Bring a Loupe: A Stunning Rolex GMT-Master 6542, A ‘Disco Volante’ Patek Philippe Reference 2552, A Technical Mimo Loga, And More

By Louis Westphalen

After a two-week hiatus Bring A Loupe is back, with a killer selection of vintage watches. The Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 is logically the star of the week, as it comes in great condition and retains its original bakelite bezel. On the dressy side, the Patek Philippe “Disco Volante” reference 2552 scores high as well, hiding a sumptuous automatic movement. You can also discover the Mimo Loga, a forgotten slide-rule watch that competed with the Breitling Chronomat and the Juvenia Arithmo in the 1940s. Lastly, two great chronographs from less obvious brands step in – a mint Minerva (with a gorgeous in-house Minerva chronograph caliber) and a beauty of a Nivada Chronoking Aviator Diver, at a no-brainer price. This is your Bring A Loupe for December 9, 2016.

A Patek Philippe Reference 2552, With ‘Disco Volante’ Case

The specific case shape of the Patek reference 2552 explains its “Disco Volante” (“flying saucer”) nickname, yet there is another reason to look at this watch beyond mere aesthetics. It boils down to its movement, the caliber 12’600. It was indeed the very first automatic caliber ever made by Patek, first released in 1953 and produced until 1960. Its exceptional construction and lavish finishing are detailed in Ben’s love letter to the reference 2526, but a quick look at its sumptuous rotor suffices to make a lasting impression. The reference 2552 offered here is said to have remained in its original owner’s family, and the seller accurately discloses that the second hand is a replacement part. The gold hallmarks on the side of the lugs show some previous polishing, but they are still present and legible, which is always a good sign.

This Patek 2552 is offered for $13,750 on the forum Breitling-source.

A Rolex GMT-Master Reference 6542, With Original Bakelite Bezel

The 6542 is the Rolex GMT Master that started it all, back in 1954. Its ingenuity is striking; the combination of a 2nd hour hand and a 24-hour rotating bezel still remains one of the best ways to display a secondary timezone. It exhibits a lot of the traits from early sports Rolex, from a smaller 38mm diameter to the lack of crown-guards and the use of radium as lume material on the chapter ring dial. And, of course, it made a noticeable …read more