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My Grail Rolex GMT 6542 Red has Arrived

t_swiss_t
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@mrs_LA - Not a rant, was just trying to figure out what would be so important about a Rolex vs non Rolex gear so I split it up into two categories based on what would potentially be worth that price of service to a collector (NOS dial/bezel/etc) or not (movement parts). Apologies if my tone was uncivil but I didn't think I said anything bad about you or the OP, just that the 'worth it' strikes as hollow and so I was going for completeness in a response.

I'm not judging the OP, I said I hope that it turns out well and is worth it, I'm judging Rolex for charging 4x as the same service that a non-Rolex watchmaker can do. I wouldn't want someone who doesn't know better to read this thread and thing, oh, I should spend $8k on my watch for a service from Rolex since they have access to parts or w/e.

--

@mancio - If they can actually authenticate rare parts on high priced models like the OPs, and that's accepted as dogma by the vintage community, then that portion might be worth it and I wouldn't argue against it. But so far I don't see much in the way of people holding up these Heritage papers in order to authenticate a vintage piece and everyone genuflecting to the primacy of that authentication.

With their servicing and parts fabrication there seems to be even less confidence: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=558102
 
wkimmd
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I don’t necessarily want to make a value judgement for the OP - only he can decide what is worth it for him or not -
That being said, I have always been under the impression that unlike Omega or Vacheron - an extract or other “authentication” of vintage rolex has ever really been a “thing” in vintage rolex collecting. I’ve never really seen a big time dealer or collector trot out the “here is the piece of paper that Rolex sent me that says it’s real” in order to sell or otherwise show off the piece. It seems Rolex doesn’t have a transparent process, and is rather arbitrary when it comes to this - nor can they (or really anyone else) determine the originality of each and every component (perhaps the authenticity, but not the originality). I think the fact they they are not at all transparent about whatever their process is on Rolex, not on the OP or anyone else. So I don’t think this would necessarily answer, definitively in any case, what brought this thread here - Orchi’s assertions)

The servicing is a different issue altogether and I tend to side w @t_swiss_t on that specific issue.

W
 
Spacefruit
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wkimmd wkimmd
I don’t necessarily want to make a value judgement for the OP - only he can decide what is worth it for him or not -
That being said, I have always been under the impression that unlike Omega or Vacheron - an extract or other “authentication” of vintage rolex has ever really been a “thing” in vintage rolex collecting. I’ve never really seen a big time dealer or collector trot out the “here is the piece of paper that Rolex sent me that says it’s real” in order to sell or otherwise show off the piece. It seems Rolex doesn’t have a transparent process, and is rather arbitrary when it comes to this - nor can they (or really anyone else) determine the originality of each and every component (perhaps the authenticity, but not the originality). I think the fact they they are not at all transparent about whatever their process is on Rolex, not on the OP or anyone else. So I don’t think this would necessarily answer, definitively in any case, what brought this thread here - Orchi’s assertions)

The servicing is a different issue altogether and I tend to side w @t_swiss_t on that specific issue.

W

Well I see it all the time. A watch with service papers is used to demonstrate the watch is not full of non standard parts.

The irony is that before these people send in the watch, they remove the hands dial and bezel and replace them with genuine Rolex service parts.

I am not commenting on the rights and wrongs of the process, just that’s what they do - they do not trust Rolex with a Double Red dial for example.

As to the service charges by Rolex. Not only is it a bargain, but it stops Rolex being jammed up with del-boy dealers trying to get a certification or service on a dodgy watch.
 
erpin9
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At least, if it’s any consolation, the Heritage department accepted the watch for repair which proves that the dial iand bezel are original. The only thing that I am waiting for is for them to report in writing that the bezel is period correct for my watch. That was the specific request i made and they agreed to do a through research on the bezel.
 
wkimmd
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erpin9 erpin9
At least, if it’s any consolation, the Heritage department accepted the watch for repair which proves that the dial iand bezel are original. The only thing that I am waiting for is for them to report in writing that the bezel is period correct for my watch. That was the specific request i made and they agreed to do a through research on the bezel.
Wishing you the best of luck!
 
BlackTulip
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Couldn't the heritage department also validate the albino GMT and settle the issue once and for all?
 
mancio
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BlackTulip BlackTulip
Couldn't the heritage department also validate the albino GMT and settle the issue once and for all?
Well, it is not exactly easy get a watch to the Heritage department as far as i know. Plus you need some nerve to bring a watch like that when you read on the contract that there is the chance that some of the parts might be broken on a watch that is pretty much a prototype.
 
A
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A really lovely watch, and I wish you all the best on your journey with Rolex heritage.
 
Pilot85
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Yes it’s been a year. Reading this is like waiting for season 2 of a series to start...
Btw what an awesome purchase I do hope for a happy ending given the cost involved!
 
Jfullm42
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Absolutely Stunning! Congratulation, those bezels as you know are super rare to find in that condition, let alone a complete watch in that condition and then with original papers, win win win!!
 
Yak1
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I just binged this entire string and want to know what happened to orchi.
 
harrymai86
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Yak1 Yak1
I just binged this entire string and want to know what happened to orchi.
He is still there on IG and last month he has fully focused on attacking Blueberry inserts as complete Fakes
 
VjaceCZ
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erpin9 erpin9
My dealer arrived from Hong Kong last night together with my 1956 Rolex GMT 6542 Red. Today i went to his store today and saw the watch for the first time.

It blew me and took my breath away. The condition of the watch is ourstanding from the unpolished case, minty dial and near perfect bakelite bezel. It was a joy to wear it for the first time. Couldn't wipe off the smile on my face.

Its the best ever birthday and Christmas gift to myself in a long while. Truly happy for this watch to be part if my collection.

image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg


I took a photo of the 6542 together with its younger siblings.

image.jpeg

I’m totally speechless. Wow!
 
K
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harrymai86 harrymai86
He is still there on IG and last month he has fully focused on attacking Blueberry inserts as complete Fakes

also attacking dealers like Jose Perezcope etc
 
erpin9
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The watch is still with the Rolex Heritage Department. Anyway, I am in no rush considering the covid pandemic is still not under control. Even if its ready for pick up, I would not venture travelling abroad at this time.
 
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