JoeyB Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 I had no idea how difficult it would be to make a bezel. Just like the insert, there are so many variances, wear and tear over 60 years, with no definitive specs from Rolex at all. Rolex used at least 6 suppliers for the insert, so they likely had to adjust the bezel to fit those on hand. You might notice in some of the pictures of 6542s that some bezels have little 'tabs' that hold the insert in. So, I studied all I could find, and looked at as many pictures as I could see, and as I did with the insert, chose one to copy. I think it came out nicely. I had the retainer made from stainless, per gen. The gen 6542 crystal is a 25-115, no longer in production and a fortune if you can find one. I have not tested that one, but Rolex has used the 25-116 to replace the 25-115 for many years. Then I found that Rolex has had 3 different 25-116 crystals with 3 different outside diameters. The latest is the one I made the retainer to fit. The latest Clark's crystal is the same diameter, so the retainer fits as well. The retainer needs to be pressed on, per gen. Other aftermarket crystals are not tested, and could crack when pressed. The inside diameter of the retainer is 30.226mm. The crystal should be shaved to fit, if needed. The retainer holds it all together, as the bezel fits the outside of the retainer and is held on with the spring. That allows for the set to be used on any crystal with the correct outside diameter. The bezel itself is made from brass, then a nickel plating, per gen. I made the plating light so that it can be made to look aged easier, and to whatever degree someone wants. It is shiny bright, chrome-like as shipped. Using #0000 steel wool with just a swipe around dulls it nicely. More would allow the brass to show through as little or as much as you want. Using a buffing wheel will take it down further, and make it look well worn. I wanted to provide maximum flexibility. It is made for the 38mm no crown guard case. In the attached pics, it is mounted on the Tiger V2 case. It also fits the 1655 cartel case that can be used to build a 6542 by grinding off the crown guards. The spring is stainless steel wire. Everything is a tight fit, so it can wear in. The bezel rotates fine, but a little oil makes it smoother. It is all made in the U.S.A. For members of this site, RWG Forum.net only, the set is $425.00 usd. For paying VIP and Platinum members on rwgforum.net (not reciprocating to admin or mods from other sites) the set will be $400.00 usd. So, if you're not a VIP here, become one and get a discount that saves you money on both! I match each set to fit, so please allow a day or two for shipping. All plus shipping, please PM me if interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmb Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Looks great, Joey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogladio Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I have drool all over my keyboard. PM sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Very nice my friend, I believe you have solved the problem!!. I think that this will help a lot of folks with their 6542 builds.Very interesting about the 25-116's having three different OD's. So inconsistency is not just in the realm of the reps, but genuine as well! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyB Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Very nice my friend, I believe you have solved the problem!!. I think that this will help a lot of folks with their 6542 builds.Very interesting about the 25-116's having three different OD's. So inconsistency is not just in the realm of the reps, but genuine as well! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Thank you. Inconsistency in the genuine Rolex is really a bit of a blessing for us. It makes it easier to build an 'accurate' vintage. freddy333 found quite a few of those inconsistencies when he did the first replica 6542. Evidently I felt compelled to find more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droptopman Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I received one of these a couple days ago and the set is truly amazing. Now I just need the rest of the parts to fit it to... Exceptional craftsmanship thanks to Joey B Sent from my droptop using telepathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outline Posted May 25, 2015 Report Share Posted May 25, 2015 Very much interested in this set! PM sent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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