ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

micus · 5 September 2010, 02:45 PM

hello all, my name is Michael. Im a student from vancouver island Canada. ive joined your very interesting forum with the goal of hopefully fixing my watch and possibly finding out more information regarding it and other similar models, i think ive found the right place by the look of things.

ok so. this watch was my grandfathers, my grandmother saved up for it for a year before she was able to afford the purchase of the watch, i believe she kept it on layaway and made monthly installments on it so she would have something nice to send my grandfather during the war. The watch was sent to my grandfather sometime around 1939-1941 while he was serving with the canadian army in Europe. He wore the watch throughout the war and everyday until it stopped working sometime in the late 90's, he died shortly after.

my mother has sent the watch to rolex once without any luck, it was returned to her still broken, according to rolex the parts required to make the repair are no longer available so essentially i am SOL. ive considered getting the parts fabricated my a micro machining company that i know of locally but me being 100% ignorant as to the how watches even operate would be lost as far as asking for parts to be made are concerned and this is where im hoping to find information about it.

it is a 1939-41 vintage rolex oyster, gold in color if that makes any difference, it says "ROLEX OYSTER" and the word "PERPETUAL" underneath. on the back side of the watch in tiny lettering it says BASE METAL R.W.C. and the number 2940 under it.

if anyone knows any iformation regarding this watch or similar models i would love to hear it, or if anyone can point me in the direction i need to go in to get the watch slightly closer to working that would be AWESOME aswell, im literally starting from ground zero on this one, please forgive my lack of watch knowledge in general and thank you in advance.

micus · 6 September 2010, 11:20 AM

i figured i would upload some pictures of the watch that may help

TRW · 6 September 2010, 11:35 AM

Welcome to TRF Mike

Latrodectus · 6 September 2010, 11:42 AM

Welcome to TRF! I am sure, you get the information you are looking for. You found the right place...

DCgator · 6 September 2010, 11:49 AM

Best of luck!

Sherwooddavid · 6 September 2010, 11:59 AM

Very Interesting. I'm sure somebody here on TRF can help you out.

sleddog · 6 September 2010, 02:03 PM

Welcome to TRF Mike...

I'm sure somebody here can help you in your endeavours.Good luck and enjoy the forum!

Rob.

Michael M. · 6 September 2010, 02:21 PM

Welcome to TRF, my name is Michael too.

rfknauss · 7 September 2010, 02:28 AM

Mike, welcome to TRF!

jatco · 7 September 2010, 02:38 AM

Hii Michael..
Welcome to TRF.. 1 of the best places to be...
Thats a great story...and it looks like the 'Neptune' model...(did some searching..)
Check this link..maybe there'll be some info to help you out...!
http://www.horologist.com/canadianrolex.htm

afnios1 · 7 September 2010, 03:22 AM

welcome Michael,hope to get all you need in this forum,guys in here are amazing.And as there are so many Michaels in here we would demand a special for us room

micus · 7 September 2010, 07:34 AM

thank you all very much for the warm welcome, and the link thomas ( jatco ) , it does look close to the neptune your right, ive found through searching the website the name of a watch maker in vancouver, otto freidl, i will give him a call during the week and see if he wouldnt mind taking a look at it.

jatco · 7 September 2010, 08:31 AM

You're most welcomed Michael..
and yes, Otto Freidl's name has been mentioned numerous times on this site, for us locals...
He does have a site..
http://www.ottofriedlwatchservice.co...ource=canpages
.
I bought a Gruen 'Precision' from a local enthusiast who has delt with Otto, as did some other 'local' members here.
Certainly worth checking into.
.
Let us know how it goes..!!!

micus · 26 December 2010, 05:33 AM

hello again all, i feel it necessary to update this thread as my (previously my grandfathers) watch is once again operational and no longer hiding in the "heirlooms" box away in the depths of the attic haha.

the watch was fully disassembeled at Otto Freidl's watch service in vancouver 3 weeks ago where all parts were cleaned and polished, the watch was then recalibrated and re oiled. the perpetual movement is still in working order and does not require additional winding to keep time. When the watch was sent to Rolex it was deemed irreperable and was sent back. Being that the watch was not serviced once for over 40 years all that was required was a thorough cleaning and dissasembly. I hope this thread serves as inspiration to anyone else in a similar situation to mine. This watch survived across Europe for the majority of the second world war and has now been going for 70 years, over 40 of them unserviced, on all original parts and from all measurements ive taken, holds very accurate time still. Although my grandfather is no longer with us, im sure he would be very happy with this outcome.

i also opted for a more original looking leather calf skin strap over the 1980's ( somewhat tacky in my opinion) metal "expando" strap.

Thank you all for the help, its repair wouldnt have been possible without it, Merry Christmas

sea-dweller · 27 December 2010, 03:01 PM

Welcome!

hacampbell1360 · 27 December 2010, 04:29 PM

Wow!! What a story. We really have some knowledgeable people here on TRF.

rolexguynfl · 27 December 2010, 08:25 PM

Welcome Michael - great story and ending.

jatco · 28 December 2010, 07:01 AM

Fabulous story..and results from Otto.. Kudos to him..and for your persuing the restoration of a classical piece...as well as the emotional connection...

Art 1 · 28 December 2010, 07:24 AM

Welcome.

micus · 30 December 2010, 03:48 PM

pictures of the refreshed watch

Rags · 30 December 2010, 08:24 PM

Welcome to TRF..

jatco · 31 December 2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micus

pictures of the refreshed watch

...Uh.. did we miss something...??
Want more....!!

cyglee · 31 December 2010, 11:59 AM

Absolutely delightful story; this is what TRF is all about.

A good ending to 2010, and great beginning to 2011.

DCgator · 31 December 2010, 12:10 PM

Good on you micus!

HL65 · 1 January 2011, 06:33 AM

Welcome to TRF!!!

5 September 2010, 02:45 PM	#1
micus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: mike Location: van isle Watch: rolex oyster Posts: 5	Hello all hello all, my name is Michael. Im a student from vancouver island Canada. ive joined your very interesting forum with the goal of hopefully fixing my watch and possibly finding out more information regarding it and other similar models, i think ive found the right place by the look of things. ok so. this watch was my grandfathers, my grandmother saved up for it for a year before she was able to afford the purchase of the watch, i believe she kept it on layaway and made monthly installments on it so she would have something nice to send my grandfather during the war. The watch was sent to my grandfather sometime around 1939-1941 while he was serving with the canadian army in Europe. He wore the watch throughout the war and everyday until it stopped working sometime in the late 90's, he died shortly after. my mother has sent the watch to rolex once without any luck, it was returned to her still broken, according to rolex the parts required to make the repair are no longer available so essentially i am SOL. ive considered getting the parts fabricated my a micro machining company that i know of locally but me being 100% ignorant as to the how watches even operate would be lost as far as asking for parts to be made are concerned and this is where im hoping to find information about it. it is a 1939-41 vintage rolex oyster, gold in color if that makes any difference, it says "ROLEX OYSTER" and the word "PERPETUAL" underneath. on the back side of the watch in tiny lettering it says BASE METAL R.W.C. and the number 2940 under it. if anyone knows any iformation regarding this watch or similar models i would love to hear it, or if anyone can point me in the direction i need to go in to get the watch slightly closer to working that would be AWESOME aswell, im literally starting from ground zero on this one, please forgive my lack of watch knowledge in general and thank you in advance.

6 September 2010, 11:42 AM	#4
Latrodectus 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Fred Location: KY, USA Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 10,025	Welcome to TRF! I am sure, you get the information you are looking for. You found the right place... __________________ Member # 16057 4-Hands Club Tosser Club Member TRF Skypers Group

6 September 2010, 02:03 PM	#7
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,927	Welcome to TRF Mike... I'm sure somebody here can help you in your endeavours.Good luck and enjoy the forum! Rob. __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

7 September 2010, 02:28 AM	#9
rfknauss 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,496	Mike, welcome to TRF! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

7 September 2010, 02:38 AM	#10
jatco 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: YVR Watch: 116233/79190 Posts: 49,658	Hii Michael.. Welcome to TRF.. 1 of the best places to be... Thats a great story...and it looks like the 'Neptune' model...(did some searching..) Check this link..maybe there'll be some info to help you out...! http://www.horologist.com/canadianrolex.htm __________________ . ..- ' A Crown for every achievement '

6 September 2010, 11:35 AM	#3
TRW Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Tim Location: tennessee Watch: 16623 YM Posts: 3,630	Welcome to TRF Mike

6 September 2010, 11:49 AM	#5
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Best of luck!

6 September 2010, 11:59 AM	#6
Sherwooddavid "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Dave Location: Canada Watch: Submariner Posts: 2,080	Very Interesting. I'm sure somebody here on TRF can help you out.

6 September 2010, 02:21 PM	#8
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Welcome to TRF, my name is Michael too.

7 September 2010, 03:22 AM	#11
afnios1 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: michail Location: Korinthos, Greece Watch: IWC 371503 gst. Posts: 396	welcome Michael,hope to get all you need in this forum,guys in here are amazing.And as there are so many Michaels in here we would demand a special for us room

7 September 2010, 07:34 AM	#12
micus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: mike Location: van isle Watch: rolex oyster Posts: 5	thank you all very much for the warm welcome, and the link thomas ( jatco ) , it does look close to the neptune your right, ive found through searching the website the name of a watch maker in vancouver, otto freidl, i will give him a call during the week and see if he wouldnt mind taking a look at it.

7 September 2010, 08:31 AM	#13
jatco 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: YVR Watch: 116233/79190 Posts: 49,658	You're most welcomed Michael.. and yes, Otto Freidl's name has been mentioned numerous times on this site, for us locals... He does have a site.. http://www.ottofriedlwatchservice.co...ource=canpages . I bought a Gruen 'Precision' from a local enthusiast who has delt with Otto, as did some other 'local' members here. Certainly worth checking into. . Let us know how it goes..!!! __________________ . ..- ' A Crown for every achievement '

26 December 2010, 05:33 AM	#14
micus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: mike Location: van isle Watch: rolex oyster Posts: 5	update hello again all, i feel it necessary to update this thread as my (previously my grandfathers) watch is once again operational and no longer hiding in the "heirlooms" box away in the depths of the attic haha. the watch was fully disassembeled at Otto Freidl's watch service in vancouver 3 weeks ago where all parts were cleaned and polished, the watch was then recalibrated and re oiled. the perpetual movement is still in working order and does not require additional winding to keep time. When the watch was sent to Rolex it was deemed irreperable and was sent back. Being that the watch was not serviced once for over 40 years all that was required was a thorough cleaning and dissasembly. I hope this thread serves as inspiration to anyone else in a similar situation to mine. This watch survived across Europe for the majority of the second world war and has now been going for 70 years, over 40 of them unserviced, on all original parts and from all measurements ive taken, holds very accurate time still. Although my grandfather is no longer with us, im sure he would be very happy with this outcome. i also opted for a more original looking leather calf skin strap over the 1980's ( somewhat tacky in my opinion) metal "expando" strap. Thank you all for the help, its repair wouldnt have been possible without it, Merry Christmas

27 December 2010, 03:01 PM	#15
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Welcome! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

27 December 2010, 04:29 PM	#16
hacampbell1360 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Hiep Phan John Location: san jose, ca Watch: The Fantastic FOUR Posts: 267	Wow!! What a story. We really have some knowledgeable people here on TRF.

27 December 2010, 08:25 PM	#17
rolexguynfl 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Ed Location: FL Keys Watch: my avatar move... Posts: 2,077	Welcome Michael - great story and ending. __________________ 116518-MDL ♛ 126600 SD43 Mark I

28 December 2010, 07:01 AM	#18
jatco 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: YVR Watch: 116233/79190 Posts: 49,658	Fabulous story..and results from Otto.. Kudos to him..and for your persuing the restoration of a classical piece...as well as the emotional connection... __________________ . ..- ' A Crown for every achievement '

28 December 2010, 07:24 AM	#19
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Welcome.

30 December 2010, 03:48 PM	#20
micus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Real Name: mike Location: van isle Watch: rolex oyster Posts: 5	pictures of the refreshed watch

30 December 2010, 08:24 PM	#21
Rags 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,195	Welcome to TRF.. __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

31 December 2010, 11:59 AM	#23
cyglee "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gordon Location: California Watch: Gmtll,LV,SD,GV,etc Posts: 627	Absolutely delightful story; this is what TRF is all about. A good ending to 2010, and great beginning to 2011.

31 December 2010, 12:10 PM	#24
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Good on you micus!

1 January 2011, 06:33 AM	#25
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,874	Welcome to TRF!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

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