Both are on hold and I need to make a decision soon.
I was thinking I might turn to my friends in this forum and hear what you would do, given that you could only choose one of the 2.
Choice 1. A super nice Submariner with no crown gards from 1957. The 6536/1 from 1957 with original manual, receipt and box. This particular model was only produced for 6 months, the first half of 1957. It was the only edition of the 6536/1 with no hash on the first 15 minutes on the bezel. Second half of 1957 was the one with the red triangle on the bezel, still with no hashes and after that it was the 6536/1 with white triangle again but minute hashes on the bezel. Historically this model is as rare as the red triangle 6536/1 it's just not as characteristic and recognisable of course. It is also much rarer than the watch that came before 5508, with the big crown.
The feature with this collector's watch is that it comes with box and the original warranty papers from 1957 and that every single bit is original. It has a period correct jubilee bracelet which is a bit odd, but could be a correct fit.
Choice number 2 is the legendary 6542 GMT-from 1956
Beautiful patina and a bezel made of bakelite, BUT not the original bakelite but one that is believed to have been replaced in the 1980's. The lime plots on the dial have been remade at that time with tritium and they still glow-The bezel doesn't. The replacement didn't have any lume-date wheel and hands look perfect and aged the same way.
The watch is stunning so is the brown'ish patina + the gilt print is really well preserved-almost too well so I suspected that the dial was maybe refurbished-I certainly hope not, but just don't know.
The watch sings to me, but so do the mermaids when you cross dangerous waters. No papers of course which is a rarity. PS With box and papers as well as the original bakelite this price would be in the same range as some grande sonnerie watches.
6542 GMT from 1956-an explosion of colours with the brownish gold patina.
2 beautiful specimens-what would you do?
//Jens