The aviation industry used to be a lot more stylish, but also dangerous; not talking about the risks of crashing but the preferred pilots watch from the fifties is highly radioactive.
Therefore Rolex issued a recall, regarding the bezel specifically, demanded by the Atomic Energy Commission (due to the use of Strontium 90). As a result, most were substituted by an aluminium replacement; making the original Bakelite inserts and handset very scarce.
But there is one bezel and handset iteration that is even more unusual to encounter. It is a non-radioactive alternative, yet made out of bakelite and with luminous numerals.
The compound used in this service part is Tritium with Zinc Sulphide and still reacts under UV.
The same material we can find in the hands and on the dial, which makes us believe all were installed at once.
Whilst the bezel and hands with luminescent numerals are a characteristic and cardinal feature of this first ever GMT reference, the dial is equally important. This early service specimen has the exact same graphics as the Radium dial and has undergone the beloved galvanic-printing production process, which results in this exquisitely glossy dial.
Item description / features:
This Rolex 6542 set of hands is estimated end of 50's in very good condition and never been touched or restored in the past, they belong to the "recall" version witch is a transition part than Rolex needed to add.
4 x hands in total : small arrow red color gmt hand, hours, seconds and minuts.
All of them have same patina yellow/ orange shades.
This set of hands still react to UV.
Ready to fit on Rolex movement GMT MASTER 1065 and 1066 with gmt fucntions, also compatible Gmt master 1675 calibres 1575,1570
Color shades: Orange and yellow, mat finish
This Rolex gmt 6542 handset is gently used with some micros hairlines marks visibles but overall nice condition.
Theses Rolex vintage hands are guaranteed 1OO% Genuines Rolex parts, not relumed or refilled, as all ours parts for sale.
Perfect for to restore or use as color matching's dial.
GUARANTEED TO BE 1OO% AUTHENTIC
