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.

JustinK · 6 August 2015, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

i disagree. If an authentic dial plate has been repainted, they'll still service it. So white dial, and service papers.

+1

T. Ferguson · 6 August 2015, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe100

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.

Paul · 6 August 2015, 05:13 AM

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.

ROGERB · 6 August 2015, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

I'm a believer, I always was

Great article.

Me too!

(and Santa, oh and the Tooth Fairy)

R

ROGERB · 6 August 2015, 06:57 AM

It would be nice just once to find a quote from a former PANAM executive that he/she HAD one!

R

springer · 6 August 2015, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

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.

4 August 2015, 12:20 AM	#1
AGENT4734 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Greg Location: Chandler, Arizona Watch: Polar Club Founder Posts: 434	HODINKEE: Rare white dial GMT https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/Albino-GMT-Master-6542 __________________ Rolex Explorer II ~Polar Dial Original Founder Rolex Sub C 116610 Rolex YM 116610 Rolex DJ TOG 116264 Rolex DJ Roman 126200

4 August 2015, 12:36 AM	#3
RogerF "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Duh! Location: Toronto Canada Watch: a gonna do? Posts: 2,573	Wow. Cool story and cool pics __________________ CURRENT LINE UP. 16233 16600 116710BLNR 116500 116610 126710BLRO 126600 116600 (finally)

4 August 2015, 12:49 AM	#6
RichM 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Real Name: Richie Location: "Nowhere Man" Watch: out now,take care! Posts: 29,772	Thanks for posting. Good read. __________________ "I love to work at nothing all day" TRF #139960

4 August 2015, 12:53 AM	#7
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	I still remain skeptical __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

4 August 2015, 02:07 AM	#13
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,761	Nice story and perhaps that's all it is ... __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

4 August 2015, 12:33 AM	#2
AS1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NYC / Milan Watch: 6263 Posts: 3,938	Great article, and an absolutely beautiful piece.

4 August 2015, 12:36 AM	#4
tylerad1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MI Posts: 812	Cool story

4 August 2015, 12:42 AM	#5
lee fowler 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: UK Watch: GMT Posts: 2,559	Awesome.

4 August 2015, 12:58 AM	#8
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I've kept my opinions out of the debate to date and will continue to do so until Rolex SA pipes in.

4 August 2015, 01:02 AM	#10
Comacho "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: texas Watch: Submariner 168000 Posts: 265	Wowzers! that is one sexy watch.

4 August 2015, 01:49 AM	#11
tkerrmd "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Tom Location: In a race car! Watch: ME RACE PORSCHES Posts: 24,123	cool watch!

4 August 2015, 01:50 AM	#12
rle737ng "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Real Name: Randy Location: PTC, GA Watch: 16710 Posts: 565	Betcha they'd sell a gazillion of them if they did an updated version.

4 August 2015, 02:25 AM	#14
5080 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: TREVOR Location: St. John's, NL Watch: LVC Posts: 136	I think a modern version is SS would sell tremendously well! I'd buy one!!

4 August 2015, 02:42 AM	#15
rolfiz Banned Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: USA Posts: 110	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.

5 August 2015, 12:26 PM	#16
morafa4 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Alexander Location: New York, NY Watch: 16610, 1675, Cx Posts: 165	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...

5 August 2015, 01:50 PM	#18
Scot_3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Scot Location: USA Watch: 1966 boyscout Posts: 914	Stunning absolutely stunning, great share, fantastic looking watches, anybody ever seen one in the wild? __________________ Thanks Scot

5 August 2015, 01:54 PM	#19
QueueCumber "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Q Location: The Q Continuum Watch: ST:TNG Posts: 8,466	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... __________________ Instagram: _queuecumber_

5 August 2015, 05:13 PM	#20
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	Debatable, yet to see literature that convinces me Rolex made these. Certainly the later versions with CG are not authentic. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

5 August 2015, 05:36 PM	#21
Porsche 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: John Location: ɹǝpun Watch: and learn Posts: 2,986	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!!! __________________ Obey Gravity, it's the Law! ROLEX --- SEIKO --- HEUER TRF REHAUT T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M

5 August 2015, 11:38 PM	#22
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	I'm a believer, I always was Great article. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

6 August 2015, 05:13 AM	#27
Paul "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,000	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.

6 August 2015, 06:57 AM	#29
ROGERB "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Roger Location: WHITE ROCK BC Watch: 89 16610, 57 7914, Posts: 897	It would be nice just once to find a quote from a former PANAM executive that he/she HAD one! R

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