REPAIR & SERVICE
Rolex Rolex GMT Master 'Coke' Reference 6542
Gray & Sons Jewelers, located in Miami Beach, Florida is an independent watch service center, repairing Rolex Rolex GMT Master 'Coke' Reference 6542 watches since 1980.
Servicing a Rolex GMT Master “Coke” Reference 6542
Rolex Repair Services
The Vintage “Holy Grail” GMT Master
Bakelite Bezel Automatic Watch
-Rolex GMT Master “Coke”
The Rolex GMT-Master was first created in the 1950s as a collaboration between Rolex and Pan Am airlines. Pan Am needed a watch for their pilots that could track a second time zone, since long haul flights were introducing the phenomenon of jet lag. In 1954, Rolex introduced the reference 6542 GMT-Master which featured a Bakelite bezel. This first GMT-Master reference had a number of innovative features to make it useful for pilots, including the dual timezone bezel, lack of crown guards, and the caliber 1036 movement.
In 1959, Rolex upgraded the GMT-Master with the introduction of reference 1675. This second generation GMT-Master now featured an aluminum bezel, crown guards, and a new movement called the caliber 1565. The dial also evolved from the rare gilt dials between 1959-1967 to a white graphics dial. Reference 1675 introduced new bezel colors as well, like the famous red/blue 'Pepsi' bezel and later the 'tiger's eye' dual colored bezel. The GMT-Master 1675 remained in production until the late 1970s, cementing its status as an iconic aviation watch.
One of the most iconic and sought-after versions of the early GMT-Master is the ref. 6542 "Coke" bezel model from 1956. The nickname "Coke" comes from the red and black bezel colors being similar to the Coca-Cola logo colors. The black and red "Coke" bezel insert was one of the very first dual-colored bezels offered on the GMT-Master before the more common blue and red "Pepsi" bezel. Given its short production span in 1956 only, the Coke bezel GMT-Master ref. 6542 is incredibly rare and commands a huge premium over other bezels among collectors. An authentic Coke bezel 6542 in good condition is the holy grail for GMT-Master collectors. The unique colors and rich history make the Coke GMT-Master one of the most prized and valuable Rolex sport watch models ever produced.
This particular reference 6542 GMT-Master dates from 1956 and has quite a fascinating provenance. The reference 6542 was famously worn by Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, gaining the nickname "Pussy Galore" amongst collectors. Although the GMT-Master was a fixture in the Rolex lineup for decades, the reference 6542 had a relatively brief production run from 1954-1959. Given its age and the fact it saw regular use over the past 60+ years, this example has survived in great condition. Most remarkably, it still retains its complete and unrestored Bakelite bezel intact. As expected for an original bezel of this period, it does show some wear and damage but remains stable and intact. Under a Geiger counter, the radioactivity reading is consistent for a watch of this era, further confirming originality. For a collectors' piece of this significance, finding one in such untouched condition is like discovering buried treasure. Shop used certified authentic Rolex GMT Master models at Gray & Sons Jewelers.
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Gray & Sons - Top Watch Repair Service Center For High Caliber Watches
When a vintage Rolex GMT-Master lands on our bench, a precise restoration process begins. We carefully unscrew the caseback, looking inside searching for clues of the watch's past life. In this case, the movement needed a full overhaul, ultrasonic cleaning and re-lubrication to restore its butter-smooth functionality. Go to Gray & Sons Jewelers to browse pre-owned Rolex GMT Master watches.
-Rolex GMT Master “ Coke” Ref.6542 Case and Oyster Bracelet
Our watchmaker becomes a meticulous surgeon, slowly disassembling the watch into its component parts. The watch hands are delicately removed like precious artifacts. Gaskets and crown extracted. Bezel unthreaded with care. Crystals freed. Each intricate piece is assessed and planned for restoration. After everything is taken apart the watch and all its parts are put in the ultrasonic for a deep cleaning. Every pivot hole is oiled, the wheel greased and the screw is tightened. This revival relies on decades of experience and a watchmaker's precision.
-Rolex GMT Master “ Coke” Ref.6542 Dial and Movement
-Rolex GMT Master “ Coke” Ref.6542 after service
Find out about vintage Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675
Get to Know More About Us, Gray and Sons Jewelers - Watch Specialists
For over 43 years, Gray and Sons have specialized in the luxury business of pre-owned watches and estate jewelry. Every item in our inventory made from platinum, gold, and silver has been repaired or restored and polished to like-new condition. View the Gray & Sons Jewelers used luxury watches in stock today.
Every day customers come into our independent watch repair center to sell us their watches and jewelry items so our inventory is ever-growing. If you want to trade, sell, or consign your Rolex GMT Master or other Rolex models, sell us your watch or jewelry . Since many things come in every day, we make sure to update the website daily! Customers can request a free monthly catalog that includes our updated inventory.
Our sales associates are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Russian so language barriers are often not a problem. Aside from buying, selling, and repairing, we also do trade-ins or take things in on consignment. For all your luxury needs, come visit us!
Our showroom is located in the heart of Miami Beach diagonally across the street from the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops. If ever in the area, we highly recommend you come into our store; we’d love to meet you!
Every watch above $2,000 sold at Gray and Sons Jewelers comes with a “Like-New for Life” warranty. The LNFL warranty guarantees that anyone who buys a watch at Gray & Sons Jewelers can bring the watch in once a year and Gray & Sons will externally clean and polish, and provide a free battery change for quartz movements for the watch as long as the customer services the watch every 3 years at Gray & Sons Jewelers.
We make sure to check all the boxes when quality controlling an item that will eventually acquire a new owner to enjoy. Every watch that comes into Gray and Sons Jewelers for repair will automatically receive a 12-month warranty once received by the customer post-repair. Rolex watches in particular receive a 24-month mechanical warranty.
We also change batteries.
Gray & Sons check the automatic rotor to make sure the watch’s power reserve is functioning properly, timekeeping accuracy, water resistance, chronograph accuracy, and several other quality control tests.
#1 Specialist on Rolex Watch Repairs
Visit Gray and Sons Jewelers is a one-stop source for all your luxury watches and high-end jewelry needs throughout Florida, especially in Miami, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Fort Lauderdale. Gray and Sons have an excellent reputation with many customers in New York, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Chicago. Access our website by clicking here for a free estimate .
1960 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675
OUR EXPERIENCE
OVER 150 YEARS OF COMBINED WATCHMAKING AND JEWELRY/CASE AND BRACELET REPAIR EXPERIENCE!
How to Repair Your Watch with Gray & Sons Jewelers
We offer our watch repair services locally in South Florida (Miami, Miami Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach), nationally as well as internationally with our Easy Ship Box Option.
Local Repairs
Come visit our showroom and let us evaluate your watch. Our Master-trained watchmakers are among the best in the United States and we just happen to be located on Miami Beach. We will provide you an estimate before beginning any work.
National Repairs
To accommodate customers across the United States who complete repairs with us, we devised the Easy Ship Box as the fastest and most convenient way to send sensitive luxury items. This allows you to receive our state of the art services anywhere in the country, so you never compromise on the care your watch rightfully deserves.