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HL65 · 30 November 2010, 10:37 PM

Has anyone here used Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International to overhaul a vintage sub? If so--how long did he have watch for and what were charges? Just an overhaul of movement--no polish or case work!! Thanks!

AirKing527 · 30 November 2010, 11:18 PM

just search bob ridley on this forum and you will see a ton of examples of his work. i nver used him but from what i've read his work is top notch.

HL65 · 30 November 2010, 11:28 PM

I have seen plenty of examples of his work--My question's were not about the quality of his work but specifically: How long did he have watch--and what was charge for a basic overhaul.

TattooedGQ · 30 November 2010, 11:40 PM

supposedly the guy does great work but is "SO busy" a full overhaul will take months, and he charges an arm and a leg....but that's just what I'm summing up from the other posts.

Alcan · 6 December 2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TattooedGQ

supposedly the guy does great work.....

"Supposedly"???

How is this for supposedly? If you haven't used his services, how can you make any comment about them?

TimeToGo · 6 December 2010, 07:43 AM

Supposedly, I am also going to be happy!

Damage Inc. · 1 December 2010, 12:27 AM

Not a Sub, but I sent my 1675 to him last year. Can't comment on a 'basic service', but I can tell you what my experience was like.
Full overhaul- new crystal, minor bracelet repair, movement service w/ new barrel & mainspring, several other parts in the movement replaced (ratchet wheels etc.), minor case polishing, new crown & tube, sealing of the hands (stabilize the lume), I think that's it.
Took about 4-5 weeks from the time I sent it to him 'til I had it back.
~$1200 if I recall correctly...If you don't get any other useful responses send me a PM and I'll dig out my receipt when I get home. That has a breakdown of the charges.

He does good work, but as with many people who are trusted to do top-notch work, he's not the cheapest. Another person I've heard very good things about is Dalton Toledo at ABC Watchworks in LA. Haven't personally used him, but he's supposed to be quite good as well.

Hope that helps some.

HL65 · 1 December 2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Not a Sub, but I sent my 1675 to him last year. Can't comment on a 'basic service', but I can tell you what my experience was like.
Full overhaul- new crystal, minor bracelet repair, movement service w/ new barrel & mainspring, several other parts in the movement replaced (ratchet wheels etc.), minor case polishing, new crown & tube, sealing of the hands (stabilize the lume), I think that's it.
Took about 4-5 weeks from the time I sent it to him 'til I had it back.
~$1200 if I recall correctly...If you don't get any other useful responses send me a PM and I'll dig out my receipt when I get home. That has a breakdown of the charges.

He does good work, but as with many people who are trusted to do top-notch work, he's not the cheapest. Another person I've heard very good things about is Dalton Toledo at ABC Watchworks in LA. Haven't personally used him, but he's supposed to be quite good as well.

Hope that helps some.

Exactly what I was looking for--Thanks!!!

Tools · 1 December 2010, 02:47 AM

Why don't you just give him a call. I'm sure that he would be happy to discuss all aspects of your watch overhaul, including cost and time-line...

HL65 · 1 December 2010, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Why don't you just give him a call. I'm sure that he would be happy to discuss all aspects of your watch overhaul, including cost and time-line...

Thanks Larry--that is what I am going to do. I just emailed him and will follow up with a call.

HL65 · 2 December 2010, 09:50 PM

Well- I sent my 62' 5512 off for a service to Bob Ridley. I will post results when I get it back. I spent a good bit on phone with him and he certainly knows what he is talking about!! I know it will be expensive but you get what you pay for in life!!

Steelfish · 5 December 2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelerfan1965

well- i sent my 62' 5512 off for a service to bob ridley. I will post results when i get it back. I spent a good bit on phone with him and he certainly knows what he is talking about!! I know it will be expensive but you get what you pay for in life!!

x2!!!

TimeToGo · 5 December 2010, 10:02 PM

I currently have three watches with him. Two of the watches were done within 2 weeks, Holidays included.

He has recently experienced a family emergency and is out of town. I am sure he will respond to your inquiry as soon as he returns.

HL65 · 6 December 2010, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

I currently have three watches with him. Two of the watches were done within 2 weeks, Holidays included.

He has recently experienced a family emergency and is out of town. I am sure he will respond to your inquiry as soon as he returns.

I spoke to him the other day. He has my 62' 5512 2 line gilt now. I know he had a family emergency and is due back this week. Thanks!

dddrees · 6 December 2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

I spoke to him the other day. He has my 62' 5512 2 line gilt now. I know he had a family emergency and is due back this week. Thanks!

Hey Connor please post before and after Pics if at all possible as well.

HL65 · 6 December 2010, 07:29 AM

Very nice Al!!! Looks amazing!

Alcan · 6 December 2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Very nice Al!!! Looks amazing!

Thanks, Connor.

The full photo essay of the restoration is here if you're interested:

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...ey+restoration

HL65 · 6 December 2010, 07:36 AM

Al--Amazing photos--beautiful watch!! He is the man!! I am looking forward to working with him. Thanks!!

Alcan · 6 December 2010, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Al--Amazing photos--beautiful watch!! He is the man!! I am looking forward to working with him. Thanks!!

You're welcome!

HL65 · 6 December 2010, 10:50 PM

Well-here is a before picture. I am only having him do the movement service and perhaps clean it without doing a polish (I never polish my watches). I have the original bracelet on it now but I take off most of my originals and wear my vintages with 93150's w/ 580 ends. I bought a bunch of extra bracelets and they wear much more comfortable plus I can preserve the original ones. Here you go:
Gilt 2.jpg

Cannop · 6 December 2010, 11:05 PM

What a beautiful watch - perfect wear and patination. Boy am I envious

HL65 · 6 December 2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannop

What a beautiful watch - perfect wear and patination. Boy am I envious

Thanks!!

HL65 · 9 December 2010, 03:25 AM

Al- A follow up post to Mr. Ridley. The time he spends on the phone educating you on every detail and aspect of the watch-is amazing. I can say that I know he is busy and that time he spent with me is worth quite a bit IMHO. I am excited to see the final product and do appreciate the input form those who have responded as well as PM's me. Regards!!!

30 November 2010, 10:37 PM	#1
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Bob Ridley Has anyone here used Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International to overhaul a vintage sub? If so--how long did he have watch for and what were charges? Just an overhaul of movement--no polish or case work!! Thanks! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

30 November 2010, 11:28 PM	#3
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	I have seen plenty of examples of his work--My question's were not about the quality of his work but specifically: How long did he have watch--and what was charge for a basic overhaul. __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

30 November 2010, 11:40 PM	#4
TattooedGQ "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Justin Location: NY, USA Watch: yo self! Posts: 2,686	supposedly the guy does great work but is "SO busy" a full overhaul will take months, and he charges an arm and a leg....but that's just what I'm summing up from the other posts. __________________ That boy's got the Devil in him. Rolex: I think I'm up to 9?? Omega: Got a few of those too. Breitling: And some of these.

1 December 2010, 12:27 AM	#7
Damage Inc. "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Vic Location: Colorado, USA Watch: Mechanical!! Posts: 807	Not a Sub, but I sent my 1675 to him last year. Can't comment on a 'basic service', but I can tell you what my experience was like. Full overhaul- new crystal, minor bracelet repair, movement service w/ new barrel & mainspring, several other parts in the movement replaced (ratchet wheels etc.), minor case polishing, new crown & tube, sealing of the hands (stabilize the lume), I think that's it. Took about 4-5 weeks from the time I sent it to him 'til I had it back. ~$1200 if I recall correctly...If you don't get any other useful responses send me a PM and I'll dig out my receipt when I get home. That has a breakdown of the charges. He does good work, but as with many people who are trusted to do top-notch work, he's not the cheapest. Another person I've heard very good things about is Dalton Toledo at ABC Watchworks in LA. Haven't personally used him, but he's supposed to be quite good as well. Hope that helps some. __________________ "Science tastes like vomit." Kari "Mythbusters hottie" Byron Z-serial GMT IIc 2.92M serial 1675 Pepsi V-serial 16610LV

1 December 2010, 02:47 AM	#9
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,495	Why don't you just give him a call. I'm sure that he would be happy to discuss all aspects of your watch overhaul, including cost and time-line... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

30 November 2010, 11:18 PM	#2
AirKing527 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Nick Location: USA Watch: Explorer I Posts: 256	just search bob ridley on this forum and you will see a ton of examples of his work. i nver used him but from what i've read his work is top notch.

6 December 2010, 07:43 AM	#6
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,713	Supposedly, I am also going to be happy!

2 December 2010, 09:50 PM	#11
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Well- I sent my 62' 5512 off for a service to Bob Ridley. I will post results when I get it back. I spent a good bit on phone with him and he certainly knows what he is talking about!! I know it will be expensive but you get what you pay for in life!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

5 December 2010, 10:02 PM	#13
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,713	I currently have three watches with him. Two of the watches were done within 2 weeks, Holidays included. He has recently experienced a family emergency and is out of town. I am sure he will respond to your inquiry as soon as he returns.

6 December 2010, 07:29 AM	#16
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Very nice Al!!! Looks amazing! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

6 December 2010, 07:36 AM	#18
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Al--Amazing photos--beautiful watch!! He is the man!! I am looking forward to working with him. Thanks!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

6 December 2010, 10:50 PM	#20
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Well-here is a before picture. I am only having him do the movement service and perhaps clean it without doing a polish (I never polish my watches). I have the original bracelet on it now but I take off most of my originals and wear my vintages with 93150's w/ 580 ends. I bought a bunch of extra bracelets and they wear much more comfortable plus I can preserve the original ones. Here you go: Gilt 2.jpg __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

6 December 2010, 11:05 PM	#21
Cannop "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Duncan Location: UK Watch: Lots Posts: 443	What a beautiful watch - perfect wear and patination. Boy am I envious __________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" - Sir Henry Royce (1863 -1933) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

9 December 2010, 03:25 AM	#23
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,991	Al- A follow up post to Mr. Ridley. The time he spends on the phone educating you on every detail and aspect of the watch-is amazing. I can say that I know he is busy and that time he spent with me is worth quite a bit IMHO. I am excited to see the final product and do appreciate the input form those who have responded as well as PM's me. Regards!!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

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