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Old 5 June 2020, 08:14 AM   #1
Johnny Crystal
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Vintage Service

Who are the recommended independent people to service a vintage Sub from 1968? I'm afraid RSC might replace parts with new ones and keep the old ones...they tried this with the bracelet years ago.
I heard Bob Ridley was good but then a forum search brought up some disturbing things from years ago.
Thanks
JC
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Old 5 June 2020, 08:22 AM   #2
SunTzu
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Originally Posted by Johnny Crystal View Post
Who are the recommended independent people to service a vintage Sub from 1968? I'm afraid RSC might replace parts with new ones and keep the old ones...they tried this with the bracelet years ago.
I heard Bob Ridley was good but then a forum search brought up some disturbing things from years ago.
Thanks
JC
With regards to "what you've heard," I feel you need to take in the totality of the reputation and take with a grain of salt the anecdotal "disturbing" things you've read. Many on the Internet have axes to grind, are generally miserable, or might be in the wrong but willing to lie to feel vindicated in some sense.

Overall, The Ridley team, father and son, have a stellar reputation and many here would feel comfortable recommending them. You can even view their work here. I've never used them and from what I've seen and read, I wouldn't hesitate recommending a healthy look at them.

With that said, I have used RolliWorks for a full service, case polish, and bracelet restoration of a vintage DateJust and was over the moon happy with the results, price paid, and customer service. Mike is great to talk to, knows his stuff, understands the vintage mindset, and is willing to engage and satisfy any inquiries you may have.

You can feel comfortable with the recommendations you receive here as the circle is small and of course, always do your due diligence.
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Old 5 June 2020, 08:45 AM   #3
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Rik Dietel at Time Care in FLA is on your side of the world.
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Old 5 June 2020, 08:57 AM   #4
Dan S
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I heard Bob Ridley was good but then a forum search brought up some disturbing things from years ago.
Did your search also bring up that he and his son are active forum members?

Yes, they are professionals, and have to take the bad with the good. But still, some discretion wouldn't go amiss.
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Old 5 June 2020, 09:01 AM   #5
Johnny Crystal
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Did your search also bring up that he and his son are active forum members?
I did but it was super vague about what the issues are. I feel like i'm operating in a "black hole" of info and just trying to find someone skilled, with no trust issues.
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Old 5 June 2020, 09:44 AM   #6
Tools
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I did but it was super vague about what the issues are. I feel like i'm operating in a "black hole" of info and just trying to find someone skilled, with no trust issues.
Give Giovani Passalacqua a call in San Francisco. Ran the top notch independent Rolex Service Center there for decades

210 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 982-9830
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Old 6 June 2020, 01:14 AM   #7
circles
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Rik Dietel at Time Care in FLA is on your side of the world.
I had him service a Rolex for me, I would not recommend him.
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Old 6 June 2020, 02:41 AM   #8
Johnny Crystal
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I had him service a Rolex for me, I would not recommend him.
Who would you then? You see why I am confused and frightened to send it off.
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Old 6 June 2020, 02:55 AM   #9
circles
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Who would you then? You see why I am confused and frightened to send it off.
I like both of the guys in Los Angeles;
LA Watchworks and ABC Watchwerks have both been consistently good. Be prepared to wait quite a while, they are very popular.
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Old 6 June 2020, 03:43 AM   #10
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I did but it was super vague about what the issues are. I feel like i'm operating in a "black hole" of info and just trying to find someone skilled, with no trust issues.
Vague "issues" would be meaningless to me, like anonymous complaints. If the issue/complaint is real, a client should give details and stand behind it, or not mention it.

I've used the Ridleys several times through the years for service on some very valuable vintage Rolexes, and I have only high praise for them. Everything was done flawlessly, from relatively minor work, like installing crystals or bezels, to full chronograph movement service. (Prices are perhaps a little high, but you get what you pay for.)
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Old 6 June 2020, 07:03 AM   #11
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I would never use Rolliworks again and would discourage anyone from doing so. I know several others that have used them and have never gone back.

I would recommend Phillip Ridley to anyone here for a service.
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Old 6 June 2020, 09:31 AM   #12
Blueline226
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I would never use Rolliworks again and would discourage anyone from doing so. I know several others that have used them and have never gone back.

I would recommend Phillip Ridley to anyone here for a service.
May I ask why? I’m curious to know what issues you had with Rolliworks. You can DM me if you don’t want to discuss it here. I was considering sending a watch there to have the lugs done at some point. For the record, I’m sending my watch to Ridley next week. Phillipe has been nothing but professional this entire time. He’s not worked on a watch for me yet so I can’t attest to his services. However, after researcH, I have the upmost confidence in his ability.
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Old 6 June 2020, 11:09 AM   #13
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Phillip Ridley has serviced three watches for my wife and me. Very, very happy with the work. Another thing- Phillip is exceptional about communication on details and service decisions for them.
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Old 6 June 2020, 01:05 PM   #14
bradleyt09
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I highly recommend Phillip Ridley as well. I only have experience with Phillip so can't comment on any others, but I really value Phillip's expertise and great communication. He has been, and continues to be, a great source of knowledge in my vintage pursuits.
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Old 6 June 2020, 02:08 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Blueline226 View Post
May I ask why? I’m curious to know what issues you had with Rolliworks. You can DM me if you don’t want to discuss it here. I was considering sending a watch there to have the lugs done at some point. For the record, I’m sending my watch to Ridley next week. Phillipe has been nothing but professional this entire time. He’s not worked on a watch for me yet so I can’t attest to his services. However, after researcH, I have the upmost confidence in his ability.
Phillip will take care of your watch needs - you won't have any issues with him. He's very reliable and honest.
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Old 6 June 2020, 08:57 PM   #16
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Bob Ridley is a great guy, been using him for a decade and still use him till this day. I also use LAWW, they do great work as well, can’t go wrong with either.
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Old 6 June 2020, 10:43 PM   #17
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I own a Ridley redial watch. GREAT work to my untrained eye but even proper experts say so...I'd send him a watch with no reservations.
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