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12 May 2019, 07:30 AM | #1 |
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Bakelite 6542 - how fragile really?
I’ve been lusting over a few different watches recently, all with Bakelite bezels as it turns out.
There’s the Omega Seamaster 300 ... and the 6542 GMT of course. I’ve heard these are quite fragile. Admittedly Bakelite IS brittle. But I happen to have Bakelite power outlets in my apartment (1950s Caribbean Art Deco building) and Bakelite knobs and such in one of my cars (Volvo TP21 Sugga). And, while not up to the standards of modern plastics, it’s not like I worry about these things. So, I’m wondering - how fragile are 6542s REALLY?? I imagine the shape and depth of a bezel render it more fragile than some of these other use cases. I.e. what are the possible scenarios in which a 6542 bezel could bite the dust? Is the Rolex particularly fragile, say more so than a Seamaster 300. Curious to hear some specifics that might dash my dreams of picking up one of these old GMTs... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
12 May 2019, 03:15 PM | #3 |
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Fragile enough I would feel uncomfortable wearing it as a daily. Much of the value is tied to that bezel and one mistake could be all it takes.
If I had a 6542 I would wear a replica Bakelite bezel and leave the real one in the safe except for special occasions. |
13 May 2019, 07:09 AM | #4 |
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The SM300 bezels are pretty tough and still available from Omega.
The 6542 bezels on the other hand... |
14 May 2019, 07:01 PM | #5 |
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There is also the radium that does not help in keeping the bezel strong.
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14 May 2019, 08:33 PM | #6 |
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I believe that keeping monkey hair in close proximity somehow neutralises Bakelite's inherently brittle nature. Insta : haywood_milton_rolex
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
14 May 2019, 08:38 PM | #7 |
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14 May 2019, 08:43 PM | #8 |
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I have a few bakelite desk clocks and straight razors with bakelite scales/handles. These aren't as "abusive" uses, compared to a wrist watch, but the stuff seems pretty hardy.
That bezel above is gorgeous. |
15 May 2019, 12:22 AM | #9 |
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First time I wore a newly-acquired 6542 I ended up with a bakelite jigsaw puzzle on my desk in front of me...I won't wear any of my bakelite 6542s, including my good, fully-intact, one.
A Seamaster 300 would be a safer wearable option; I do wear my SM300s with their original acrylic bezels... MW |
15 May 2019, 12:27 AM | #10 | |
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I had a visceral reaction reading this. I can’t imagine. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
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15 May 2019, 01:47 AM | #11 |
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Photo required
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
15 May 2019, 08:53 PM | #13 |
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And this one is the jigsaw bezel one...the previous owner did his own "paint job" on the bezel! But the English-made Rolex Jubilee WAB bracelet is a funky touch! |
15 May 2019, 10:08 PM | #14 |
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Thanks Mike. I have to confess that I find the black and red Bakelite the more pleasing (not withstanding your seller's blue and red Airfix enamel job!). Pussy's was black and red of course :-)
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
16 May 2019, 04:03 AM | #15 |
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Nice. And why does Bakelite smell weird when it gets hot? (Thinking dodgy 1970s electrical appliances...)
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16 May 2019, 04:57 AM | #16 |
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Were they black and red when new or has the colour altered over time?
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16 May 2019, 08:00 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
haywood_milton_rolex
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*Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 *Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 *Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 *Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 *GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN *Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 *Milgauss 1019x3 *Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660. |
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16 May 2019, 05:07 PM | #18 | |
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I’d love to know how her character name came about |
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17 May 2019, 01:33 AM | #19 | |
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I pretty much am just as careful with my sm300 as I am with all my vintage rolex pieces. Sometimes just from natural aging these bakelite bezels can start to produce hairlines. But as long as you're careful, you don't need to worry about pieces of the bakelite falling out or anything like that. All vintage is a ticking time bomb to be honest. What ever occurs naturally may effect the value slightly, but also adds to the character of the piece itself. make sure you buy what you like and not for investment reasons. |
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