GMT-Master family

Rolex GMT-Master 6542

Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium
Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 1 Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 2 Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 3
Catalog example: Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium. Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. Photo source: loupethis.com

2 variants linked under reference 6542

Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radiumPepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium

Rolex GMT-Master 6542 brings together 2 recorded configurations, including GiltGold-colored dial printing, usually on early glossy Rolex sport dials. It is one of the first details collectors use to date a watch. radiumAn early radioactive luminous material. On vintage Rolex, radium period and dial safety details matter., Gilt tritiumA radioactive luminous material used after radium and before Luminova. It usually ages to cream or yellow tones. dials. Compare their specifications and open each entry for its evidence.

Reference
6542
Variants
2 variants
Range span
$20,000 to $150,000
Photo set
5 images
Recorded range 6542 / Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium $60,000 to $150,000 Recorded range 6542 / Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium $20,000 to $45,000

A closer look

Notable examples

Explore the dial, bezel and case details through distinct examples, each linked to its original source.

6542 references at a glance

1 references and 2 recorded configurations are summarized below. Production dates come from the catalog notes. Market ranges combine recorded dealer, auction and estimate fields for orientation only; open a guide before comparing condition or originality.

References at a glance
ReferenceProductionRecorded configurationsCatalog market rangeGuide
65422 configurations1955–1959Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium
Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium		$20,000–$175,000Open guide →

How to narrow the comparison

  1. Start with the reference, then use the recorded configurations to identify the bezel, dial and case that match the watch.
  2. Open the guide for its catalog notes, photographs and any attached source links. Treat ranges as context, not a valuation.
  3. For a specific offered watch, request reference markings, service records and replacement-part disclosures. A shared reference number alone does not establish matching condition or originality.

Reference sources and price evidence

0 distinct reference sources are attached to these 2 catalog entries. 2 entries have no attached reference source; treat their specifications and historical notes as catalog claims awaiting verification.

0 of 2 entries have attached price-source links. Dealer ranges, auction ranges and catalog estimates are separate data categories, not live offers or verified transaction results. Check each linked page for asking versus sold price, sale date, currency, fees and the actual configuration; a source link alone does not establish those details.

Photographs illustrate sourced examples. Image-source links identify their origin; they are not reference research, proof of authenticity or a statement of image rights. No physical inspection is represented here. Read the editorial and evidence method.

Collector Read

Compare the recorded differences within reference 6542.

The original GMT-Master pairs a 24-hour hand with a rotating two-color bezel and a case without crown guardsThe protective shoulders around the winding crown. Their shape is a major case-generation tell.. Its early BakeliteAn early plastic bezel material used on references like the GMT-Master 6542. Original inserts are fragile and heavily scrutinized. bezel is a defining collector detail.

The comparison table keeps missing specifications visible. The catalog range span ($20,000 to $150,000) combines recorded ranges across configurations; it is not an appraisal of a particular watch.

Reference Summary

Reference
6542
Collection
GMT-Master
Variants
2 variants
Range span
$20,000 to $150,000

Known Variants

Ref. 6542

The original GMT-Master pairs a 24-hour hand with a rotating two-color bezel and a case without crown guards. Its early Bakelite bezel is a defining collector detail.

Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium 1955 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. $60,000 to $150,000 Rolex 6542 Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium 1955 Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. $20,000 to $45,000