Rolex

amanico
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My Rolex GMT 6542.

It took me a lot of time to decide what would be MY 6542.

First of all, I wanted a 6542 for many years, as I was always seduced by the lack of crownguards, on this reference, which gives a distinctive look to the GMT.

Like with the GMT, the no crownguard version gains in purity, in my opinion, even if some crownguards Subs and GMTs are sublime.

Then, once I knew I had to get one 6542, I still had to decide which one to get, which is indeed a more complicated matter.

Gilt dial, or matt?

Bakelite bezel, or SS?

Things are awfully complicated.

In the absolute, the gilt dial / bakelite bezel is THE combination to go for, of course, but you'll have to face two major problems: The bakelite bezel are as rare as they're fragile, and finding one in good condition is not an easy thing.

The price is another issue, as this ideal combination has reached the sky, and they are not always in nice condition.

So, a bit like on a Vintage Ferrari, once you've done the effort to get one perfect 6542, you alaways have the risk to see Dream turning into Nightmare, if you break the bezel, which is, sadly, a very possible hypothesis.

I could also opt for the gilt Swiss dial and a metal insert, which is, historically, a correct combination ( end of production 6542 ).

Or, a correct service dial with a correct bezel and a metal insert...

I tried several 6542 these last months, and I took the time to cover all the situations / Combinations.

And I finally made my mind on the most reasonnable ( but not less exciting ) solution.



Now, that is a watch I can wear on an every day basis with a lot of pleasure, without fear of breaking the bakelite bezel.

I privilieged the overall good condition of the watch, and its coherence.

The case was not over polished, as we can still see the beveled lugs, and the serial number is still very legible.





The dial is in very good condition, not " tired " as we often see them, and corresponds to a correct service dial with very nicely patined indexes.



The bezel seems to be correct, too, I just had to choose the appropriate insert, to be coherent with the allure and the spirit of the watch, and the black / red date adds to the irresistible charm of this reference.

The magic of a no crownguard GMT, summed in only one picture:



If I trust what is engraved on the case back, this watch belonged to a Doctor who was in the US Army...



... Which, interestingly, makes echo to this old ad:



The movement is a Cal 1030, which is correct for the year of release of this watch ( III 58 ) :







The rivetted bracelet and the plexy complete the magnificent allure of this 6542, even if I still have to find a bracelet in better condition:



And the ultimate test, the wrist, is nothing else than convincing:



You got it well, I'm very happy with this 6542, MY 6542, which will proudly complete my no crownguard thema:



Next step, a Milgauss 1019, and maybe, a Vintage Daytona.



Best to All,

Nicolas.
This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2010-10-17 10:31:34 This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-10-21 11:09:27

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