Mark in Paris
[Purist]
10488
Felicitations Nicolas !
I never was a vintage fan nor a Rolex one, but the more I discover what is extraordinary about these watches the more I start to think that one day in my collection I'll have an old (and authentic) Daytona or Diving watch. For sure it will take time ...
One thing is sure is that it really seems to be a "parcours du combattant" where knowledge is compulsory.
I never saw the dial you have here and I imagine it must be even more fantastic in real !
Take care of her 
Best,
Mark
The quest of a Grail: Rolex GMT 6542.
It is now time to unveal one of the " big " watches I was running after for a long time. As always with watches of this importance, you need luck, a bit of comprehension from the seller, and some help from a friend. I started my journey into this referenc...
Huge congrats, Nicolas!
As I know how much you love this ref! Stunning chocolate patina! One day I will have to start study this ref…! Again, huge congrats – I am sure you will give her a good life! Best, my friend Blomman
A keeper, a milestone.
Even if it didn't come in the happiest moment for me... Two or 3 more GMTs, and I will happily close this thema. Thanks, Blomman. Nicolas.
I'm speechless
Your determination and boundless energy to fulfill your quest is admirable! You GMT thema is already incredible and now this! I have yet to see one of these historical pieces let alone contemplate an acquisition. I'm living in the wrong city. Well done my...
Still have ot hunt some holy monsters, among the Vintage Rolex GMT.
A 1675 U.A.E, an Underline, a Serpico y Laines, and more modestly, a red arrow 24 hours hand... But you know me, if I see another beautiful one, I won't be able to resist. Thanks for my dog, Fernando... Really painful moments, right now... Best, Nicolas.
It is always a great feeling...
when you find and catch a big passion. Congratulations to you..... may the watch bring with it it joy, happiness and health.
For the joy and happiness, I will have to wait a bit, though.
But at least, for the moment, I have some huge satisfaction to have been able to get this one. Thanks for your nice words, my friend. Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-08-01 03:52:51
La plus belle!!
Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations, a stunning watch!!! Cheers Tony
To me, yes, one of the nicest, with an unbelievable dial, Tony.
Next time you come there, I will show it to you. Be prepared to an aesthetical shock. Best, my friend. Nicolas.
That is an important part of the 6542 story...
Remind me, please... When did Rolex made tis ad when thety told to their customers " If you have exactly the same watch ,please send it to us, we'll change the bezel "? In this document, they als mentionned that till this day, only 605 GMT 6542 were sold ...
So, yes, we can deduce that the general document sent by Rolex was in 1959...
As your letters date from April 1960. I have to find this document, in my new HD, and will post it. Thanks for the information and documents, too, Jeff. Nicolas.
On the net, my friend. It is one of the few advantages of ...
spending so many hours lurking at the foras... Best, Nicolas.
Great service....
9 days from the request of the watch to be sent in, to obviously being dispatched back to the owner!! I wonder if we'd get the same turn around today? LOL! Cheers Tony
Bravo Nicolas ...
Congratulations ! You know exactly what I think about this 6542 ! Wear it in good health ... La bise à pepette, best Patrice
Next time, we'll have to do the friends shot, Patrice.
After all, you're the owner of my former 6542... As for Pepette, I'am afraid it is a bit too late to kiss her... Best, my friend. Nicolas.
Congrats Nicolas my friend!!
What a great victory for you! There is nothing like conquering your grail! What a beauty she is and will certainly be the crown jewel for your collection! Wear her in good health and may she bring you years of joy every time you gaze down upon your wrist!...
Coming from Mr Grailman, that is a nice compliment. ;)
It will indeed join the two or three marvels I have in my Vintage Rolex Collection. Thanks for your nice words. Best, Ken. Nicolas.
Bravo and congrats mon ami
You are like a lion always reading to jump on your prey. Great acquisition. Bill
In this case, I had to be patient...
But, like the Lion, I know where the " gazelle " goes to drink... Ready for the Quartett Shot? You, Patrice, Le Chef, and me... Best, Nicolas.
This 6542 is indeed KING....
Huge CONGRATS my friend. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you for sharing it with us. Very Best Edward
Thanks a lot, Pete.
As for every watch, you have to find YOUR watch... The one you know it is made for you, an instantaneous love. It can take some time, but the satisfaction is here. Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-08-01 23:19:39
Wow, now this is done!
Although your pictures are fantastic I am looking forward to seeing it in real! A unique piece! Now enjoy!...Matt
Of course, Matt. Next time we meet. [nt]
No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-08-02 00:53:19
WOW WOW WOW
Congratulations, Nicolas! My turn to return 3 sincerest WOW... WOW... for a wonderful specimen of your grail vintage! WOW... for the legendary delicate bezel, and such a rare find! and finally, WOW... for simply being happy for your determination paid off...
Thank you so much, Wayne.
Not sure the bezel is correct, by the way... To me, it is an aftermarket, but a quite good one. And at least, I would notr have to fear about the fragile bezel, whoe insert alone is around 10 / 15 K Euros. My watches, I buy them to wear them, if not, I do...
"Time is an Artist"
an aptly coined phrase that not only describes your GMT but also fully captures the notion of patina congrats and wear in the best of health! Jason
What can I say, if I find my voice....
This has been one of my grails, and all I have seen so far has such rubbish bezel or condition. I was even tempted to use a replica bezel, supposedly exact dimension n look as original....but I got over that after several days. This is truly amazing mate,...
Well, it took me many years of doubts, wanderings on the topic.
I have several Vintage GMTs, but with the crownguards, pointed or not, gilt, or not, chapter ring or not. The epitome of the Rolex GMT is, to me, the first one, this reference, the 6542. Now, to find one which will sing to you is another problem, indeed. ...
Sorry about your beloved dog my friend :(
Here in Mexico there's a popular belief. It says that once you die, you have to cross a wild river. If you were a good master to your dogs, they all will be waiting for you at the other side, and if you get tired while swimming the stormy river, they all ...
About this belief...
It's based on prehispanic tradition. When the death person goes on it's final travel to Chiconaumictlan (The longed place for the rest of the soul), he (or she) has to cross Chiconahuapan (nine rivers or nine waters), the big river that surrounds the nine...
Very nice belief, René. Now, I know what to say to my daughter, who ...
Is in holidays and still didn't hear about Oum's death. Best, Nicolas.
Is he a coker, too?
Mine was an american cocker, white, black, with a few brown spots here and there. Her name was Oum, Pepette is the name that Patrice gave her, but not her true name, just an affectuous nickname. The last moments were full of tenderness, and she knew, unde...
Yes, he's an american coker too!
He's like my very own son! I dare to say that he's one of a few dogs that chose his master, not the other way, he he... I'm glad to hear that Oum passed away surrounded by her family, giving her a loving goodbye. That's the way all dogs should go, I think...
No my friend, It is your story that moves me
The sorrow I can perceive for loosing Oum. That I understand. I'm sure she parted away feeling your love. You saw it in her eyes. Before Coffee, I didn't wanted another dog, but he came up and chose me. And he has been quite a gift to me! No watch, not ev...
Now it is complete !
I have some little ideas fo the amount of work this watch asked you. It deserved it. Frantically speaking I was not impressed by your first 6542 , far from your amazing cornino imho. It reminds me of my first cornino , sexy, very nice dial (slghtly marble...
I knew you would understand my obsession and passion for the GMT, and
For this 6542, Francois. This is the beauty of our passion: If you really want something great, you have to spend time, to pay efforts, to be patient, and to have a bit of luck. Then comes the time of the satisfaction and pleasure. Something that money ca...
My exclamation point just see yours
It collapsed What a watch Nicolas, what a watch !...
My " Brown Pufiesse " says hello to yours.
Excellent one, Francois. When I think that you were on to sell it... I would have banned you, just for that reason, and also on your own forum. Best, Nicolas. This message has been edited by amanico on 2011-08-03 07:37:14...
LOOOOL
Terrific this brown cornino ! It was far away being revised and it hurt my poor brain. You would have been right if had done it The day I recovered it, I was thinking "What am I doing now?" (you saw me that day ) . The day after this stupid thought was ov...
HUGE congrats on a grail GMT!
Wow Nico, the hunt never stops my friend! Congrats on a beautiful piece! love that patina, the everchanging dial and that Plexi! very interesting about the Atomic Engergy Commission! I learn something new everyday here! Huge congrats my friend! wear it in...
That is one of the reasons why I was so calm in the watch collection.
I had to focus all my efforts on this one, as it was a long awaited one. When I made my homework in parallel with the post I'm preparing on the Vintage Rolex GMTs, I fell on this document. WE learn everyday, you're not alone in this case. Best, Phil. Nico...
Felicitations Nicolas !
I never was a vintage fan nor a Rolex one, but the more I discover what is extraordinary about these watches the more I start to think that one day in my collection I'll have an old (and authentic) Daytona or Diving watch. For sure it will take time ... O...
A true minefield, indeed, Mark.
But if you succeed to stay alive when you go out of it, it is pure satisfaction. There are some great treasures, here, to discover or re discover. I wish you a superb journey, my friend. Thanks for your nice words. Best, Nicolas.
Moving
Nicolas, Your post is the reason why I read and love purist so much. And your very right about the last sentence you wrote. If you put effort and time into something you end up loving and admiring it even more, the satisfaction is then the greatest. Great...
Thank you for your very kind words, Edmond.
Keep on reading us, we have many things of this kind for you. And please, do share with us your thoughts and ideas! Best, Nicolas.
glad that you are happy amanico ;) the 6542 is indeed a very special watch
I knew you were hunting for one in top notch condition, but the one you got is indeed top notch and icing on the cake, you got the box and the papers too. All I can say is enjoy your watch and wear it in good health. Best regards georges
I can feel that satisfaction, happiness and joy from the way you write, Nicolas..
Superb piece indeed.. A no-crown guard GMT, Bakelite bezel and brownish dial... A feast for my eye to see Thanks for sharing this beauty, Nicolas.. Always enjoy reading your passionate post Best, Sam
Easy.
Tudor 7924 Big Crown Marine Nationale, and one of these old Explos, but which one, the 6610 or the 1655, still don't know. Best, Nicolas.
Sophisticated choice...
I thought they would be something like Paul Newman Daytona, Milsubs or even double red sea dweller But of course I'm sure you have your own reason why you love them.. Which is , of course, what matters the most Best, Sam
Reasons are easy to understand ...
The Big Crowns are the mothers of all the Subs. The GMT is an iconic Vintage Rolex, in my point view, as much as the Sub is. And the Explo is so under rated, when we think " Vintage Rolex ", that I feel the need, and thr willing to mention it here. But yo...
Magnificent..!
My friend, you did it again..! WHAT A WATCH...! Huge congratulations on this magnificent vintage Rolex that I believe and have hope in that we will see many times on this forum I am sad to learn that you dog passed away, he some VUF greetings from our Coc...
not wanting to prolong the sadness...
but just to say I (and I'm sure plenty of us) have been though this, and feel for you and your family. my last boarder collie had to be put to sleep on 31st Dec, 2008. Not the best start for a new year. I already had the next one at 10weeks and starting t...
Thanks, Tony...
Which was the most important for my wife and me, is that my dog passed without any suffer.... In the " optimal " conditions. Now, it is our pain, but we have to be convinced that we did, for my dog, the good thing, we took the best decision, for the dog.,...
I have had the pleasure
of seeing an original one of these and they do melt the heart. If there was one vintage Rolex that I would love, it would be this. The combination of colours and materials is just unique in vintage watches. Mouth watering.
I will have the pleasure and honor to show it to you next time we meet...
It will be my sweete revenge after your massive londonian attack. October? Best, my dear friend. Nicolas.
Nothing would give me more pleasure
I will still have poor internet access for the next few weeks, but October sounds like a great time for either a small or a large GTG in your lovely city. I shall begin planning in a few weeks.
Know it's late.. But hope, not too late.. Just to say: AWESOME post & piece, thank you !
Somehow, when browsing around during my vacation, and touching upon other fora, I read this post & thread about this Rolex- grail of yours: - Mesmerizing, but also .. Touching !! - although owning some appreciated daily beaters on the low-end scale ( Date...
Thank you so much for your nice words, hs.
The 6542 is one of the waches I took with me, during these holidays... I will certainly fully appreciate it later. For the moment, I feel a great satisfaction to have closed the deal on this superb specimen. Joy will come later. you will certainly see it ...