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Hi Jens- two lovely watches BUT...
At this level every little negative aspect will count hugely towards any resale vale- for both watches
If you are never going to sell then it does not matter but I believe that you should buy the best . I suspect that the financial input for either of these two is not insignificant
They both have reasonably big drawbacks
1. I understand it has original paper but I do not believe this will overcome the condition of the bezel when it comes to resale, The bracelet is not a big issue and as mentioned , you can probably find a nice original one. You could may be find a better bezel but costs are going to be astronomical
2. The GMT has its own issues- non original bakelite bezel, relumed plots, unsure about originality of dial- all these points will be used against you by the buyer when you want to sell.
Unless the price is very tempting ( and if it is - you need to ask your self why)
I would pass and look for a better example of either.
My 2c
Julian
More posts:
The big dilemma-Rolex Vintage Sunday-What would you do dear forum? James Bond or Pussy Galore?
My mind has been split for weeks now to make a decision between 2 vintage acquisitions. One day I am for A the next morning it's B and it just keeps going forth and back. Both are on hold and I need to make a decision soon. I was thinking I might turn to ...
I am partial towards tropical dials
If you have not owned one yet, then I think the 6542 is for you. End of the day, it is what pleases you more aesthetically. You can’t wear box and papers. Some shots: Best Gatsby ...
Thanks a lot Gatsby.
No never owned one. I guess now is the time. beautiful early explorer there!!
I am biased..
towards the 6542 with the superb tropical dial. However, the 6536 looks more “original” as a package from the pix. Are the hands of the 6542 original? Advanced congrats no matter which one you decide on, both really stand out and a dream for vintage colle...
Thanks for your help SF. The hands could have been changed during a service.
You can never know really. But they match each other 100%
6542, no doubts!
I would be cautious about a couple of details of the 6536, the monochrome lettering on the dial, the jubilee bracelet, but the bezel most of all, really ugly. Excuse my frankness. Simone
Frankness is good. Thanks Simone.
Bezel is a bit beaten I admit but it has its charm. And paired with the tropical dial it works fine for me. I am however more attracted to the 6542 for sure.
Only if I had to make a choice and what a choice...
I'll take the 5508 only because Sean Connery wore one and who doesn't want to be Sean Connery
Yes absolutely.
Let’s say that the difference is not significant so in that respect they’re even. Just like they have been in my mind for weeks in many other respect. The super serious historically documented and rare collector sub or the flamboyant and entertaining 6542...
Thanks meta-
Yes the replacement bezel bothers me a bit too. There is a lot of focus on the original bakelite for this model understandably. But still fabulous indeed. It is still 100% a 6542 and with a beautiful patina and a clear dial.
Jens, I don’t have a pick from the two as this is beyond my knowledge base and comfort zone.
But what I see are two watches which may have questions about parts and originality. The GMT seems to be the more openly acknowledged for service parts (bezel, hands) and other changes (re-lume). With those disclosed it seems the knowledge on this forum i...
I have to concur with Mr. Jay on this one.
Tough choice and I can completely understand why you are hesitating. The box/papers are the most compelling part of the 6536, and it’s a Sub. But on pure aesthetics I’d probably lean towards the 6542. The other alternative is to wait for a more ideal opti...
Hi Bill-thanks a lot-definitely not easy, but I might stand corrected on the condition of the sub-personally it doesn't bother me that a tool watch is a bit beaten, but I do understand the point.
Difficult also to base such a decision on pure aesthetic-there is overall condition, value, originality-Yeah comes with the territory as Jay says.
Thanks a lot Jay-
On the bracelet side for the sub I am not worrying too much; at the time bracelets were often sold later or not at all with the watch and that particular model of the jubilee is correct for the period and accompanied many GMTs in the 50's and 60's; but an...
Not an easy decision for sure, but this comes with the territory.
I’m not sure there is such thing as over analyzing this particular decision. And the answer may be, neither watch is the right decision.
Interesting conundrum....
If the 6542 were all original, the choice would be easy. However, from your posting it appears the the bezel insert is a replacement, and the dial has been re-lumed. These are not de minimus issues in the world of vintage Rolex. The bezel is what it is - ...
Thanks a lot Darren-I am really thankful for your insight.
I sort of managed to ignored the re-luming, as this being a minor service thing done in the 1980's when I heard about it. Mainly because I loved the watch-One thing you don't want to do in these cases is pull the trigger just to get rid of the conundrum a...
I would go for the original Bond Sub. 👍
And if your James Bond, you can get all the Pussies. Lol. 😂 Cheers. 🍻 Geross.
As I always like to say, get both but that is why I have a hoarding problem LOL...
seriously though, thst 6542 looks awesome even thiugh it is not all original. The 6536 is also amazing and if all original might tip it over the top as well. I don't think you can make a wrong decision here so take your time and think it through. A few ye...
Thanks Champ.
I completely understand your attitude. I have the same. The focus is the level of enjoyment and the fantastic watches we have the privilege to enjoy and collect. I was so close to pull the trigger on that beautiful 6542 GMT. However you also don’t want to...
Choice 1 no contest for me.
I am not a "Rolex Guy" and don't know the relevant history, but based only upon looks, #1 for me.
Thanks Michael. Yes it’s a cool watch.
The condition of it is on the wrong side though to be a real gem. Really difficult this game. Have a great labor day!
Hi Jens- two lovely watches BUT...
At this level every little negative aspect will count hugely towards any resale vale- for both watches If you are never going to sell then it does not matter but I believe that you should buy the best . I suspect that the financial input for either of the...
Great advice Julian.
You right. If you want to go, go for the real thing. How could I forget? Thanks!
