ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

bsodmike · 29 April 2008, 05:42 AM

Wow!!! Thanks and welcome!

Spark · 29 April 2008, 05:45 AM

Bob,
Welcome aboard.
It is great to have somebody of your standing in the horology field here on the forum

Fantastic restoration of a great piece.

Lisa · 29 April 2008, 05:53 AM

Fascinating! I loved reading your post. Your expertise and experience will really be appreciated here!

bobridley · 29 April 2008, 10:28 AM

Mickey,

Regarding further pictures, I hope that my schedule would allow me to send pictures of other Rolex watches that have crossed my bench. I will try sending some once a week.

Steve,

Regarding the parts used, the oddly styled crown was replaced by a stately, styled crown. I'm not aware of a proprietary crown that was used for this model, therefore, I considered a style that would be appropriate for this case as well as the function of the watch. The missing lug was not available through Rolex and thus, needed to be fashioned. The missing hands and movment parts were replaced with either NOS parts or parts with a good life expectancy.

Regards, Bob Ridley

etp095 · 29 April 2008, 10:38 AM

welcome to the forum bob,beautiful work on that watch.looking forward to more before and after shots of your work.

bobridley · 30 April 2008, 04:14 AM

Regarding other pictures; hopefully my schedule will allow me to post additional pictures once a week.

Regarding the parts used in this chrono; the crown was replaced by an appropriately styled crown that not only matched the look but the function of the watch. The Lug was not available through Rolex and therefore had to be made. Parts for the movement were either NOS or in a condition that supports a good life expectancy.

Regards, Bob Ridley

Tools · 5 May 2008, 01:13 PM

Bob,
I was on vacation when you brought us this fine example of restoration that we had discussed earlier.

Your latest post prompted me to look this up..

It is amazing what a true craftsman can do in the restoration field. The manufacture and machine work at the size and detail needed for this never ceases to amaze me..

We are very pleased to have you, and examples of your work, on our forum

..........

topcat30093 · 5 May 2008, 03:59 PM

Welcome to the forum Bob.
What an introduction,great thread and read.

Jazz · 5 May 2008, 04:10 PM

Thank you for the fantastic post, Bob. :)

Magik · 5 May 2008, 06:47 PM

Amazing restoration. Looking at those photos are so interesting. If you have anymore restorations please post them. I am in awe of such fine, detailed work.

Tools · 17 October 2009, 09:12 AM

I'm always amazed at this stuff....

STEELINOX · 17 October 2009, 09:19 AM

Thanks, Mr. Ridley !
Outstanding work !

Rikki · 17 October 2009, 09:32 AM

Excellent restoration work hope to see more Rik

moviefreak · 17 October 2009, 09:35 AM

amazing...

Dr.B · 17 October 2009, 09:39 AM

Welcome Bob.
Great story and intro, glad to have you with us.

Speed · 17 October 2009, 09:50 AM

My thanks as well. You've quite a high bar for stories. Looking to hear / see more. I am sure you have many.

sleddog · 17 October 2009, 09:52 AM

Welcome to TRF Bob..! Now that was a post worth reading....
Great pictures and a stella watch to restore!!! You did a great job on bringing that back to life...
Also,the owner.....I admire this guy to be able to wear and use this watch in the manner it was intended.....
Thanks for posting here,loved it!!!

Rob.

RLX-lvr · 17 October 2009, 11:53 PM

Great restoration Bob.
You truly are a master in your field.

tthopp05 · 18 October 2009, 05:48 AM

Now thats a post.Thanks for taking the time.AWSOME,SIMPLY AWSOME WORK!

Alcan · 18 October 2009, 07:45 AM

Here's a re-do of a thread I did a while ago in another of Bob's restorations, this one on a 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis for me:

A couple of years ago I acquired an old Wilsdorf & Davis pendant watch in sad shape. But, I had a feeling about it and about the history of Rolex S.A.:

1905, Wilsdorf & Davis is established in London
1908, Hans Wilsdorf registers the Tradename Rolex
1915, the Rolex Watch Company Ltd. is established
1920, the company is renamed Montres Rolex S.A
and the rest, as they say, is history.

I had the case hallmarks verified, and it turned out that it is indeed from 1908, the same year that Wilsdorf trademarked Rolex. Had it been from 1907 or 1909 I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with this project.

Adter a couple of false starts on getting it restored, I sent the watch to Bob Ridley last Fall for his opinion on the feasibility of restoring it. Here's what he had to work with.

The movement didn't run, the hands and bow were missing, the crown was badly worn down, the caseback was sprung and wouldn't stay closed, and there were deep tool marks on the inner dust cover.

Bob and I spent some time discussing the restoration. The case work was substantial but do-able. Here are the results with the case and inner dust cover repaired, hinge repaired, new "onion" crown, and new bow installed.

On to the movement, it was in rough condition. At one point we discussed locating a similar movement in better shape to work with, but Bob eventually discarded that idea in favour of redoing the original movement and retaining the authenticity of the watch.

He suggested the idea of drilling out a worn bushing and replacing it with a jewel to improve the reliability and timekeeping, and that's what we finally settled on.

Next, a correct replacement crystal was fitted.

Finally, a set of period correct hands. I gave him free rein on this and I think he did a wonderful job choosing the blued steel hands. Working with him on this restoration was a pleasure, Bob's a real gentleman as well as being a highly skilled craftsman.

I've spent the last year or so scouring the internet for other examples of these early works without any success. This just might be one of the very few surviving, running 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis watches left.

Bisquitlips · 18 October 2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

Welcome to TRF Bob

That's one heck of an introduction.

Fantastic job on the restoration.

X1000!

cruvon · 29 February 2012, 06:03 PM

Old thread but amazing work by Bob!

zhiunit · 29 February 2012, 06:49 PM

welcome good sir, this has been a delight to read =)

xf384c · 29 February 2012, 06:49 PM

This is totally amazing, this is the type of work I respect!

travisb · 29 February 2012, 07:41 PM

Very nice work Bob!
Great pictorial to go along wth it!

Puffy · 29 February 2012, 07:46 PM

this one is always worth a read!

MP5 · 29 February 2012, 07:53 PM

It's amazing to have you here!

dysondiver · 29 February 2012, 08:08 PM

an outstanding piece of work , the fabrication alone is outstanding , and it just blends with the rest of the restoration. thanks for showing us the pics.

rolexkiwi · 29 February 2012, 09:12 PM

Awesome. Thanks

dddrees · 29 February 2012, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruvon

Old thread but amazing work by Bob!

Very interesting, thanks for reviving this thread San.

29 April 2008, 05:42 AM	#31
bsodmike "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sri Lanka Watch: PP 5146 & AP 15300 Posts: 281	Wow!!! Thanks and welcome! __________________ Here's my 2016 Watch collection with Patek, Audemars, Rolex, Omega - SOTC Video 2016

29 April 2008, 10:38 AM	#35
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	welcome to the forum bob,beautiful work on that watch.looking forward to more before and after shots of your work. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

30 April 2008, 04:14 AM	#36
bobridley TechXpert & 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Bob Ridley Location: USA Posts: 102	mickeydainish & Lol-X Regarding other pictures; hopefully my schedule will allow me to post additional pictures once a week. Regarding the parts used in this chrono; the crown was replaced by an appropriately styled crown that not only matched the look but the function of the watch. The Lug was not available through Rolex and therefore had to be made. Parts for the movement were either NOS or in a condition that supports a good life expectancy. Regards, Bob Ridley

5 May 2008, 01:13 PM	#37
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,591	Bob, I was on vacation when you brought us this fine example of restoration that we had discussed earlier. Your latest post prompted me to look this up.. It is amazing what a true craftsman can do in the restoration field. The manufacture and machine work at the size and detail needed for this never ceases to amaze me.. We are very pleased to have you, and examples of your work, on our forum .......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

5 May 2008, 03:59 PM	#38
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,460	Welcome to the forum Bob. What an introduction,great thread and read. __________________

29 April 2008, 05:45 AM	#32
Spark "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Mark Location: U.K. Watch: Too Many Posts: 2,097	Bob, Welcome aboard. It is great to have somebody of your standing in the horology field here on the forum Fantastic restoration of a great piece.

29 April 2008, 05:53 AM	#33
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	Fascinating! I loved reading your post. Your expertise and experience will really be appreciated here!

29 April 2008, 10:28 AM	#34
bobridley TechXpert & 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Bob Ridley Location: USA Posts: 102	Mickey, Regarding further pictures, I hope that my schedule would allow me to send pictures of other Rolex watches that have crossed my bench. I will try sending some once a week. Steve, Regarding the parts used, the oddly styled crown was replaced by a stately, styled crown. I'm not aware of a proprietary crown that was used for this model, therefore, I considered a style that would be appropriate for this case as well as the function of the watch. The missing lug was not available through Rolex and thus, needed to be fashioned. The missing hands and movment parts were replaced with either NOS parts or parts with a good life expectancy. Regards, Bob Ridley

5 May 2008, 04:10 PM	#39
Jazz "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Raymond Location: London, UK Watch: Sub Date 116610LN Posts: 686	Thank you for the fantastic post, Bob. :) __________________ Rolex OP 116300 Datejust II - Random Rolex OP 116610LN Sub C - V series Rolex OP 116200 SS DateJust Z series - lost/stolen Rolex OP 16613 TT 'Bluesy' M series Rolex OP 16600 SS Sea-Dweller M series Rolex OP 116523 TT Cosmograph Daytona Z series Rolex OP 16610 SS Submariner Date Z series - lost/stolen Santos de Cartier TT 2004 silver dial (Limited Edition)

5 May 2008, 06:47 PM	#40
Magik Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Patrick Location: Royal Kunia, HI Watch: Sub-Date & GMT ll Posts: 603	Amazing restoration. Looking at those photos are so interesting. If you have anymore restorations please post them. I am in awe of such fine, detailed work.

17 October 2009, 09:12 AM	#41
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,591	I'm always amazed at this stuff.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

17 October 2009, 09:19 AM	#42
STEELINOX 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,021	Thanks, Mr. Ridley ! Outstanding work !

17 October 2009, 09:32 AM	#43
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Excellent restoration work hope to see more Rik

17 October 2009, 09:35 AM	#44
moviefreak "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: in my house... Posts: 5,524	amazing... __________________ Cheers, Eduardo Be a WIS not a WUSS... and remove all the stickers..

17 October 2009, 09:39 AM	#45
Dr.B "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Fernando Location: North Carolina Watch: SS White Daytona Posts: 1,944	Welcome Bob. Great story and intro, glad to have you with us.

17 October 2009, 09:50 AM	#46
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,739	My thanks as well. You've quite a high bar for stories. Looking to hear / see more. I am sure you have many.

17 October 2009, 09:52 AM	#47
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2025 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,933	Welcome to TRF Bob..! Now that was a post worth reading.... Great pictures and a stella watch to restore!!! You did a great job on bringing that back to life... Also,the owner.....I admire this guy to be able to wear and use this watch in the manner it was intended..... Thanks for posting here,loved it!!! Rob. __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

17 October 2009, 11:53 PM	#48
RLX-lvr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jeff Location: Toronto Posts: 1,947	Great restoration Bob. You truly are a master in your field.

18 October 2009, 05:48 AM	#49
tthopp05 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Watch: THE MIGHTY DEEPSEA Posts: 839	Now thats a post.Thanks for taking the time.AWSOME,SIMPLY AWSOME WORK!

18 October 2009, 07:45 AM	#50
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Another Bob Ridley restoration Here's a re-do of a thread I did a while ago in another of Bob's restorations, this one on a 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis for me: A couple of years ago I acquired an old Wilsdorf & Davis pendant watch in sad shape. But, I had a feeling about it and about the history of Rolex S.A.: 1905, Wilsdorf & Davis is established in London 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registers the Tradename Rolex 1915, the Rolex Watch Company Ltd. is established 1920, the company is renamed Montres Rolex S.A and the rest, as they say, is history. I had the case hallmarks verified, and it turned out that it is indeed from 1908, the same year that Wilsdorf trademarked Rolex. Had it been from 1907 or 1909 I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with this project. Adter a couple of false starts on getting it restored, I sent the watch to Bob Ridley last Fall for his opinion on the feasibility of restoring it. Here's what he had to work with. The movement didn't run, the hands and bow were missing, the crown was badly worn down, the caseback was sprung and wouldn't stay closed, and there were deep tool marks on the inner dust cover. Bob and I spent some time discussing the restoration. The case work was substantial but do-able. Here are the results with the case and inner dust cover repaired, hinge repaired, new "onion" crown, and new bow installed. On to the movement, it was in rough condition. At one point we discussed locating a similar movement in better shape to work with, but Bob eventually discarded that idea in favour of redoing the original movement and retaining the authenticity of the watch. He suggested the idea of drilling out a worn bushing and replacing it with a jewel to improve the reliability and timekeeping, and that's what we finally settled on. Next, a correct replacement crystal was fitted. Finally, a set of period correct hands. I gave him free rein on this and I think he did a wonderful job choosing the blued steel hands. Working with him on this restoration was a pleasure, Bob's a real gentleman as well as being a highly skilled craftsman. I've spent the last year or so scouring the internet for other examples of these early works without any success. This just might be one of the very few surviving, running 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis watches left. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

29 February 2012, 06:03 PM	#52
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	Old thread but amazing work by Bob! __________________ Last thing I remember, I was Running outta sight I had to find the passage back,To the place I was before. ’Relax,’ said this Rolex place,We are programmed to receive. You can checkout any time you like, But you can never leave!

29 February 2012, 06:49 PM	#53
zhiunit "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: zhi Location: delaware Watch: grandseiko sbgj001 Posts: 374	welcome good sir, this has been a delight to read =) __________________ -TT daytona gold crystal dial -SS/WG DJ 36mm rhodium dial diamond markers on jubilee -WG blue sub -Grand Seiko SBGJ001

29 February 2012, 06:49 PM	#54
xf384c "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Sea Dweller 16600 Posts: 155	This is totally amazing, this is the type of work I respect!

29 February 2012, 07:41 PM	#55
travisb "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,732	Amazing! Very nice work Bob! Great pictorial to go along wth it!

29 February 2012, 07:46 PM	#56
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	this one is always worth a read! __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

29 February 2012, 07:53 PM	#57
MP5 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: ATX Posts: 2,887	It's amazing to have you here!

29 February 2012, 08:08 PM	#58
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,062	an outstanding piece of work , the fabrication alone is outstanding , and it just blends with the rest of the restoration. thanks for showing us the pics.

29 February 2012, 09:12 PM	#59
rolexkiwi "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Zealand Watch: Datejust 16233 Posts: 211	Awesome. Thanks __________________ No regrets

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