Found troubled 6542 - considering purchase …

[SS Oyster]

I’m scared of vintage, but always wanted a GMT 6542 Pepsi. Found one today in brick & mortar jeweler.

I’d like your thoughts.

Two options I’m considering:
1. Color match the dial to hands/bezel, get movement serviced, and wear it!

2. Fully restore it, but I think that might cost $100k.

Things known to be wrong:
1. Bracelet: 1-70 folded, should be rivet C&I (I think)
2. Dial wrong and poorly relumed
3. Hands wrong
4. Aftermarket (bakelite-ish) bezel insert
5. Watch runs (smooth sweep) but winding is a little too stiff and date wheel isn’t tumbling over (tried through three days but stuck on “2”). Based on only seeing “2”, can’t tell if original, but black serif font on silver so could be correct.
6. Case pretty strong. Polished, but not overly.
7. Watch was not opened, so not sure if movement is correct or if case back stamped properly

My price would be $26k “as is” with 2-year warranty and 14-day money back guarantee.











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[SS Oyster]

Should date wheel be roulette, or were some years all black text? Is 24-hour hand wrong (arrow too big)?


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[996marty]

I think the 24 hour hand should be a lot smaller like half the size?. Interesting to see what direction you take on this one

[AJMarcus]

Seems odd to me how the case is worn to hell yet the very flimsy Bakelite bezel is still relatively intact. I’ll wait for the vintage experts who should be arriving soon..

[CTech]

The price seems to be quite high for what is essentially a collection of service and aftermarket parts in poor condition.

There are several others on Chrono24 in similar or better condition for about $20,000 to $23,000 and some of those would be a better starting point for getting a presentable looking watch.

At $26,000 for this one, knowing the difficulties of finding replacement parts and also knowing that it requires an unknown amount of servicing/repair, I would be looking very seriously at any other ones that are available.

Although there are are a lot of good quality 6542s at very high prices there is actually very little interest in the poorer quality ones and so the prices are now quite reasonable if you can tolerate a service dial, aftermarket bezel insert, etc.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by AJMarcus

Seems odd to me how the case is worn to hell yet the very flimsy Bakelite bezel is still relatively intact. I’ll wait for the vintage experts who should be arriving soon..

See above - it’s known to be aftermarket.


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[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by CTech

The price seems to be quite high for what is essentially a collection of service and aftermarket parts in poor condition.

There are several others on Chrono24 in similar or better condition for about $20,000 to $23,000 and some of those would be a better starting point for getting a presentable looking watch.

At $26,000 for this one, knowing the difficulties of finding replacement parts and also knowing that it requires an unknown amount of servicing/repair, I would be looking very seriously at any other ones that are available.

Although there are are a lot of good quality 6542s at very high prices there is actually very little interest in the poorer quality ones and so the prices are now quite reasonable if you can tolerate a service dial, aftermarket bezel insert, etc.

Great advice!


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[Andad]

I would resume the search.

[Dan S]

I feel like there is not enough left to base a restoration on, just case and presumably movement.

[racerx]

Pass, IMO it’s a money pit.

[SS Oyster]

Thanks - moving on


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[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I feel like there is not enough left to base a restoration on, just case and presumably movement.

This!! The voice of reason, as always.

[rootbeer7]

Effectively you’re buying a worn case with questionable vintage parts. Movement shouldn’t too hard or expensive to service and the case can be restored. The remaining parts are where the money is. $26k is way over. Late teens max and just wear the hell out of it!!

[interestedwatcher]

I wouldn't touch that with $10000 dollars of my enemies money. Too much too wrong - looks nice though if you got it for $5000.

[1William]

Good move to move on. I like the concept of this watch in original and pristine condition but finding and paying for one will be a whole different story. Good luck as you look.

[brandrea]

Good luck in your search

If I were serious about a heavy hitter like this, I’d work with an expert to source me one. I know you pay up for that, but IMHO that’s the best way to get an authentic example (assuming of course you want a good or pristine example).

[swiss_seth]

I have to say, no expert but I’ve been a WIS on here and TZ since 2004 and this looks like a no go

[Steele]

Hey SS oyster I have 2 of them one in great shape mostly correct needs an original dial and I have the first one I purchased when I first started to collect vintage pieces I will send you a DM

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

See above - it’s known to be aftermarket.


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Based on that alone I’d pass. If I find one thing phoney I walk away from the deal. But that’s me. Would be curious to see how you decide.

[TuRo]

The mid case and caseback and nickel coated brass bezel, 7836 and mvt worth 8-9k but only if legit - all the rest is wrong fairly worthless imho it's a £9-10k resto-piece.... $26k is an utter joke !

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by TuRo

The mid case and caseback and nickel coated brass bezel, 7836 and mvt worth 8-9k but only if legit - all the rest is wrong fairly worthless imho it's a £9-10k resto-piece.... $26k is an utter joke !

Concur. Seen similar watches sell for $10k.