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Comments:

The mighty bakelite insert of the Rolex 6542.

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-02:02
Most of the 6542 we see have an aftermarket bakelite insert.
 
There are three good reasons to that:
 
1/ The original bakelite inserts are fragile.
 
2/ The original inserts are most of the time in bad condition.
 
3/ The original bakelite inserts are expensive.
 
There are some very nice aftermarket inserts, which respect that style and the spirit of the original.
 
The one I still have on my 6542 is a good example:
 

 
 
A bit dirty, with an attractive combination of colors, this is a nice one.
 
Now, if you are  madly in love with the 6542, which is sadly my case, you will be on the hunt for the " Real Mac Coy ", the original insert.

Here are some correct examples:

- Credit picture to Mr Mirza:

 

- This one, found on the net, which I cannot credit, sadly:

 

- My friend John Goldenberg's picture:

 

- Bill's superb example:


- And this last one I saw in Paris, recently:

 
After years of doubts and searches, i finally found one.
 
The patina of the insert is great, its authenticity is undisputable, and the condition is more than acceptable.
 
The front side:
 
 
 

 
The back side:
 
 
 
 
Now, to install it on the bezel is another story.
 
You first have to " destick " the Aftermarket insert, before putting it on the bezel.
 
And if you destick the aftermaket, you most probably ruin it, as, in my case, it was glued.
 
Problem, problem, but would it be enjoyable without these issues?
 
So,  the wise option is to now hunt a correct bezel for my " new " OEM insert.
 
... Which is now done, thank to the precious help of a friend:
 
 
 
 
I will then have the choice to remove the bezels without fear, and to wear, at my choice, the aftermaket or the OEM, depending on  the program of the day...
 
It is a bit pricey, but it is really worth it, when you are madly in love with which I think to be a very special watch.
 
Aaaah, and a last word... The original insert glows in the dark, while most of the aftermarket don't, and in the rare cases they are luminous, they are too bright.
 
What wouldn't we do for our beolved watches?
 
Here is the final outcome, with which I am pretty happy:
 
 
 


 
 
Next steps are hunting an original box, the famous red seal, and the 6542 brochure...
 
Having the watch is only the beginning of the adventure.
 
wink
 
Best,
 
Nicolas.
This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-06 02:03:53

stop sharing this Bill's wristshot!

 
 By: gensiulia : December 6th, 2014-03:45
i really can't stand it :P

nice report, great watch!

best, c

One of the best shot I took, indeed. Thanks for looking, my dear Chris. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-04:36
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An intensive journey for completion.. To me very interesting.. Good luck for perfection !

 
 By: hs111 : December 6th, 2014-05:32

And exciting, too. Satisfaction has a price. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-06:06
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So gorgeous. Love the bezel, the acrylic crystal and the rivet bracelet. [nt]

 
 By: vitalsigns : December 6th, 2014-06:00
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Add the original dial and the red black date, and you have a winning cocktail. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-06:07
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Cheers to that...give me a double, straight up! [nt]

 
 By: vitalsigns : December 6th, 2014-06:10
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;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-07:05
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Dear Nicolas! You show the real spirit of the true collector!...

 
 By: Subexplorer : December 6th, 2014-06:34
... searching for the best example of the desired piece and then trying to make it as perfect as possible.

It is easy tp understand that our beloved pieces being 50 or 60 years old (or more) arrive to our days with some issues: be it a bad set of hands, or the wrong bezel.

The hunt for the pieces to solve these problems is as exciting as the hunt for the watch we have captured! But what about the satsifaction and sense of acomplishment when we get what we wished so strongly?

Congrats, and I´m very happy for you knowing your love for your 6542, now you will enjoy and love much more!

Thank you for sharing your findings and the examples you show in those beautiful photos!
Un abrazo mi amigo!
Abel.

The way is long, to the pleasure.

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-07:05

I got this 6542 in June 2011... It took me more years to solve this insert issue...

And I fear more years again, to find the right box, the " Man on the Radio " booklet, the + crown, and the white lollipop second hand...

The Devil is in the détails.

wink

Un abrazo, Amigo.

Nicolas

The Devil is in the details!! Great Truth my friend!! I wish you luck in your hunt! Hagwe! [nt]

 
 By: Subexplorer : December 6th, 2014-07:32
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And the Devil is my best friend. ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-09:03
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Stealing your line, "are you considering opening a shop?" :)) [nt]

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : December 6th, 2014-08:11
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Good one, Raymond. You caught me. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-08:16
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Details are what its all about

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : December 6th, 2014-08:24
Nicolas- I have happy  and congratulations to finding a bakelite for your 6542.
It is very important for this watch as you know. Your example is perfect and I am surprised such good
examples exist today. Either you were very luck or you paid a handsome price (maybe both).
Hunting all the missing things will take a lifetime but you might make it.
Your 6542 is fantastic. The dial is really captivating.

One more little detail you forgot. The elusive seconds hand. White would be more correct.

Your 6542 is fantastic with all the papers. A rare find indeed.

Best Edmond

Still a few things to find, to be fully happy...

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-09:00

The white lollipop second hand is one, the " + " crown " is another one. The right box and the " Man on the Radio " booklet, too.

But I don't desperate. God things require time, often.

Best, Edmond.

Nicolas

This message has been edited by amanico on 2014-12-06 09:01:17

That makes two of us

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : December 6th, 2014-09:05
I am also looking for the + sign. The rolex booklet 6542 would indeed be a dream come true.
I have never seen one in my entire life. Thats probably rarer than the bakelite insert wink
Best Edmond
ps: Agree 100%. Good things require time...

Well, the + crown is findable. The booklet is another story.

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-09:10

As well as the right box!

Best,

Nicolas

Le coup de grâce

 
 By: Bill : December 6th, 2014-08:46
Now you have slayed the beast and she is under your control.

I love it what else can i say.

A+

Bill

It is thanks to you, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-08:58

I still have a few parts to find, such as the " + " crown and the white lollipo second hand, but I am on the good way, yet.

Aaah, and this bloody box, a the even bloodier " Man on the Radio " booklet. You see, fun doesn't stop!

All the best, Bill.

Nicolas


Congrats on the insert!

 
 By: fernando : December 6th, 2014-18:55

Sounds weird and I can't imagine what the average layman will think but I'm sure you are over the moon with it! smile There's no explanation for this madness and there's no need to. You are a passionate and persistent hunter and I'm sure the rest will be conquered in due course.

The 6542 is a real gem and I'm very happy for you. I hope I get to wear it again sometime. smile

Best

fernando

It is indeed tough to understand that a simple piece of plastic can provide such a joy.

 
 By: amanico : December 6th, 2014-23:55

But it is also difficult to understand that these little pièces of metal wrapped on our wrist may be the object of such a passion.  wink

The Devil is in rhe passionate détails.

All the best, my friend, and yes, next time we meet, I will come with this Red and Blue thing.

Nico

I was thinking about the same thing...

 
 By: Echi : December 8th, 2014-03:59
re: average layman smile

big wow and congrats! (nt)

 
 By: Echi : December 8th, 2014-04:00
..

Thank you, Echi. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 8th, 2014-04:05
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they frighten the bejeezus out of me....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : December 8th, 2014-08:04
.....but they are stunningly beautiful. Stunningly so. 

Bejeezus??? What's that? [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 8th, 2014-09:31
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http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Bejeezus

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : December 10th, 2014-02:47

I just checked... WOW! :))) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : December 10th, 2014-23:24
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