Bakelite 6542 - how fragile really?

[tenerific]

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

[roh123]

Well.. How many uncracked ones have you seen?

[soicanbefree]

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.

[exador]

The SM300 bezels are pretty tough and still available from Omega.
The 6542 bezels on the other hand...

[lupus66]

There is also the radium that does not help in keeping the bezel strong.

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by roh123

Well.. How many uncracked ones have you seen?

I believe that keeping monkey hair in close proximity somehow neutralises Bakelite's inherently brittle nature.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[artschool]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

I believe that keeping monkey hair in close proximity somehow neutralises Bakelite's inherently brittle nature.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

[Brew]

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.

[Mike Wood]

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

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

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.



MW

I had a visceral reaction reading this. I can’t imagine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

I won't wear any of my bakelite 6542s, including my good, fully-intact, one.

Photo required

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

I believe that keeping monkey hair in close proximity somehow neutralises Bakelite's inherently brittle nature.

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Very nice! Quite a rare sight.

[Mike Wood]

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!

[Haywood_Milton]

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 :-)

[zapokee]

Nice. And why does Bakelite smell weird when it gets hot? (Thinking dodgy 1970s electrical appliances...)

[3sheets86]

Were they black and red when new or has the colour altered over time?

[Haywood_Milton]

Originally Posted by 3sheets86

Were they black and red when new or has the colour altered over time?

Goldfinger was released in 1964 and this publicity shot appears to show Pussy wearing a watch with a bezel just like mine



haywood_milton_rolex

[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

Goldfinger was released in 1964 and this publicity shot appears to show Pussy wearing a watch with a bezel just like mine



haywood_milton_rolex

So dark coke rather than Pepsi from the beginning then. Interesting.

I’d love to know how her character name came about

[SubKing]

Originally Posted by tenerific

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

I personally don't have any issue's with my sm300. It was made to be a tool watch after all. I'm not performing any extreme tasks while wearing it either.

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.