The reference 6542 was able to accomplish Pan-Am’s requirement for a second-time zone display by adding a 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel to the GMT-Master’s self-winding movement.

When Rolex unveiled the first GMT-Master (reference 6542) in the mid-1950s, the watch came equipped with a bidirectional rotating bezel with a two-tone Bakelite insert featuring radium luminous markings.

1 day ago · A replacement Rolex metal bezel for the 6542 can be sourced and fitted for less than $1,000. It's a genuine bona fide "fix", and is more durable and practical. There are also very good fake acrylic bezels which can be fitted for around $350.

14 hours ago · Going all the way back to the ref. 6542, Rolex always offered solid-gold versions of its travel tool alongside the more common steel versions. ... Choosing your bezel is like a trip to a soda ...

Oct 29, 2024 · One of the distinguishing features of the collectable first model Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542, is the plastic bezel insert. Both the brass alloy bezel itself and the insert were easily cracked and so many of the surviving watches seem to …

The blue and red colors of the Rolex GMT-Master ref. 6542 became an icon of its own right and picked up its own nickname – the Pepsi bezel. The Rolex 6542 included a luminous bakelite bezel insert, however, this material was very prone to cracking.

May 31, 2018 · The GMT-Master ref. 6542 is a grail watch in the truest sense of the word. It emerged as Rolex’s answer to a question posed by Pan Am Airways; how to aid pilots in their fight against the new phenomenon of jet lag.

Mar 7, 2025 · The original, reference 6542 GMT-Master also introduced Rolex’s famous Pepsi bezel, so-named because of its dark-blue section representing night and red section representing day. While not used on every GMT-Master model, this two-tone bezel configuration – offered in various color combinations – has become one of the watch’s calling ...

The Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 marked the first reference in what would go onto become one of the most celebrated timepieces across all manufacturers. The timepiece became an icon within the James Bond movie Goldfinger after being worn by Honor Blackman during her portrayal of "Pussy Galore".

Replacement Non OEM Bakelite Bezel and Insert Assembly Set for Rolex GMT 6542.