Rolex GMT Master Ref. 6542

I recently encountered a Rolex GMT Master Ref. 6542 which was in production between 1956 to 1959. There is something amazing at seeing a forty year old watch still ticking. The bracelet has been replaced and the watch no longer has its original bakelite bezel (pictured below).

A near mint GMT Master Ref. 6452 would certainly be expensive today. Most likely few are left. But seeing the old GMT Master, I was wondering what could be done with regards to a low budget restoration.

I went over to ebay and found an original bakelite bezel for US$1,025, and that one was pretty beaten up. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the original unused vintage Rolex Cyclope 116 crystal for the GMT Master Ref. 6452, for US$189. Still not enough restore a beaten up old Ref. 6452 to near mint condition. You may still find some parts with some Rolex Service Center, but that will take some luck. All in all, a restoration job seems difficult...

...well, unless you are willing to go the non-Rolex aftermarket route. Ebay yielded a aftermarket non-Rolex, bakelite bezel (pictured below) could be had for US$299.

Aftermarket non-Rolex replacement hands were available at US$91. An original but restored Chapter Gilt Dial could be had for US$85.

It is possible to bring this watch back to near mint condition. If you do go this route, make sure to preserve the original parts (in this case, it would be the dial and hands), for the true vintage watch collector really wont appreciate the use of aftermarket and restored parts.

You can read more about the Rolex GMT Master and its history here.