Bob Ridley Watchmaker

[oceandweller]

Hi

Virtually all watch-lovers in this forum recommend Mr Bob Ridley, as an experienced and competent watchmaker to attend to the repair and service of vintage-watches, especially Rolex.

Being so popular, I hate to think as to when will one get his watch back, after sending it to him.

Based on your past experience/s, please let us know, as to when, you got your watch returned to you, for a minor or major job, or routine service.

Thank you.

[Jason71]

Routine service = 3 weeks or less earlier this year. He has serviced 5 of my Rolex/Tudor watches thus far this year

Being in Australia though...........I would think that you might see if you can find a good Rolex Watchmaker a little closer to home?? I don't know that I would send my watch internationally for a "routine service"

[WatchTimes]

Call him and ask his wait time you may be very surprised.

[BB83]

Routine service for me was 3 weeks, I think.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by oceandweller

Hi

Virtually all watch-lovers in this forum recommend Mr Bob Ridley, as an experienced and competent watchmaker to attend to the repair and service of vintage-watches, especially Rolex.

Being so popular, I hate to think as to when will one get his watch back, after sending it to him.

Based on your past experience/s, please let us know, as to when, you got your watch returned to you, for a minor or major job, or routine service.

Thank you.

If you have a need for his services I would have thought that a quick email to Bob would have saved you a needless thread.
If you have no need of his services it is a needless thread anyway.

[gqllc]

I emailed Bob two days ago and never got a response
I also called an never got a response...

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by directioneng

If you have a need for his services I would have thought that a quick email to Bob would have saved you a needless thread.
If you have no need of his services it is a needless thread anyway.

Hi

Thanks for your response.

So far, I have not bought any vintage Rolex watch, as yet. Generally, a vintage-watch may come with a fault or two and it is good to know, that it can be put right by a competent watchmaker.

Once I have a watch in hand, I shall take your advice and that is to email him, directly.

Thank you.

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by Jason71

Routine service = 3 weeks or less earlier this year. He has serviced 5 of my Rolex/Tudor watches thus far this year

Being in Australia though...........I would think that you might see if you can find a good Rolex Watchmaker a little closer to home?? I don't know that I would send my watch internationally for a "routine service"

Hi

Thanks for your response.

I shall scout around for a local, the moment I manage to purchase a good vintage Rolex. From the posts I have read, RSC will not entertain something that is past 30 years old and this is a little worrying.

Thank you.

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by BB83

Routine service for me was 3 weeks, I think.

Hi

Thanks for your response.

That is quick.

Thank you.

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by JYogi

Call him and ask his wait time you may be very surprised.

Hi

Thanks for your response.

I shall do that, once I have managed to get a vintage Rolex watch.

Thank you.

[oceandweller]

Originally Posted by gqllc

I emailed Bob two days ago and never got a response
I also called an never got a response...

Hi

Thanks for your response.

It is not surprising and I expect it. I do not think, he will be able to find the time to even turn on his computer, much less reading his emails.

I think, it is not that difficult to get a reasonably good vintage Rolex watch (for one with a limited budget) but getting a competent and well-respected watchmaker is a pain in the neck.

Thank you.

[Brushpup]

Originally Posted by directioneng

If you have a need for his services I would have thought that a quick email to Bob would have saved you a needless thread.
If you have no need of his services it is a needless thread anyway.

And then again maybe not.

Perhaps it is of interest as a curiosity, or maybe someone like me is considering sending in a watch at this very moment and the question is quite pertinent.

It might even be saving Mr. Ridley some time not having to chit chat on phone or email with someone like me.

So I wouldn't say needless at all.

If you meant this to be funny it didn't come off that way IMO Eddie.

Its all about sharing information and a thread like this is doing exactly that. Why make such a comment?

[etp095]

Originally Posted by oceandweller

Hi

Thanks for your response.

I shall scout around for a local, the moment I manage to purchase a good vintage Rolex. From the posts I have read, RSC will not entertain something that is past 30 years old and this is a little worrying.

Thank you.

This is not true,Ny RSC serviced my 1969 date 3 years ago.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by directioneng

If you have a need for his services I would have thought that a quick email to Bob would have saved you a needless thread.
If you have no need of his services it is a needless thread anyway.

This kind of unfriendly response doesn't belong in this board at all

[Watchmantwo]

I take 2 weeks for part jobs and 4-6 weeks for service. In the UK Rolex insist that we report to them on all Rolex repairs done by us and we have to repair to they standard. I think that the time for repair is to long but consider the amount of work which goes into the repair and also the shortage of watchmakers here in the UK and world wide Rolex UK I think are on about 25weeks turn around for service work

[Rikki]

I average 7 to 10 days on Rolex, vintage a bit longer if parts need sourcing. Average 15 to 20 Rolex services a week plus 30 other misc repairs quartz retro's cells and watertests. Rikki

[Piazza]

From the horse's mouth:

Hi, guys. If anyone has recently experienced difficulty in communications with us at Ridley's, please message me here. We've had some difficulties with phone messaging lately, and are still working to get it corrected.

As to incoming email...I'm glad to say that virtually all of it is delegated to me now. Answering (and finding difficult answers) is an enjoyable part of my job here. Besides, we all want Bob spending more time at the workbench, anyway! He does still spend quality phone time with every client, because he wants to have a feel for each person - their preferences, priorities, and relationship with their watch.

As to turnaround time, standard service is averaging 2.5 weeks for both current and vintage (when there is little cumulative repair need). However, of the 3 common project drivers - deadline, budget, & quality - quality inherently drives Bob's entire approach to watches. This means a client will very likely receive an amazing watch repair/service, generally within the budget estimate, and as close to the promised ship date as possible without sacrificing quality.