Where to service my new Submariner 5512

[jps3b]

Hello everyone. I’ve been gone over a year from the TRF family. I miss you all. Yesterday, an old friend of mine gave me his 1976 Submariner reference 5512. Box, papers and all. I want to get it serviced but don’t know where to go. I understand that Rolex doesn’t service their vintage watches. Any thoughts? I live in Los Angeles county.


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[jps3b]

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[jps3b]

Here are some quick pics I took. This man dated my mom back in the mid 70’s when he was working with here at Men’s central jail in downtown Los Angeles. He reconnected with us about four years ago when he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Luckily he’s been beating cancer but he thought with covid always lurking, he wanted to give me his watch before anything bad happened to him. He never had children and him and I had a lot in common. After leaving the sheriffs department in 1982 due to an injury, he started acting and was in movies like “LA Confidential” and “the Grifters”. He’s a really great guy and has led an interesting life. I’m honored to keep his watch safe for the next 40 to fifty years. Here is a picture of my mother. Luckily, she is still in good health and we are very close




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[Dan S]

Since you are in SoCal, http://www.lawatchworks.com would be a logical choice. You could probably arrange to deliver it personally saving the cost and risk of shipping. They are in Pasadena IIRC.

[Styles Bitchley]

Wow. What a fantastic gift. So nice to receive it while he’s still around to see you enjoy it. Lots of options in Cali, but LA Watchworks gets a lot of good reviews here.

[btinl]

Agree with the recommendation above. LAWW is the place to go for you.

[granttime]

Sent my 1968 5513 to Phillip Ridley last year, he is great and is a member and regular poster here.

[BrazenC5]

I live in in the Los Angeles area and mail my watches to Rolliworks in Campbell CA, near San Jose for service.

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[nolaclarky]

Phillip Ridley does a great job. I think he lives in Mesa AZ now.

[whatsthetime?]

1970 5512 restored by RolliWorks
IMG_3165.jpeg

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by whatsthetime?

1970 5512 restored by RolliWorks
Attachment 1201815

Holy wow

OP, great story and gift. I would do this to it also.

[lhendrickson]

All the recs above are stellar. I'm just here to say what a rad story and so cool you have a personal connection to the original owner! What a meaningful gift. Enjoy it.

[jps3b]

Thank you all for taking the time to post here in my thread. I really feel blessed to have received such an amazing gift especially since I have been enjoying high end time pieces since my late teens. I think I will pay LA Watchworks a visit here in the next coming days. As soon as I get it back, I’ll post pics. Please take care of yourselves


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by jps3b

Thank you all for taking the time to post here in my thread. I really feel blessed to have received such an amazing gift especially since I have been enjoying high end time pieces since my late teens. I think I will pay LA Watchworks a visit here in the next coming days. As soon as I get it back, I’ll post pics. Please take care of yourselves

Given COVID restrictions, I'd suggest that you give Edvi a call to arrange the hand-off. Santa Monica to Pasadena is a bit of a drive IIRC and the last time I spoke with him, he mentioned that they were having to stagger shifts somewhat. Maybe it's better now, but better safe than sorry.

[mbc]

Another vote for Phillip Ridley -- he's done work on 1/2 dozen Rolex and Omega vintage watches for me, always superb!

[andrewjb88]

In my opinion, what ever you do don't get it polished! just get it serviced and sealed.

Cool story as well.

[AzHadEnuf]

Phillip Ridley, Mesa AZ. Recently serviced two vintage watches for me. Could not be happier with the service.

[Najimro]

Highly recommend both LAWatch and Rolliworks for the good service and work they do. As mentioned Emphasize no case polishing. Enjoy the watch as it’s very special.