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

GMT-Master reference

Rolex 6542

Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium

Gilt radiumPepsi (bakelite)Collector notes

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. This catalog entry records dial: 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.; bezel: PepsiA blue-and-red GMT-Master bezel nickname. (bakelite).

Dealer range
$60,000 to $150,000
Auction range
$50,000 to $175,000
Evidence
3 source links

A closer look

Notable examples

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

Compare Rolex 6542 configurations

Same-reference variants appear first, followed by nearby configurations in the same model family. These are catalog comparisons, not matched sales. Blank specifications remain unrecorded rather than inferred from neighboring references.

Recorded specifications by configuration
Reference / configurationDialBezelEvidence links
6542 · Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radiumGilt radiumPepsi (bakelite)0 reference; 0 price
6542 · Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritiumGilt tritiumPepsi (aluminium)0 reference; 0 price
16700 · Black / Glossy tritiumGlossy tritiumBlack0 reference; 0 price
16700 · Pepsi / Glossy tritiumGlossy tritiumPepsi0 reference; 0 price
16700 · Pepsi / LuminovaLuminovaPepsi0 reference; 0 price
16710 · Black / SuperluminovaSuperluminovaBlack0 reference; 0 price

Questions to identify this configuration

  • Dial: Gilt radium. Ask which reference document or item-specific photograph supports this recorded detail, and whether the offered watch differs.
  • Bezel: Pepsi (bakelite). Ask which reference document or item-specific photograph supports this recorded detail, and whether the offered watch differs.
  • Request clear reference and serial markings, a service history and disclosure of replaced components. Compare those documents with the exact configuration above before treating another example as equivalent.

Reference sources and price evidence

0 distinct reference sources are attached to these 1 catalog entry. 1 entry has no attached reference source; treat their specifications and historical notes as catalog claims awaiting verification.

0 of 1 entry has 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 Notes

1955-59; no crown guards; cal. 1036; bakelite bezels were recalled, so originals are extremely rare

Pricing Ranges

Dealer range
$60,000 to $150,000
Auction range
$50,000 to $175,000
Links
loupethis.com Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Bakelite Bezel Gilt Dial | Auctions | Loupe This hairspring.com Radium Bakelite 6542 GMT-Master - Hairspring chrono24.com Rolex Vintage GMT-MASTER BAKELITE Bezel Ref 6542 Stainless Steel bj-1958 Rare

Reference Details

Reference
6542
Collection
GMT-Master
Family
GMT-Master
Dial
Gilt radium
Bezel
Pepsi (bakelite)
Data
Comparable-driven
Photo set
3 images
Workbook source
GMT row 6

Reference Photos

Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 1
Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. loupethis.com
Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 2
Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. hairspring.com
Catalog example attributed to Rolex 6542 Pepsi (bakelite) / Gilt radium, photo 3
Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. chrono24.com

Also In Rolex 6542

View the full 6542 guide

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 (aluminium) / Gilt tritium 1955 Pepsi (aluminium) / Gilt tritium Sourced example; exact configuration not independently verified. $20,000 to $45,000

Image Sources

loupethis.com Rolex GMT-Master 6542 Bakelite Bezel Gilt Dial | Auctions | Loupe This hairspring.com Radium Bakelite 6542 GMT-Master - Hairspring chrono24.com Rolex Vintage GMT-MASTER BAKELITE Bezel Ref 6542 Stainless Steel bj-1958 Rare