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Welshwatchman · 19 October 2013, 04:19 AM

It's certainly worth getting in touch with one of the experts.

I have heard outstanding reports of both quality and value for Rikki, and the likes of Bob Ridley and others have great reputations also.

Cc1966 · 19 October 2013, 04:21 AM

Nothing more to add but "Good Luck" on your restoration...

wantonebad · 19 October 2013, 05:53 AM

bscepter · 19 October 2013, 06:22 AM

+1 on bob ridley - though he'll likely charge as much or more. but it will be well worth it.

Mick8moses · 19 October 2013, 06:37 AM

I reaffirm the decision of all others on this forum. Find an independent specialist and keep it's soul!

I have a similar dilemma I've been going through. My dad passed away last year and I asked for his watch. It's an old Omega 1969 Seamaster (a wedding gift from my mother). My father switched the original band (for some ungodly reason he preferred the stretch metal bands - I personally hate them) and it's never been serviced. It's in pretty bad shape - I'll post pix under another thread. All the local guys said I'd need to send it to OMEGA. But I found an Omega independent specialist and I sent it to him to take a look. It's important to me to restore it. So I will. I hope you do the same and I look forward to updates!

Mick8moses · 19 October 2013, 06:43 AM

As an aside if you don't love the band just take it off and keep it. Buy some bands you like to wear with the refinished watch (would look great with a NATO or a leather strap). That clock is beautiful and most anyone on this forum would love to have such a fantastic timepiece... and you have the memories to go along with it. I'm sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like he was quite the character.

highcotton · 19 October 2013, 01:06 PM

Out of curiosity, what is the first couple of numbers of the serial number. I noticed you said the watch was a late 1978 or early 1979 production. Kind if late for a red sub but I guess they sat around on dealers shelves for a few years sometimes.

Tudor Guy · 20 October 2013, 12:58 PM

If you just want to get it working and are not worried about the dial, go to Robert Mills at 18th and Chestnut and ask for Diane. Explain to her that you want to get it running and don't want to spend more than minimum. They will get it working for you without spending more than necessary and are certified rolex watchmaker. They do a nice job and are well versed in the old watches.

Good luck.

hypnorich · 20 October 2013, 09:48 PM

highcotton, I took a look at the serial number this morning and I think the watch is older than I first said. The numbers are 3740561, and this site says that is a 1972 watch: http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers

Good suggestions all, and Mick8moses good luck with your dad's watch too.

I'll be speaking with a Barbara from Bob Ridley's on Monday, she sent a nice email to me already and we have yet to talk. I'll keep you posted. Thanks everyone.

FrmrHoss · 21 October 2013, 11:16 AM

In for the "after" pictures :).

anilzat · 21 October 2013, 12:57 PM

it just needs a new ticker. the dial and hands look great.

CrownMe · 22 October 2013, 01:59 PM

please keep us updated, very interested in seeing this watch completed

BNA/LION · 22 October 2013, 02:21 PM

Restore the watch and enjoy it! Please post the pictures when it is completed. Good Luck!

SLS · 22 October 2013, 03:42 PM

Another vote for Bob....look forward to seeing the end results.

Mickyfin · 22 October 2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Welcome..

Do not send this watch to the RSC.. They will ruin the value of it and remove it's soul.

Get in touch with a proper Rolex restoration professional, like Bob Ridley at www.watchmakers.com and have it properly restored..

Wholeheartedly agree with this.

hypnorich · 10 December 2014, 05:23 AM

Hello again. Just a follow up note. I ended up sending it to Rik Dietel about a month or so ago, in Florida to fix it. He did a really beautiful job. I'll upload some photos and show you the "afters." Glad I listened to you guys. Thank you. You will be impressed.

dysondiver · 10 December 2014, 05:28 AM

looking forwards to seeing the results

Jfullm42 · 10 December 2014, 05:30 AM

I remember reading this last year, so excited to see the outcome!

Vincent65 · 10 December 2014, 05:59 AM

Not sure how I missed this, but do your dad proud, and glad you're getting it fixed up, and wear it - for him. I understand the bitter/sweet thing, but he'd be happy you were giving it some tlc and enjoying it. Congrats - look forward to the pics.

Cajones · 10 December 2014, 06:19 AM

I can't wait to see it!!

hypnorich · 10 December 2014, 06:49 AM

Here are some photos of the after view. It's like a brand new watch. Amazing work. But just as good as it looks it now tells time again. Coincidence or maybe shrewd timing on Rik's part that the day I got it back was the 8th. Same date that was stuck on the watch originally. I'm going to wear this for a while.

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hypnorich · 10 December 2014, 06:53 AM

Amazing transformation.

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jyan212 · 10 December 2014, 06:54 AM

Just read through this entire thread. Thanks for sharing your story! Glad to hear everything worked out.

Vincent65 · 10 December 2014, 06:57 AM

good job - looks great!

PoderEsBueno · 10 December 2014, 07:34 AM

Very nice

jason42807 · 10 December 2014, 08:17 AM

nice to see another good Red Sub saved! Especially with such a story. Wear it proudly!!

Andad · 10 December 2014, 08:23 AM

You must be very happy with the decisions you have made and with the final result.

Nothing can replace what you now have.

Congratulations to all for a job well done.

The Submariner look excellent - nice work Rik.

Storky · 10 December 2014, 08:53 AM

Brilliant!

CrownMe · 10 December 2014, 10:02 AM

Looks great. You chose the right guy for the job for sure!!!!

Wesley Crusher · 10 December 2014, 10:11 AM

Beautiful! It's always so satisfying to see a neglected watch brought back to life!

19 October 2013, 04:21 AM	#32
Cc1966 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Christopher Location: Georgia, USA Watch: ing the Sea... Posts: 6,713	Nothing more to add but "Good Luck" on your restoration... __________________ "I wish to have no Connection with any Ship that does not Sail fast for I intend to go in harm's way." Captain John Paul Jones, 16 November 1778 "*Curmudgeons* " Favorites: 1665 SD, Sub Date, DSSD, Exp II, Sub LV, GMTIIc

19 October 2013, 05:53 AM	#33
wantonebad 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Watch: 126600, 116500LN Posts: 12,850	__________________ "I'm kind of a big deal... on a fairly irrelevant social media site that falsely inflates my fragile ego"

22 October 2013, 02:21 PM	#43
BNA/LION 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,892	Restore the watch and enjoy it! Please post the pictures when it is completed. Good Luck! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ DaytonaC 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ M226627 42mm Titanium Yacht-Master ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

22 October 2013, 03:42 PM	#44
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Another vote for Bob....look forward to seeing the end results. __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

10 December 2014, 06:49 AM	#51
hypnorich Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 19	Results photos Here are some photos of the after view. It's like a brand new watch. Amazing work. But just as good as it looks it now tells time again. Coincidence or maybe shrewd timing on Rik's part that the day I got it back was the 8th. Same date that was stuck on the watch originally. I'm going to wear this for a while.

19 October 2013, 04:19 AM	#31
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	It's certainly worth getting in touch with one of the experts. I have heard outstanding reports of both quality and value for Rikki, and the likes of Bob Ridley and others have great reputations also.

19 October 2013, 06:22 AM	#34
bscepter Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Patrick Location: Omaha Watch: 16610 Submariner Posts: 948	+1 on bob ridley - though he'll likely charge as much or more. but it will be well worth it.

19 October 2013, 06:37 AM	#35
Mick8moses Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Mick Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,524	I reaffirm the decision of all others on this forum. Find an independent specialist and keep it's soul! I have a similar dilemma I've been going through. My dad passed away last year and I asked for his watch. It's an old Omega 1969 Seamaster (a wedding gift from my mother). My father switched the original band (for some ungodly reason he preferred the stretch metal bands - I personally hate them) and it's never been serviced. It's in pretty bad shape - I'll post pix under another thread. All the local guys said I'd need to send it to OMEGA. But I found an Omega independent specialist and I sent it to him to take a look. It's important to me to restore it. So I will. I hope you do the same and I look forward to updates!

19 October 2013, 06:43 AM	#36
Mick8moses Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Mick Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,524	As an aside if you don't love the band just take it off and keep it. Buy some bands you like to wear with the refinished watch (would look great with a NATO or a leather strap). That clock is beautiful and most anyone on this forum would love to have such a fantastic timepiece... and you have the memories to go along with it. I'm sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like he was quite the character.

19 October 2013, 01:06 PM	#37
highcotton "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: alabama Watch: 1972 Red Sub Posts: 209	Out of curiosity, what is the first couple of numbers of the serial number. I noticed you said the watch was a late 1978 or early 1979 production. Kind if late for a red sub but I guess they sat around on dealers shelves for a few years sometimes.

20 October 2013, 12:58 PM	#38
Tudor Guy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: USA Watch: Blue 76100 Posts: 85	If you just want to get it working and are not worried about the dial, go to Robert Mills at 18th and Chestnut and ask for Diane. Explain to her that you want to get it running and don't want to spend more than minimum. They will get it working for you without spending more than necessary and are certified rolex watchmaker. They do a nice job and are well versed in the old watches. Good luck.

20 October 2013, 09:48 PM	#39
hypnorich Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 19	highcotton, I took a look at the serial number this morning and I think the watch is older than I first said. The numbers are 3740561, and this site says that is a 1972 watch: http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers Good suggestions all, and Mick8moses good luck with your dad's watch too. I'll be speaking with a Barbara from Bob Ridley's on Monday, she sent a nice email to me already and we have yet to talk. I'll keep you posted. Thanks everyone.

21 October 2013, 11:16 AM	#40
FrmrHoss "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 349	In for the "after" pictures :).

21 October 2013, 12:57 PM	#41
anilzat Banned Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: John Williams Location: Alaska outback Watch: GMT Posts: 1,051	it just needs a new ticker. the dial and hands look great.

22 October 2013, 01:59 PM	#42
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	please keep us updated, very interested in seeing this watch completed

10 December 2014, 05:23 AM	#46
hypnorich Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 19	Hello again. Just a follow up note. I ended up sending it to Rik Dietel about a month or so ago, in Florida to fix it. He did a really beautiful job. I'll upload some photos and show you the "afters." Glad I listened to you guys. Thank you. You will be impressed.

10 December 2014, 05:28 AM	#47
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,062	looking forwards to seeing the results

10 December 2014, 05:30 AM	#48
Jfullm42 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Jeff Location: Seattle, WA Watch: 5513 /18239 Blue Posts: 4,302	I remember reading this last year, so excited to see the outcome!

10 December 2014, 05:59 AM	#49
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	Not sure how I missed this, but do your dad proud, and glad you're getting it fixed up, and wear it - for him. I understand the bitter/sweet thing, but he'd be happy you were giving it some tlc and enjoying it. Congrats - look forward to the pics.

10 December 2014, 06:19 AM	#50
Cajones "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: PNW Posts: 143	I can't wait to see it!!

10 December 2014, 06:53 AM	#52
hypnorich Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 19	Before and after side by side Amazing transformation.

10 December 2014, 06:54 AM	#53
jyan212 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Jonathan Location: New York, NY Watch: 16750 matte dial Posts: 294	Just read through this entire thread. Thanks for sharing your story! Glad to hear everything worked out.

10 December 2014, 06:57 AM	#54
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	good job - looks great!

10 December 2014, 07:34 AM	#55
PoderEsBueno "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: peb Location: Istanbul Posts: 3,145	Very nice __________________ Instagram• ~ poderes.bueno

10 December 2014, 08:17 AM	#56
jason42807 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Jason Location: Madison, MS Watch: 80 94110, 78 1680 Posts: 116	nice to see another good Red Sub saved! Especially with such a story. Wear it proudly!!

10 December 2014, 08:23 AM	#57
Andad 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,735	You must be very happy with the decisions you have made and with the final result. Nothing can replace what you now have. Congratulations to all for a job well done. The Submariner look excellent - nice work Rik. __________________ E

10 December 2014, 08:53 AM	#58
Storky "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: London Watch: Rolex 1680 Posts: 382	Brilliant!

10 December 2014, 10:02 AM	#59
CrownMe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Maryland Watch: My Open 6 Posts: 3,433	Looks great. You chose the right guy for the job for sure!!!!

10 December 2014, 10:11 AM	#60
Wesley Crusher "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Wes Location: Holosuite Posts: 6,345	Beautiful! It's always so satisfying to see a neglected watch brought back to life!

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