6542 Expert Opinion Sought - Patina or Damage?

[SpiritofSenna]

Hello,

I hope you're all well. I've been a lurker but enjoy reading the vast amount of knowledge and sharing on the forum. Thank you to all who contribute and keep the forum going.

I came across a 6542 per pictures attached. What are your thoughts on the condition, etc.? In particular, I'm not sure if the dial is "patina'd" or just damaged from water, etc.

Your inputs would be most appreciated.

[springer]

Severely damaged dial among other issues.

[henrylee]

Doesn’t look pleasant to me

[AJMarcus]

Not good.

[linesiders]

A lot of issues but I love it assuming price reflects condition.

Keep in mind that is probably not a real insert.

[Wahlberg]

Looks like my pizza when I forgot it in my oven.

[G3Z]

Why anyone would want that on their wrist is beyond me.

Edit: obviously if you were the original owner and aged with the watch. As for buying the watch in that condition..

[1675-David]

The dial is a mess, the hands, insert and probably the bracelet are aftermarket and that's only what has been shown in these two seriously sketchy images. If you you can post nice crisp pictures of the dial, case profile, between lugs and if you can with the case back removed. That would defiantly increase your chances of getting more detailed feed back but from what limited information that can be gleaned here I woulds steer clear.

[karleone]

This is not patina. It’s a destroyed dial.

[SpiritofSenna]

Thank you all for your inputs. As for other issues, what do you see and how much would you put this watch at? I've confirmed that the bezel is not original, but everything else (including hands and bracelet) are supposedly original. 3.8m serial. I'll try to get clearer pictures.

[TuRo]

The well speckled/pocked dial looks ok-ish to me, but I'm happy with an original unmolested scruffy dial which puts me in a minority I suspect - DW nice too - Handset esp hour/min are prob.later - don't forget the proper bakelite insert is 60% ish of the value of a pukka 6542 watch @$60-75k mind....and as you say it's an aftermarket item - last non crown guard one I secured for a pal in a similar 'triggers broom' shape on a 7206 rivet and orig/d/ wheel was £18,500 btw' bout a year ago.

[SpiritofSenna]

More reference pics but unfortunately still a bit unclear..

[Chris]

Originally Posted by springer

Severely damaged dial among other issues.

[SpiritofSenna]

I could trade my 116710blnr for this but seems the general consensus is to steer clear..Would love to enter the vintage world though!

[G3Z]

You’d be mad to do any kind of trade for that.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by SpiritofSenna

I could trade my 116710blnr for this but seems the general consensus is to steer clear..Would love to enter the vintage world though!

6542 'Blackman' are the best GMT by a big, big margin but risky game........
I'd Recommend a 1675 65-80ish non-gilt or a 16750 pre 84ish matte dial as a 1st foray into GMT ownership at BLNR p/x Money.....or an early 85 MK1 no-date 16760 'Loren' if WG (gloss) surround is considered vintagey enough.

Rgds Paul

[1675-David]

I was just about to say what Paul said...

[karleone]

Originally Posted by SpiritofSenna

I could trade my 116710blnr for this but seems the general consensus is to steer clear..Would love to enter the vintage world though!

I would never do that trade. Going vintage is nice but condition is the most important thing. Buying a vintage in a good condition (nice matching dial and hands, sharp case with fat crownguards, bevels still there, V brushing on lugs) is a big yes. Buying a vintage with non period correct or aftermarket parts and in bad condition big no!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by SpiritofSenna

3.8m serial.

Huh?!

[XavierM]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Huh?!

I guess OP meant 38x,xxx

[LateLearner]

The best $100 I’ve spent since joining this forum was on a Radex RD1503 Geiger. Amazon has many from which to choose.

What would an original Bakelite insert read? Experts?

OP-do you have, or have access to a Geiger? If so, I’d be interested to learn what your later insert reads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LandRover71]

I love old crappy looking stuff like this. I’d wear it every day, if it worked and was cheap.

[1watch]

Not worth buying unless you love it and never intend to sell or trade. Many issues with this piece and those who collect these type of references would not touch it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SeaByMe]

I know of one in Canada. It has a service insert and bezel but rest is supposedly original
212,xxx serial

I believe he was asking 45k us but I’m sure it’s obo🤷*♂️ Thought I’d pass along incase anyone is interested.

From my understanding it comes from an elderly Canadian. An “acquaintance/buddy” is consigning the piece for him. I had purchased a 67 tutor Samaritan prime. Had a smooth transaction. Plus he has lots of eBay reviews. He’s legit. Anyways carry-on….

[TuRo]

That super rare orig white s/h Handset is worth $12,000 dollars alone, dial another $15,000! Nice piece worth the money in my opinion.

[SeaByMe]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

That super rare orig white s/h Handset is worth $12,000 dollars alone, dial another $15,000! Nice piece worth the money in my opinion.

Appreciate the info! I could be a great buy for someone that’s in the market from the sound of your comment. They’re definitely not making more of them :)

Note: I said the insert and bezel were service, but I meant to say aftermarket. Big difference :)

[SpiritofSenna]

Thanks all for the lively discussion!

LateLearner - I understand the bezel is non-Rolex part, not a later serviced part, hence I don't think geiger would be relevant here (?)

Here are additional pics which I hope give us a better view on this watch in terms of condition and originality. Continued thoughts and comments are most appreciated.

[SeaByMe]

If you can’t get this watch out of your head make the trade. Your money. You may love it or learn a lesson. Win win either way ��

[SpiritofSenna]

Thanks SeaByMe. I certainly keep thinking and coming back to it.

I've been doing a bit more homework from my end, and my thoughts are as follows:
1) dial - real deal but severely damaged like mentioned. Though I can't tell if the damage is natural over time, or a result of an ambitious tropical/aging experiment..
2) hands - seconds hand looks off (?) Too fat towards the end; other pics I've seen are sharp ended almost like a needle. In anycase, definitely not original to the watch given newer look of all hands.
3) case - I can't really tell on this one based on the font and shape..help!
4) movement - seems ok but apparently off by 115 s/d and around 260amp
5) caseback - seems odd in terms of 6542 engraving position; I'm thinking this maybe aftermarket
6) crown - seems ok?
7) bracelet - can't tell with my novice eyes but odd pairing of 6251h clasp with 7206, which suggests maybe it's real after all?

Any opinions would be most appreciated and I hope this thread also helps other users with their 6542 journey.

[Old Expat Beast]

The consensus is overwhelming. It's a junker. Just keep looking.