Super rare 6542 GMT AKA Pussy Galore

[phillip ridley]

This is definitely not a watch I see everyday and lucky enough to work on.

This was an original owners watch until sold to the lucky owner which came with all the original box/papers and big logo bracelet. Unlike many of the 6542's, this still has the Radium bakelite bezel/insert which is fully intact which is cool since others usually have cracks due to how fragile they are.

At some point, it was clear that moisture entered the watch oxidizing the roulette date indicator and several other mechanical parts which I replaced.
Not only that, I noticed that the bakelite was ready to come off at any moment Needless to say, cleaned everything, secured the insert to the bezel, installed the appropriate 25-115 crystal and gave her the appropriate one last time look over.

[Floorguy]

WOW! Beautiful watch,,, and GREAT JOB!!

[Dr.Smellody]

Fantastic watch and great job. Fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

[Dan Pierce]

Brilliant, Phillip!
dP

[THC]

Wow, what a reference to behold in person.. well done sir

[FTX I]

Outstanding. Thanks for sharing.

[Turbo Racer]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing this!

[swaini3]

[brandrea]

That’s incredible … what a piece of history. Thank you for sharing it with us, and nice job on the restoration

[Oyster_Jubilee]

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful piece!

[zapokee]

Very nice.

Did you consider advising the owner to replace the bezel/insert and keep that one in the safe, considering its rarity, fragility and value?

That said, if he knows enough to buy this watch and to send it to you, he probably knows what he's doing...

[TimeLord2]

Wow! Looks fantastic after your careful ministrations.

[2loaded]

https://images.app.goo.gl/weM4LhNR3Mw2W3bo8

Blackman

[214270Explorer]

You always get to handle the really cool stuff !!!

[L.K Johnson]

What a beauty! Have never seen one with a gold bezel!

[CPRWATCH]

Superb , and amazing work

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

What a beauty! Have never seen one with a gold bezel!

Brass? Looks like the top silver-colored coating layer has worn off.

[1675-David]

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by phillip ridley

I noticed that the bakelite was ready to come off at any moment

Do you have an example of this or is this just the bezel insert (is it even one or possible?) popping out?

[Jackie Daytona]

So cool to see in such an original state. Thanks for sharing

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Brass? Looks like the top silver-colored coating layer has worn off.

Might be but the hands are also gold?

[Lol-x]

Now that's what I call 'patina'.

Do you have to apply any substance to retard/arrest the further corrosion to parts like the datewheel?

[mountainjogger]

Awesome Phillip. Thanks for sharing.

[1William]

Very nice.

[Cozmopak]

Pure poetry. Did you stabilize the insert?

[1watch]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Might be but the hands are also gold?

The bezel ring is brass and the plating is wearing off which is very common to see on any of these bezels. The gilt hands have a gold plating of sorts, which is also correct for this era.

[1watch]

Amazing 6542 example. Love the patina and condition of the piece in general and the super rare insert in particular. Has to be crazy HOT on a Geiger. Thanks for sharing.

[Stan Cooper]

Beautiful restoration, Phillip! It's ready for another sixty-plus years.

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

What a beauty! Have never seen one with a gold bezel!

It is brass.

[phillip ridley]

Originally Posted by Cozmopak

Pure poetry. Did you stabilize the insert?

Yes, I did. In this case, an adhesive was the only choice. The friction fit that held the insert on is no longer there as the bezel is worn. Not only that, I would never want to attempt to press this type of insert onto a bezel...results would be catastrophic!