Restoration of late 1970s 14k Gold Daytona

[Sammy D]

Does anyone have a story to tell about the process of having their vintage Rolex restored? I would like to know what I'm in for. Bob Ridley will be doing the dirty work over an 8 month period. This would be a great place to journal my experience so I wanted to know successes and failures others have had.

Thank you all!

[TimeLord2]

Hi Sammy, welcome to the forum! Would love to see some before pics of that Daytona! Here is my restoration tale. Phillip Ridley took care of my GMT 1675/3 and I sent the bracelet to Rolliworks for refurbishment. There are still a few things I am considering to complete the process but quite happy with it for now as it is ticking away on my wrist. Before and after. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=660036

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Sammy D

...Bob Ridley will be doing the dirty work...

Nothing dirty about that, by all accounts.

The only poor experience I've had with restoration is when I got a Jubilee bracelet back from Hong Kong, and it had been so over-tightened that I literally had to bend it with my hands to make it curve into a wrist shape.

[Sammy D]

Rolex Daytona 6263

[Dan S]

I posted this thread about a restoration of a one-owner 5513 that I found locally. Still happy with that decision.
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=777764

[TimeLord2]

Yes, remember that Daytona from the other thread asking for information. And remember that 5513 too Dan, came out beautifully! Hopefully more people will post some restoration adventures. So cool to see the before and after pics!

[Sammy D]

Did you insure the watch after restoration? How much did restoration add to the value? I understand the investment and sentimentality but I do not want to destroy the value by having it restored.