Why it is important to get a good watchmaker >>>

[maverick]

I took my 6239 to a local watchmaker I know has done many Rolex movements.

Eventually I sent it to Bob Ridley to have some light restoration work done. When he looked at the movement it was instantly obvious that is was not serviced properly.

Here are a few pics and comments he made. It shows me that 'any' watchmaker is not sufficient for the vintage movements. For this type of work an artist/watchmaker who is knowledgeable enough to service the movement correctly. =) maverick

"As shown in the first set of pictures, the movement remains assembled for the prewash.
This enables select areas to clean from the ultrasonic effect while assembled. Secondly,
the precleaned movement allows me to check the true condition of each part.

Regarding picture "Top" I noticed before the preclean that some jewels such as the balance
hole jewel was not oiled whereas the pallet jewels, that should not be oiled, were.

In picture # 6997, the balance jewel (very top red jewel positioned over the balance wheel) was not
oiled and should be. The red plate jewel ( to the left) does not have the correct depth and is seated too low
for proper end shake."


Top


Before cleaning by Bob


dissambly


dirt


more dirt


cleaning teeth


adjusting arbor end shake


Adjusting barrel


Jewel Depth


Finally clean for disassembly

[snow_rocks]

I concur ...

[Dr.B]

Wow....Go Bob Ridley......He will do my Daytona in 5-7y

[maverick]

There were a few other things Bob did. It shows that a watch just serviced can be a problem if the person does not know the correct way to service the movement.

The watch was running but I suspected something was not right. The timing was off on the chrono feature but the watch was keeping fairly good time.

I sure wish I had sent it to Bob first. We never stop learning in this hobby. =) maverick

[JJ Irani]

Great stuff, Dennis......love your post and pics.

Now do you know why I asked you to post on TRF??

Take care, buddy - JJ

[Rikki]

I remember talking to you about your watch and I believe you said the watchmaker was going to charge you 300.00 while I started at 500.00 well as I have said before you get what you pay for. I was doing a 1957 triple date during this time period delivered it 3 months ago and customer couldn't be happier. Rikki

[Dan Pierce]

Great info, Dennis. I good local watchmaker is a valuable resource.
dP

[greekbum]

I think it is a must if you are into vintage watches to have a good watchmaker or 2 that you know and trust. If the watchmaker has a Rolex parts account and has recently been re-certified he knows how to service a Rolex. The price difference is usually in the *parts* if you want to do it right or if you want it done cheap. Case work might vary though and you should ask to see his or her work. Rolex service center is the standard everybody wants that quality of work cheaper and faster.

[maverick]

As long as it ends up well it is worth the time and money. Bob did a wonderful job. =) maverick

[CaveDiver]

I know this is a little old, but did the wrongs that the previous watchmaker did damage the parts or was it just off? Those are nice pictures even though I do not have a clue what to look for other than that dirt.

[spellman21]

That looks like something i would never want to take apart and put back together. Great pictures!

[Skullring]

Originally Posted by maverick

As long as it ends up well it is worth the time and money. Bob did a wonderful job. =) maverick

Great post Maverick. Bob Ridley is the best. I hope one day to have something nice enough to send him. That is a simply beautiful watch. Glad to hear it is all sorted out.