Mark IV DRSD

[KyJon]

So here's my story . . .

Twenty-five years ago, I paid a thousand bucks for a used Rolex. I wore the thing for twenty years. And I mean, wore it. Working out, drilling oil-and-gas wells, mining coal, building commercial buildings and houses (Yes, many career iterations. The details would bore you.).

Anyhow, about five years ago, the hour and minute hands stopped rotating in synchronization. I thought about having the watch repaired, but it was so banged up, and its band was so stretched and horrible, I assumed it wasn't worth whatever the cost of repairing it would be.

So the watch sat in the top drawer of an armoire for five years. Ignored, collecting dust.

Segue to the present. Or more specifically two months ago. I decided to buy a new Rolex. I researched prices, and began asking myself if I really wanted to wear 10K on my wrist. I decided to hop on the internet and check out the prices of used Rolexes. Sea Dwellers, specifically, since the SD I bought twenty-five years ago had been such a trooper. I began to learn about the DR Sea Dweller, and saw the kinds of prices they were fetching.

I know, I know. A long time coming, but the dim bulb in my head finally lighted. I went to the armoire, pulled out my banged-up old friend, and saw that it was a double red.

I came across this forum while I was researching used Rolexes, and began checking out the threads regarding vintage watches and horologists who would be well suited to restore my old watch.

I contacted Bob Ridley, who was kind and helpful in every way--and totally deserving of all the wonderful things folks have said about him on this forum--and sent him my watch. Once he received it, he rang me up and patiently explained the watch's condition to me and explained what would be necessary to restore it.

My new/old watch arrived this morning, and it's more beautiful than I remember it ever having been in the past. I'm enclosing photos, taken by me, and totally wrong because the flash is visible, but I wanted the members of this forum to see the watch and realize how helpful and informative you've been, even to a (former) lurker like me.

The bracelet in the photos is a newer 7206. Bob is having the original refurbished by someone he trusts.

Sorry for the long post, TRF members, but you were a tremendous help and I wanted to thank you.

[Lol-x]

Welcome, congrats and thanks for the story and photos.

That is just an awesome timepiece. Much nicer than any new watch you could buy today.

[swatty]

Thats a great story and a beaut restoration, enjoy it

[mcjp6]

Wow, what a beauty.....you must be very happy to see it returned to as new condition and so many memories from that watch. Welcome to TRF also....

[jdc]

What a wonderful story Jon, great you could get the information you needed for it to be restored by Bob Ridley Wonderful job you have both done in getting it restored

[greekbum]

Welcome aboard very nice watch and story.You are 1 of a few that have had 1 that long.

[Brushpup]

Welcome to the board Jon.......Loved your story and hope you stick around. What an introduction. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Lot's of DRSD lovers around here, so you should be right at home. One of the best SD stories I remember hearing!

Cheers,
Patrick

[Dan Pierce]

Jon,
Great story and classic SD! Always great to have another resident from The Bluegrass State here on TRF.
dP

[mike]

Wow! Not only a killer example of the "grail", but one with which you've formed a history. It doesn't get any better.

Thanks for posting and a warm welcome.

[Dr.B]

Wow, great story and watch....wish I had a double Red!
Welcome to the forum.
Jon, where in Lexington do you live? I went to Henry Clay High School and UK.
I used to live off Man o war.
Isn't Lexington a great place.

[Davvan]

Lovely watch you got there... Huge congrats!

These darn DRSD are popping up in everyone’s drawers all over the place, but not in my house. I´m goning to start collect old drawers and hope for a miracle

[RLX-lvr]

Wow Jon, excellent introduction!

That is a killer drsd. You made the correct decision
to bypass a new one, and have Bob restore that "holy grail".
He is as much a legend as your watch.

But how are you going to wear it now, that it's worth so much,
never mind $10k?

Wear it in good health for another 25+ years.

Jeff

[sleddog]

Welcome to TRF Jon!!!!
A grail watch you have there and what a beauty...!
Thanks for posting pics....
Rob.

[RLX-lvr]

Jon, looking at it again you can see such a great example you
have there. The case is crisp, the crown guards are nice
square and thick. Case condition is king in my books, and
yours wears a crown.

Now let's see some wrist shots of that beauty.

[Letsgodiving]

She's a beauty and great story. You don't happen to have any before pics do you?

[R1@160@alltimes]

Welcome to TRF

[KyJon]

Thanks for the welcomes and kind words.

Fernando, I live in Chevy Chase, near Tates Creek Road. I, too, attended HC and UK.

@RLX-lver. Good point. The acrylic crystals are easily scratched, so I was guarding my left wrist yesterday as if it were broken. "Don't scratch the crystal. Don't scratch the crystal . . ." As for wearing a valuable, vintage Rolex, I haven't yet wrapped my mind around that one. I started to buckle on the SD this morning before heading to work, but didn't want to damage it, so I instead strapped on a plastic Luminox. I'm sure the hesitancy will pass. For now, though, I'm gonna err on the side of caution.

@ letsgodiving. I have a couple of lo-res before photos that an appraiser took for insurance purposes. I'll take a look at them later and see if the quality's good enough to merit posting.

Gotta run, but thanks again for the warm welcomes and encouraging words.

[fusionstorm]

Beautiful piece!

By chance, any "before" pics?

[AK00]

Nothing like a Double Red! :) Excellent story, would love to see how beaten up it was before...

[inspires]

What an awesome story! Thanks for posting pics of what many here would call the ultimate Grail watch.

[thebigd]

Great watch, great story

Dont ever sell it!

[meloncap78]

Absolutely amazing. That is a beauty. Mr. Ridley is top notch. I assume it will grace your wrist for a long time to come. Enjoy that double red.

[mking0714]

Red is the way to go! Enjoy it for another 25 years!

[onkyo]

Great story and thanks for sharing.

Congrats on the wonderful restoration of your DRSD.

[moby33]

Wow...awesome story. While the watch is obviously killer, I like the fact that it's been with you for so many years. I love seeing guys purchase these amazing vintage pieces, but it's even better IMO when the owner has had it for longer than a few weeks/months it takes to track one down and purchase over the internet. Congrats.

[DadsWatch72]

Very nice job on the restoration Mr. Ridley. Nice watch and congrats on your discovery. I bet you felt like you found buried treasure.

[Some Pair]

Awesome ROLEX and a wonderful story. I know how you feel.

Here's to the next 25 years of Wearin' It Well!

[tkc324]

Wow... great watch... welcome!

[Troy]

Nice watch here's to many more years

[hennabav]

Wear it in good health and it will certainly take care of your wallet for ya!! Awesome story.