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HERITAGE82 · 14 July 2015, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdheaney

Thanks all... I can understand why you'd suggest to keep it, although... as it is, the parts represent a bad thing that happened to it, which really ruined the watch for my father. In its original state, with blue bezel and the now missing blue dial, my Dad LOVED this watch. He wore it every day. When the "repairs" were done, and it came back with the dial you see here, he was extremely disappointed... he wore it for a while, then it went into a drawer for a few decades until he passed. I think, if it were restored to the original all-black state that it was originally intended to be, he would wear it again, were he still with us. The original blue dial can't be replaced, I don't think, so I think the next best option would be to go all black. I'm still undecided. In its current state, I think it would just stay in a drawer... an important sentimental heirloom, but unworn.

You could definitely find a blue/purple nipple dial for your 1680 and I think then it'll be back to its original state. I just think putting a black dial / bezel on it is just making it something it never was.

A dial like this would be about right with the blue bezel....

rdheaney · 14 July 2015, 06:20 AM

That is pretty nice. It never had a blue dial, but that does match up nicely with the current bezel.

Decisions, decisions... the current dial does have to go to a new home, though. So, if you know anyone who is interested, please let me know.

rdheaney · 14 July 2015, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJL

The blue bezel is amazing on a Red 1680, especially when it's a little faded. I've always loved michael.luthers example he frequently posts on instagram, check it out:

https://instagram.com/p/3raok6knqC/?...michael.luther

That does look very nice, I like the fade to the insert.

HERITAGE82 · 14 July 2015, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdheaney

That is pretty nice. It never had a blue dial, but that does match up nicely with the current bezel.

Decisions, decisions... the current dial does have to go to a new home, though. So, if you know anyone who is interested, please let me know.

I beleive you had sunburst dial then like this...

rdheaney · 14 July 2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

I beleive you had sunburst dial then like this...

That dial does look very similar to what was on the watch originally. Not so much the nipple bit, but the face color. It appeared to change depending on the light... blue, purple, bronze-ish. I've been digging through old pictures of my Dad wearing the watch, but none that I've found so far show the face up close. If only we knew.

rdheaney · 26 July 2015, 10:06 AM

Hello all... thanks for your help and information on this project over the past few months. With Bob Ridley's excellent guidance, I've decided to sell the dial and insert. They're posted here.

More to come on the restoration of the rest of the watch!

stillsane · 26 July 2015, 10:54 PM

Sorry about the original dial. Thanks for the cool story.

andromeda160 · 29 July 2015, 08:18 AM

http://rolexpassionreport.com/11992/...ex-world-news/

what if it was one of these rare prototypes xD

rdheaney · 3 August 2015, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andromeda160

http://rolexpassionreport.com/11992/...ex-world-news/

what if it was one of these rare prototypes xD

Wow, those are nice. Although, mine was definitely more purplish/blue.

rdheaney · 1 September 2015, 05:55 AM

Hi all... still trying to find a home for these parts. If anyone knows anyone who may be interested, I would appreciate you passing on the link to the FS page: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=424661

rdheaney · 6 October 2015, 10:32 PM

Going to try moving these parts on via eBay, if anyone's interested:

rdheaney · 16 February 2016, 12:09 PM

Hello all... just in case there is anyone following this thread, I just wanted to give a final update. After a long, 7 month journey, I finally received my watch back from Bob Ridley. The time it took to complete was almost entirely due to my efforts trying to sell parts, getting the watch to Bob, etc. The work he did was actually quite fast. Although most importantly, his work was so far beyond my expectations, I don't have the proper words to describe.... but I'll try.

From Day One, Bob just took to this project with a passion. He led me down all the right paths, spent untold time with me on the phone/email, consulting from TX to NC, and kept me in the loop and informed as to my options, work being done, etc. His efforts to accommodate when shipping the watch, parts, etc., his staff (Jana was simply a wonderful person to work with), and above all... the quality. I know, that to the Rolex aficionados of the world, this may be "just another restored Red One-liner", but... when I saw the watch for the first time, I was stunned. And, I'm not ashamed to tell you, that I welled up with tears, since I knew in my heart, that my father would have absolutely LOVED this watch were he still alive today.

It looks absolutely gorgeous, and I now wear it nearly every day. It looks exactly as I expected it, but what I wasn't prepared for, was just how pristine it looks. I can't imagine it looked any better the day it was made. And, it's operationally perfect, of course.

I will follow this post up with some photos of the watch as it is now, once I can figure out how to get someone to take some decent pictures of it. My shaky phonecam pictures simply won't do it justice. Bob actually got the watch to me just before the holidays, which was incredible in and of itself, as I was traveling to see family. My Uncle (now 74) who originally gave the watch to my Dad in 1973 got to see it! And I've been trying since I traveled back home to get a photographer friend to take some photos. I will send them ASAP. Finally...

Dear Bob Ridley & Co.: You are, simply, the best. I couldn't be more happy with this watch in any way, shape or form. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sincerely,

Bob Heaney

yoast · 16 February 2016, 01:24 PM

Great story! Would love to see some pics :)

LVSubmariner · 16 February 2016, 01:26 PM

Needs some work if you're up for it

etp095 · 17 February 2016, 07:50 AM

Looking for some after pics?

rdheaney · 17 February 2016, 07:56 AM

Ok, it looks like I won't be getting a photographer anytime soon, so I went and tried to dust off some of my seriously old camera gear (and equally old and dusty photo skills) to see if I could get some close ups. Any blemishes you see in these shots are either from my dusty amateur setup, or actually put there by me since getting the watch back!

And, these shots truly don't do the watch justice, but it's the best I can do for now. Thanks for following me on this project, and for your collective expertise in getting me to the right people in Bob Ridley.

Bob Heaney

Zoran · 17 February 2016, 08:33 AM

Congratulations Bob!
Followed your post from the beginning and you came a long way.
The watch looks stunning and ready to enjoy for many more years to come!

cruvon · 17 February 2016, 09:35 AM

A fitting tribute to your father, wear it in good health, congrats!

Boaters · 17 February 2016, 11:11 AM

WOW that is a real beauty your dad would be proud

yoast · 17 February 2016, 12:22 PM

Very nice! Tfs

Juggernaut · 18 February 2016, 04:35 AM

Awesome post! I was a little late to the party, but congrats on a stunner of a Red Sub.
Just curious, was Bob Ridley able to source a genuine Red Sub dial?

rdheaney · 22 February 2016, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Awesome post! I was a little late to the party, but congrats on a stunner of a Red Sub.
Just curious, was Bob Ridley able to source a genuine Red Sub dial?

I believe he was as that was one of the choices. Personally, I couldn't justify the added expense, since I couldn't possibly tell the difference, and have no intention of ever selling the watch, so I went with the replica. I hope that's not too shocking to the purists :)

nobbylon · 22 February 2016, 07:00 PM

that looks fabulous, congratulations

6 October 2015, 10:32 PM	#41
rdheaney "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: NC Posts: 32	Going to try moving these parts on via eBay, if anyone's interested: Gold Dial Blue Insert

17 February 2016, 07:50 AM	#45
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	Looking for some after pics? __________________ 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)

17 February 2016, 08:33 AM	#47
Zoran "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Zoran Location: EU Watch: 1655 Mark 1 Posts: 1,010	Congratulations Bob! Followed your post from the beginning and you came a long way. The watch looks stunning and ready to enjoy for many more years to come! __________________

17 February 2016, 09:35 AM	#48
cruvon "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 4,689	A fitting tribute to your father, wear it in good health, congrats! __________________ 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!

14 July 2015, 06:20 AM	#32
rdheaney "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: NC Posts: 32	That is pretty nice. It never had a blue dial, but that does match up nicely with the current bezel. Decisions, decisions... the current dial does have to go to a new home, though. So, if you know anyone who is interested, please let me know.

26 July 2015, 10:06 AM	#36
rdheaney "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: NC Posts: 32	Hello all... thanks for your help and information on this project over the past few months. With Bob Ridley's excellent guidance, I've decided to sell the dial and insert. They're posted here. More to come on the restoration of the rest of the watch!

26 July 2015, 10:54 PM	#37
stillsane "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Real Name: Tom T Location: Illinois Watch: 1680, 214270, BLNR Posts: 168	Sorry about the original dial. Thanks for the cool story.

29 July 2015, 08:18 AM	#38
andromeda160 Banned Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Greg Location: michigan Watch: Rolex Oyster Posts: 4,046	http://rolexpassionreport.com/11992/...ex-world-news/ what if it was one of these rare prototypes xD

1 September 2015, 05:55 AM	#40
rdheaney "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: NC Posts: 32	Hi all... still trying to find a home for these parts. If anyone knows anyone who may be interested, I would appreciate you passing on the link to the FS page: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=424661

16 February 2016, 12:09 PM	#42
rdheaney "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: NC Posts: 32	Hello all... just in case there is anyone following this thread, I just wanted to give a final update. After a long, 7 month journey, I finally received my watch back from Bob Ridley. The time it took to complete was almost entirely due to my efforts trying to sell parts, getting the watch to Bob, etc. The work he did was actually quite fast. Although most importantly, his work was so far beyond my expectations, I don't have the proper words to describe.... but I'll try. From Day One, Bob just took to this project with a passion. He led me down all the right paths, spent untold time with me on the phone/email, consulting from TX to NC, and kept me in the loop and informed as to my options, work being done, etc. His efforts to accommodate when shipping the watch, parts, etc., his staff (Jana was simply a wonderful person to work with), and above all... the quality. I know, that to the Rolex aficionados of the world, this may be "just another restored Red One-liner", but... when I saw the watch for the first time, I was stunned. And, I'm not ashamed to tell you, that I welled up with tears, since I knew in my heart, that my father would have absolutely LOVED this watch were he still alive today. It looks absolutely gorgeous, and I now wear it nearly every day. It looks exactly as I expected it, but what I wasn't prepared for, was just how pristine it looks. I can't imagine it looked any better the day it was made. And, it's operationally perfect, of course. I will follow this post up with some photos of the watch as it is now, once I can figure out how to get someone to take some decent pictures of it. My shaky phonecam pictures simply won't do it justice. Bob actually got the watch to me just before the holidays, which was incredible in and of itself, as I was traveling to see family. My Uncle (now 74) who originally gave the watch to my Dad in 1973 got to see it! And I've been trying since I traveled back home to get a photographer friend to take some photos. I will send them ASAP. Finally... Dear Bob Ridley & Co.: You are, simply, the best. I couldn't be more happy with this watch in any way, shape or form. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Sincerely, Bob Heaney

16 February 2016, 01:24 PM	#43
yoast "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: HK Posts: 2,287	Great story! Would love to see some pics :)

16 February 2016, 01:26 PM	#44
LVSubmariner Banned Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Los Angeles Watch: Submariner 114060 Posts: 411	Needs some work if you're up for it

17 February 2016, 11:11 AM	#49
Boaters 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2015 Real Name: Mike Location: Pacific Northwest Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD Posts: 10,653	WOW that is a real beauty your dad would be proud

17 February 2016, 12:22 PM	#50
yoast "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: HK Posts: 2,287	Very nice! Tfs

18 February 2016, 04:35 AM	#51
Juggernaut "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 901	Awesome post! I was a little late to the party, but congrats on a stunner of a Red Sub. Just curious, was Bob Ridley able to source a genuine Red Sub dial?

22 February 2016, 07:00 PM	#53
nobbylon Banned Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Nederlands Watch: DSSD Posts: 365	that looks fabulous, congratulations

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