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avusblue · 6 March 2011, 02:53 AM

Yet another voice in the choir to sing the praises of Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International. I recently received my 16710 GMT-Master II back from him after a routine service. Before I sent it in, the watch was running great, was extremely accurate (consistently +0.4 sec/day: outstanding!), and other than the normal cosmetic blemishes that had built up over time, it had absolutely no issues. But, after 12 years, I just figured it was time.

My watch certainly isn’t some exotic piece requiring extensive restoration or fabrication of unobtainable parts. While that seems to be Mr. Ridley’s specialty, mine is just a run-of-the-mill GMT in for a run-of-the-mill service. Yet he treated my job attentively, with a good stream of communication and personal consultation that I appreciated. Bob said that for a 12 year old watch that had never been serviced, my GMT-II looked very clean inside. He did tell me that the two screws which hold the dial in place were loose, so it was good that I had sent it in.

Mr. Ridley turned the job around promptly, there were no surprises on the cost, and of course the watch was returned looking stunningly beautiful, running perfectly & accurately as expected, and with a warranty. Mr. Ridley is a consummate professional -- a real gentleman to interact with, and he makes the experience warm, consultative, and personal, versus dealing with the RSC monolith.

The results are just beautiful and speak for themselves:

Sorry, I don’t have a “Before” pic, other than this particular one that Mr. Ridley took. Look at how he filled in the deep, nasty gouge: via laser welding in new steel, versus grinding away surrounding metal. Don’t try this at home!

Some people might say I wasted my money, servicing a watch that was running perfectly. I’ll just pass along some sage words that Mr. Ridley stated when we spoke: “Preventive Maintenance Minimizes Surprises.”

Thank you again to Mr. Ridley, and great job.

Cheers,

Dave

garGARgar · 6 March 2011, 02:57 AM

Amazing job on the lug. Haven't heard anything but great things about BR.

PanosI · 6 March 2011, 03:00 AM

Congrats on your "new" watch !!!

Dan Pierce · 6 March 2011, 03:04 AM

Excellent results!
Congrats,
dP

STEELINOX · 6 March 2011, 03:33 AM

Outstanding results !

nauticajoe · 6 March 2011, 03:38 AM

Beautiful work! He did an awesome job on your GMT.

sushisummo · 6 March 2011, 03:49 AM

very nice job...........awesome

East Bay Rider · 6 March 2011, 03:57 AM

Terrific job.

dicin · 6 March 2011, 04:07 AM

Thanks for the review. I was looking for someone. Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International will be the one. Great looking watch.

dddrees · 6 March 2011, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garGARgar

Amazing job on the lug. Haven't heard anything but great things about BR.

Looking Good, glad to hear everything work out so wonderfully for you.

Art 1 · 6 March 2011, 04:12 AM

Outstanding.

z0mghenry · 6 March 2011, 04:13 AM

Amazing job, I'll keep in mind when I need mine serviced. May I ask how long it took? I know I'm not the only one that gets a little anxiety being separated for too long from my baby

dilly_56 · 6 March 2011, 04:28 AM

Nice job near the lug!

avusblue · 6 March 2011, 05:07 AM

Thanks for all the kind words. Mr. Ridley is the one deserving of your compliments . . . all I did was pay the bill. :)

Dave

sperez1971 · 6 March 2011, 05:21 AM

The watch looks incredible. I enjoyed reading your post.

JCB62 · 6 March 2011, 05:30 AM

Looks great. how does his rate compare with a RSC servicing?

avusblue · 6 March 2011, 05:42 AM

Thanks again guys. I’d rather not say what I paid. I know that Mr. Ridley tailors his proposed approach to every job, based on the individual needs of each watch and the wishes of its owner. I suggest that he would want to discuss your discrete circumstances, in order to develop a proposal that’s personalized for you.

I can state, however, that I was very pleased with the quality of work, timeliness, and overall value that he provided me. He is not the cheapest option out there for Rolex service, but cheapest price was not my number one priority on this job. Yet his fee was fair and reasonable; and for me, this was an excellent experience. Mr. Ridley provided peace of mind, a consultative personal touch, timely service, and confidence that the outcome would be exactly what I wanted.

Cheers,

Dave

AK40DJ50 · 6 March 2011, 06:44 AM

Really incredible job - the watch looks fantastic.

AWS · 6 March 2011, 06:47 AM

Nice write up....the watch looks great!

TheVTCGuy · 6 March 2011, 06:52 AM

WOW! It looks like new!!!!! Outstanding job sir!

Maxtor · 6 March 2011, 07:34 AM

Amazing work on the gouge. Lovely looking watch.

seedgun · 6 March 2011, 08:07 AM

Ive used Bob several times and would agree with all that has been said. If you really want to tell if someone know his business, check out the Bevels on the edges. The last watch Bob did for me he asked which level of Bevel I desired- As original, slight or whatever would require the loss of less metal. I can't remember how he described the various levels exactly, but he is a true craftsman and artist. You will absolutly be pleased as Bob will do whatever it takes to make it perfect.
My 16710 had an hour hand that had less patina than the minuet hand. He found a replacement that matched exactly- now that is attention to detail.
All good,
Andy

stokesey · 6 March 2011, 08:10 AM

That laser weld repair looks amazing!

Wiley · 6 March 2011, 08:11 AM

Like everything else in life you get what you pay for and this job is amazing. Stunning!

PHDX2 · 6 March 2011, 08:13 AM

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rags · 6 March 2011, 09:36 AM

Beautiful job near the lug..Looks perfect...

for Bob..

Michael M. · 6 March 2011, 10:10 AM

Superb job, looks new!

EE33 · 6 March 2011, 12:47 PM

Superb. It's brand new.

PepsiGMTII · 6 March 2011, 02:25 PM

Looks new!

cdnwatchguy · 6 March 2011, 02:30 PM

Looks fantastic

6 March 2011, 02:53 AM	#1
avusblue "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Saint Paul, Minn. Posts: 172	16710 -- My Pepsi's Been Made Fresh Again Yet another voice in the choir to sing the praises of Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International. I recently received my 16710 GMT-Master II back from him after a routine service. Before I sent it in, the watch was running great, was extremely accurate (consistently +0.4 sec/day: outstanding!), and other than the normal cosmetic blemishes that had built up over time, it had absolutely no issues. But, after 12 years, I just figured it was time. My watch certainly isn’t some exotic piece requiring extensive restoration or fabrication of unobtainable parts. While that seems to be Mr. Ridley’s specialty, mine is just a run-of-the-mill GMT in for a run-of-the-mill service. Yet he treated my job attentively, with a good stream of communication and personal consultation that I appreciated. Bob said that for a 12 year old watch that had never been serviced, my GMT-II looked very clean inside. He did tell me that the two screws which hold the dial in place were loose, so it was good that I had sent it in. Mr. Ridley turned the job around promptly, there were no surprises on the cost, and of course the watch was returned looking stunningly beautiful, running perfectly & accurately as expected, and with a warranty. Mr. Ridley is a consummate professional -- a real gentleman to interact with, and he makes the experience warm, consultative, and personal, versus dealing with the RSC monolith. The results are just beautiful and speak for themselves: Sorry, I don’t have a “Before” pic, other than this particular one that Mr. Ridley took. Look at how he filled in the deep, nasty gouge: via laser welding in new steel, versus grinding away surrounding metal. Don’t try this at home! Some people might say I wasted my money, servicing a watch that was running perfectly. I’ll just pass along some sage words that Mr. Ridley stated when we spoke: “Preventive Maintenance Minimizes Surprises.” Thank you again to Mr. Ridley, and great job. Cheers, Dave

6 March 2011, 02:57 AM	#2
garGARgar "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gary Location: New York, NY Watch: 16610LV Posts: 711	Amazing job on the lug. Haven't heard anything but great things about BR. __________________ 16610LV 126334 116710LN

6 March 2011, 03:04 AM	#4
Dan Pierce "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,339	Excellent results! Congrats, dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

6 March 2011, 03:33 AM	#5
STEELINOX 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,024	Outstanding results ! __________________ *Positive Waves Baby* Lug Hole Loyalist / Chamfer Line Inspector INFORTHE WIN THAI - TAY - NEE - UMM

6 March 2011, 03:49 AM	#7
sushisummo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: JT Location: in a house....:) Watch: Hmmm......? Posts: 1,776	very nice job...........awesome __________________ Collections: -- R-O-L-E-X --AP-ROO -- P-A-N-E-R-A-I -- B-R-E-G-U-E-T -- I-W-C -- B-A-L-L -- O-T-H-E-R-S WISHLIST: Too many to list...... Member #23367

6 March 2011, 03:00 AM	#3
PanosI 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Panos Location: Athens, Greece Watch: 16710 Posts: 8,705	Congrats on your "new" watch !!!

6 March 2011, 03:38 AM	#6
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	Beautiful work! He did an awesome job on your GMT.

6 March 2011, 03:57 AM	#8
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 12,109	Terrific job. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

6 March 2011, 04:07 AM	#9
dicin "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Nick Location: Canada Posts: 141	Thanks for the review. I was looking for someone. Bob Ridley of Watchmakers International will be the one. Great looking watch. __________________ GMT Master II Pepsi ... Z Series GMT Master IIc TT 116713 LN ... V Series Submariner Date ... V Series GMT Master IIc 116710 LN Patek Philippe, Panerai, Zenith, Breitling, Oris, Fortis, IWC, Seiko

6 March 2011, 04:12 AM	#11
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Outstanding.

6 March 2011, 04:13 AM	#12
z0mghenry "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Henry Location: GA Posts: 617	Amazing job, I'll keep in mind when I need mine serviced. May I ask how long it took? I know I'm not the only one that gets a little anxiety being separated for too long from my baby

6 March 2011, 04:28 AM	#13
dilly_56 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: HAWAII Posts: 1,289	Nice job near the lug!

6 March 2011, 05:07 AM	#14
avusblue "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Saint Paul, Minn. Posts: 172	Thanks for all the kind words. Mr. Ridley is the one deserving of your compliments . . . all I did was pay the bill. :) Dave

6 March 2011, 05:21 AM	#15
sperez1971 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Salvador Location: TEXAS, USA Watch: GMT IIc Posts: 127	The watch looks incredible. I enjoyed reading your post.

6 March 2011, 05:30 AM	#16
JCB62 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Jack Location: SE Michigan Watch: 1985 GMT Master SS Posts: 322	Looks great. how does his rate compare with a RSC servicing? __________________ JCB62 Rolex GMT Master Pepsi 16750 SS Rolex Submariner 14060 No Date SS Tag Heuer Aquaracer 500M

6 March 2011, 05:42 AM	#17
avusblue "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Saint Paul, Minn. Posts: 172	Thanks again guys. I’d rather not say what I paid. I know that Mr. Ridley tailors his proposed approach to every job, based on the individual needs of each watch and the wishes of its owner. I suggest that he would want to discuss your discrete circumstances, in order to develop a proposal that’s personalized for you. I can state, however, that I was very pleased with the quality of work, timeliness, and overall value that he provided me. He is not the cheapest option out there for Rolex service, but cheapest price was not my number one priority on this job. Yet his fee was fair and reasonable; and for me, this was an excellent experience. Mr. Ridley provided peace of mind, a consultative personal touch, timely service, and confidence that the outcome would be exactly what I wanted. Cheers, Dave

6 March 2011, 06:44 AM	#18
AK40DJ50 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Tom Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,506	Really incredible job - the watch looks fantastic. __________________ Datejust II 116333 Submariner 116610LN

6 March 2011, 06:47 AM	#19
AWS "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Allan Location: USA Posts: 959	Nice write up....the watch looks great!

6 March 2011, 06:52 AM	#20
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,539	WOW! It looks like new!!!!! Outstanding job sir!

6 March 2011, 07:34 AM	#21
Maxtor 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Max Location: Toronto Watch: Exp 1, DJ Tuxedo Posts: 2,479	Amazing work on the gouge. Lovely looking watch.

6 March 2011, 08:07 AM	#22
seedgun Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Andy Stone Location: ill.,Jeyll Is,Stl Watch: All of them! Posts: 188	Ive used Bob several times and would agree with all that has been said. If you really want to tell if someone know his business, check out the Bevels on the edges. The last watch Bob did for me he asked which level of Bevel I desired- As original, slight or whatever would require the loss of less metal. I can't remember how he described the various levels exactly, but he is a true craftsman and artist. You will absolutly be pleased as Bob will do whatever it takes to make it perfect. My 16710 had an hour hand that had less patina than the minuet hand. He found a replacement that matched exactly- now that is attention to detail. All good, Andy

6 March 2011, 08:10 AM	#23
stokesey "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Watch: 16710 Posts: 23	That laser weld repair looks amazing!

6 March 2011, 08:11 AM	#24
Wiley Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Columbia SC Watch: GMT IIc Posts: 15	Like everything else in life you get what you pay for and this job is amazing. Stunning!

6 March 2011, 08:13 AM	#25
PHDX2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: John Location: MS & LA Watch: Rolex Day-Date II Posts: 1,084	Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ - John >>> Rolex & Porsche Owner/Enthusiast <<<

6 March 2011, 09:36 AM	#26
Rags 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Chuck Location: SW Florida Watch: 16233,16610,214270 Posts: 11,200	Beautiful job near the lug..Looks perfect... for Bob.. __________________ 16233 Y Serial Datejust 16610 Z Serial Submariner 214270 Explorer *114300 Oyster Perpetual* *76200 Tudor Date+Day*

6 March 2011, 10:10 AM	#27
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Superb job, looks new!

6 March 2011, 12:47 PM	#28
EE33 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Des Location: China Watch: 16613 16710 116520 Posts: 2,841	Superb. It's brand new. __________________ *TRFs "after Dark" bar and NightClub Addict* Punctuality is the courtesy shown only by Kings Dalip: "GTG posts are worthless without pics, absolutely worthless"

6 March 2011, 02:25 PM	#29
PepsiGMTII Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Mike Location: New York City Posts: 25	Looks new!

6 March 2011, 02:30 PM	#30
cdnwatchguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 921	Looks fantastic __________________ Keith

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