Grandfather’s watch. Help needed.

[djhiram]

Received a reply from the Swatch group. They will be sending me shipping materials and a label so I can submit the watch for inspection.

Of course after being a member here so long and reading service center horror stories, I can’t help but worry. I spoke to an older relative and showed him the watch and he vividly remembered it. He also had many memories of my grandfather wearing it often and confirmed that the band it has on it was how he wore it. I’m not sure if that is the original band from Rado or if he changed it out after purchasing, but I am considering removing the band and keeping it in case they keep any non original parts that are sent in.

I also am worried about preserving my grandfather’s initials that are engraved on the caseback.

I lastly am concerned about shipping this somewhere. I would be so much more at ease walking in somewhere and handing it to a trusted service center.

All this paranoia is thanks to you TRF 🥃

I am considering calling tomorrow and asking all these questions.

Thanks all for listening.

[djhiram]

Spoke to a rep today at their NJ service center who confirmed a few things:

- They must examine it to ensure if it can be repaired.

- If it can be repaired, they only use NOS parts and keep it as original as the day it left the factory.

- They do not confiscate any after market part, rather remove it and return it upon repair and replace it with the factory correct part if available. This is great since I’m not sure if the bracelet is original to the watch. Since it was my grandfather’s regardless of originality to the watch, I was considering removing it and sending the head only so I don’t lose it. I will ask about this again, but may end up removing it anyway. You know, thanks to the TRF paranoia

- They would be sure to preserve any caseback engravings and not refinish or replace the original dial or hands.

- He was unsure about replacing the missing dial part.

- He also seemed to know exactly what model I was talking about and mentioned that it is a lovely and rare piece. During his long tenure with Rado, he has only seen and worked on 2 or 3 in the past.

- They would be able to accept it at the center that is located near my mom’s house. I much prefer handing it to someone and having the repairs done locally than shipping it.


I am very excited to get this going and truly hope it is not beyond repair. I am hoping to have time to drop it off on my day off this week. I will keep you all posted as promised.

[joli160]

That is going to be a beauty when it comes back

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by joli160

That is going to be a beauty when it comes back

Thank you! Some pics on the way to the service center.









It needs to be left for evaluation. I made sure to let the rep know that what I wanted was a movement service, replace the missing dial piece and maybe a crystal polish as I think it is acrylic and can be polished. Lastly to try to source the original strap or bracelet as I’m almost certain this one is not original but I would like it returned.

She mentioned if they are able to repair it that the entire dial would be replaced along with likely the crown, stem, and hands because they don’t just replace the missing anchor piece but that they would return any parts that are replaced to me. Not really what I was hoping for as I wanted to tell the time on the same dial my grandfather would have looked at, but it made me feel better to know that I would get to keep it.

She also mentioned that the crystal should not be an issue and that they would also pressure test and ensure the case was again water proof. They would be careful with the engraving and not do anything that I didn’t agree to or request. Overall I am hopeful it can be fixed. The crown does move the hands slightly when turned so at least I know it isn’t seized up.

I should have an answer in 2-3 business days whether it can be repaired or not.

[Ripcode]

Definitely interested to hear how this turns out for you!

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by Ripcode

Definitely interested to hear how this turns out for you!

Thanks! I’ll be sure to post an update once received.

[offrdmania]

I totally understand the power of an heirloom OP. You should definitely do what you can to bring it back to life.

I recently had my grandfathers watch tastefully brought back to life. He wore it everyday until his passing. It was given to him by my grandmother on their first Christmas after they married.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I totally understand the power of an heirloom OP. You should definitely do what you can to bring it back to life.

I recently had my grandfathers watch tastefully brought back to life. He wore it everyday until his passing. It was given to him by my grandmother on their first Christmas after they married.

Excellent

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I totally understand the power of an heirloom OP. You should definitely do what you can to bring it back to life.

I recently had my grandfathers watch tastefully brought back to life. He wore it everyday until his passing. It was given to him by my grandmother on their first Christmas after they married.

Wow. Speechless.

I am hoping for good news from the service center. My biggest concern is the dial. I really wanted it to be the same dial he used to read the time on. I guess I could live with it as long as it’s restored and working.

I spoke to mom about it today and she added that he must’ve purchased it about 1966 when they left Cuba and moved to California and they were settled. He always believed a man should have at least one good watch.

[djhiram]

Update:

Lots has happened since this post. The Swatch Group service center advised they couldn’t repair/restore the watch since parts were no longer available and offered a 20% discount on a new watch

I took to the internet, IG, and forums for more research and ran across a fellow who is a specialized Rado collector. He was able to provide information about the model, movement, etc and suggested contacting Rado directly via their IG page - something I hadn’t thought of.

It turns out they were able to confirm the year of manufacture as 1966, the price at that time in CHF 400 - based on research I believe it was the equivalent of $400. In today’s money - $3100 and that it was their “top of the line” model back then. He was unable to provide any information as to the original configuration of the watch (bracelet vs strap) but did confirm that the dial was unusual. Normally, the dial would say 25 Jewels under the Rado logo, this one however only says 25. He did believe it was original to the watch and not a service replacement.

As referenced earlier, the collector also did some reasearch and was “almost certain” that it would have come on a bracelet and not a strap. Through him I was able to source a period correct bracelet which I showed pictures of to my mom. As they say, a picture is worth 1000 words, she remembered! THAT was the correct bracelet it came on! My grandfather had it replaced because it had broken while being used for work.

The gentleman also pointed out the crown was replaced and was able to source the correct one for me. He was also kind enough to gift me the missing dial part, the rotating anchor. He mentioned the only thing he didn’t have was the correct end links for the bracelet, which I was able to later locate via someone he referred me to. For those wondering, this is what the bracelet should look like.



Lastly, the gentleman pointed me in the direction of 2 local watchmakers he trusts with vintage Rado pieces. I took the watch to one of them this weekend and after speaking to him for a few minutes he asked me to see it. Upon inspection he asked, do you want to see the movement? I got a little teary eyed when he removed the caseback still inscribed with my grandfather’s initials - RC and showed me this.







I left the watch with him to begin work on the movement service which he mentioned is in great shape, just dried out from age. We agreed that I would bring him the parts when they came in, and we would bring the watch back to working, period correct condition.

I am thrilled and can hardly wait the results. I am considering however, knowing that it will ultimately return to me, gifting the restored watch to my mom for mother’s day next year or Christmas this year if it’s ready by then.

I will keep you all posted. Thank you for following this journey.

[77T]

Great progress on your quest.

I know all too well the ups and downs of resurrecting a family heirloom (in my case it was my Dad’s early Omega Seamaster from the ‘60’s).

I think presenting it to your Mom in pristine, restored condition is a great gesture. It will be quite an emotional moment I predict.

I gifted the Seamaster to my brother at a family Summer vacation. Everyone was stunned at the work my watchmaker had performed.


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[siempreko]

Awesome! Your grandfather would be proud that you are taking good care of his watch!

His Love Lives On In You! And on your wrist!

[GerardoG]

Fantastic!!!! Looking forward to the serviced pictures!!!!

[Rolextellstime]

Fantastic, what a story, thanks so much for sharing

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[ingoodtime]

https://www.rado.com/customer-service

[djhiram]

Quite some time has passed since last update, but the time has come. My 5 year journey is complete. Here she is, serviced and running again in all her vintage glory with character intact. I’ve decided to go with the black lizard OEM Rado strap since this will be used for special, dressy occasions and the occasional work day at the bank.







I must thank you all for your input, interest, and motivation. Special thanks to my brother GerardoG - you know why . And to the_rado_collector (Pablo) on IG who made sourcing the parts possible.

[GerardoG]

What a GREAT story!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! Wear it with pride!!!!!!!!!

[BisonHead]

What a wonderful story, well done and may you make many more happy memories with your Grandfathers watch. Wear it well.

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

What a GREAT story!!!! Congratulations!!!!!! Wear it with pride!!!!!!!!!

Thank you bro

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by BisonHead

What a wonderful story, well done and may you make many more happy memories with your Grandfathers watch. Wear it well.

Thanks so much

[Justindo]

What a great story, a great journey, and a great outcome! The result is a wonderful testament to your grandfather's memory that you will no doubt wear with pride for decades to come.

[djhiram]

Originally Posted by Justindo

What a great story, a great journey, and a great outcome! The result is a wonderful testament to your grandfather's memory that you will no doubt wear with pride for decades to come.

Thank you