Meet The Watch Maker: Vanessa C AKA Vanessa CW_21

[cambarr]

Hi All,

I had the recent pleasure of meeting, working with, and getting to know fellow Rolex Forums member Vanessa Contreras AKA here on the Forums as Vanesssa_CW21.

As some of you may know I recently purchased a Vintage 1967 meters first 5513 Submariner that was in bad shape. When purchased the Sub was missing the crown, the bezel and insert, and was lacking the original bracelet. The watch had been sitting in a drawer for quite some time without the crown and although in working condition, the well loved 5513 needed someone to bring it back to life.



While searching the forums here making sure I was seeking and sourcing correct information in some cases specifically pertaining to parts and the technical aspects of service, I continuously ran into technical answers to other forum members inquiry by Vanesssa_CW21.

After a lengthy search for correct and genuine Rolex parts and in some cases parts correct to my specific vintage of Submariner (No-line Twin-lock Crown, Bezel,etc..) I decided to start seeking a watch maker to service my 5513. I recently moved to Orange County, CA from Downtown Los Angeles and didn't have a good watch maker or Rolex resource outside of Los Angeles. One evening while reading a post on vintage twin lock tubes I clicked on Vanesssa_CW21's profile and noticed that she was right in my new backyard in Newport Beach CA providing service at Jewelers On Time. The next day I went into Jewelers On Time and stated that and asked to see Vanessa to discuss potential service on my vintage 5513.

Vanessa was at her bench working on another client's watch and came out to meet me. The cool thing about Jewelers On Time besides for the display cases filed with Rolex's that make your mouth water is you can see the watch makers providing service and maintaining timepieces directly in front of you. I explained to vanessa that I wanted to maintain the watch in as original condition as possible and that the watch had been sitting for quite some time and was not keeping time. I left the watch with Vanessa and the Jewelers On Time team and received a phone call the next day with the prognosis and service estimate... besides for being dusty and dirty and not having been serviced since 93' by Rolex in Beverly Hills it needed a complete cleaning & overhaul. I asked Vanessa if I could document and film the service process and what its like to be an expert watch maker. Vanessa agreed and I created a short film to document the restoration/service process.

Here are some pics of the 5513 on Vanessa's bench and some shots post restoration and during service..








I wanted to share this as I found it extremely fascinating to learn a little bit about the true art form that is watch making and what goes into the expert service of a Rolex not to mention a beat up vintage 5513 Sub from 1967.

I also wanted to provide insight into the awesomeness of Vanessa who has answered all of our questions and provided countless points of guidance to the the members of this forum. After 3 weeks of having a camera over her shoulder I can say that watch making requires the obvious attention to detail, but also patience and an extreme form of studied process and organization. as I'm sure you can imagine from reading her posts she possesses these things at the expert level... truly amazed by her passion and artful skill.

hope you guys enjoy the short film and pics!

Link To Short Film:

[Laszlo]

Amazing! I see someone very talented getting a lot of business. :-)

[amaninspired]

It's always good to see someone who is able to marry their passion with their occupation. It's even better when he or she has a particular talent for it!

[Chris B]

Outstanding, truly love anything like this ..
thank-you for the insight & for sharing

[gbpritf]

Insightful, fun, and well made. Thank you for taking the time to make the video! Vanessa and Rikki, along with the many trusted sellers that participate on the forum are one of the best things about TRF.

[dysondiver]

great ,,, nice pics , great result

[HL65]

Very cool and great thread - Cheers and thanks for sharing!

[thomaspp]

Very very very cool!

[ford_kuga]

Amazing video !!, and a fantastic write up :-)

[bridgs]

Great story! Thank you!

[luvsub]

Nice video!

[locutus49]

Vanessa is da bomb. Very helpful person. Thanks for the post.

[teqp]

Thanks for sharing, nice video. It's amazing that that the skilled folks, like Vanessa, make it looks so easy.

[Eric Chan]

Thank you for sharing this moment.

[franzy]

Amazing! I can't wait to watch the film when I get home! Thank you for sharing this. Really cool.

[elcompa]

Very nicely done film. Also good to see/learn more about what Vanessa does. Fascinating!!!

Thanks for this

[KBM]

Great idea and thread. You watch looks fantastic after her work!

[nikhsub1]

Really cool video! And Vanessa is THE BEST!

[cop414]

Wow, amazing write up and great video!

[nick c]

Very nice thx for sharing

[Emmanuel69]

Very cool to see the process!

[14060m]

Is Vanessa wearing a djII?

[jcd]

Cool thread thanks for posting. She may very well get my business next time.

[asmfa5]

Awesome video!

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Wow!!!!!!

[vitalsignsrn]

Wonderful story!

[datejusting]

I wish every Rolex AD had a Vanessa on their staff!

[Presa canary]

Awesome 5513! thanks for sharing. Vanessa made that thing look incredible. Shes a true talent.

[REFZ]

Very nice video I enjoyed watching it.
But I especially want to thank Vanessa for the privilege to have a look over her shoulder while she was performing her job as a qualified professional.

[ZenEngr]

Awesome... Such a great idea and execution. Thank you for posting.