Rolex Ref. 6542

[donerix]

I saw this watch in real and I fell in love.
So now I would like to build one like it since I couldn't find a rep of it.

Unless somebody knows if there is a rep out there and can point me in the right direction I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

I am thinking of buying a 6538 (maybe from Trusty) which I know is 41mm and not correct, but the watch is for me and I like them bigger:


And then a bakelite bezel insert (with lume which looks awesome from ND trading) which is 38mm outer width and might just fit:

I think this will be the most demanding part in the project (but then I have really no clue what I am talking about when it comes to vintage Rolex watches)

I am still not sure about the dial and movement, but I figure I make those decisions when I have the case ready to go.
If the Rolex experts could give me some advice I would really appreciate it.
If you have any parts that you think could work for me: even better

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[coop]

The bezel numbers look backlit.

Heres a gen for ya.

http://robertmaron.com/product.php?productid=18028&cat=256&page=1

 

[donerix]

The bezel numbers look backlit.

Heres a gen for ya.

http://robertmaron.com/product.php?productid=18028&cat=256&page=1

I read that they made a lumed bakelite for a while until they found out that these had a radiation problem (later models were shipped with a "radiation free" certificate.

 

[Spirit]

Yukiparts has a bakelite insert for the GMT, with lume, if I´m not mistaken.
...But it´s salty priced at around 150usd for the insert only.

I love this GMT and the bezel insert is what made my eyes pop for this watch too. I think it´s really beautiful, nice choice of a project, Donerix! I really want to see this project coming out, specially with all the care I know you put on your vintage projects.

Please keep us updated on it!

Cheers,
Spirit.

 

[donerix]

The insert is $320 and the whole bezel with insert (hard to find one with this type of edge) is $420. This project might need more funds than I thought

But the bezel is what makes the watch IMO

 

[Spirit]

Bezel insert with white copper Bezel is US$380 on Yuki.
http://www.yukiwatch.com/catalog/item/6784664/6696723.htm

Rolex First generation GMT Master 6542 Bakelite bezel set with white copper bezel, Acrylic Insert, Tension Spring and Retaining ring.

A Brand New Top Quality Aftermarket, profissional reversed printing with aged color, you will not be able to tell the difference between the original one.

Guaranted to Fit Your Rolex Rare ref. 6542 Watch. Moreover Rolex Service Centre didn't have any 6542 bezel and insert part for replacement right now. This bezel is made by white copper same as the original one. It is the best part for repair your Rolex 1st generation GMT Master 6542 watch.

The outer diameter of the bezel is 37.80mm , the wide of the bezel is 3.80 mm , inner diameter is 33.6 mm. Outer diameter of the retaining ring is 33.5 mm, inner diameter of the retaining ring is 30 mm.

But it´s indeed more expensive than the last time I saw it. Prices surely did sky rocket since then...:X

Cheers,
Spirit.

 

[donerix]

I just took another look at both bezels and I think the NDT is closer to the gen (especially of you look at the embedded numbers, the Yuki's numbers are almost square on the edges, while the NDT's are more rounded - almost like a sausage dial - and more gen-like).
But $420 for a bezel ???

 

[anonymus]

necro-bump of this old thread, just got interested how this project went..
ive starting having dreams at night building a pan am 6542 after looking at a) KeNnY's recent sale (on a jubilee-bracelet vintage GMT) bloody sexy and then i stubeled upon this on PT http://www.puretime.co/product/vintage-gmt-master-6542-black-dial-bluered-eta2846/

so.. first off how did this project turn out, how accurate would you experts say this rep-model in the link is and what mods would it require? i found a nice white dial at yuki and think it would look neat with this linked watch as the base.. slap on a jubilee-bracelet and polish down the bezel-edges and crystal as if its been to service a couple of 10-15 times.. i guess if the original bacelite-bezel was made luminous by radon or similar the originals would still glow? so would it be possible to lume the bezel somehow on the linked watch?

many questions i know but since recently bitten by the bug the fire burns strong so many possibilities compared to collecting the funds and scanning the auction-houses for gens now i can get almost EVERYTHING!

/anon

 

[Mendota]

I bookmarked the thread but I need to track it down. There is a guy over on another board who got so fed up with poor quality bezel inserts that he began producing his own. He reproduces the effect of patinated and diminished lume grains in the bezel and they do indeed glow. He'll make any color combo for you.

 

[anonymus]

sounds cool on witch board? RGW or RG (i guess rg is still down though?)

thanks fot the tip!!
/anon

 

[KBH]

That would be JoeyB on RWG.cc

 

[Wacker23]

Rg is back up