Ridley Project #3

[bobridley]

Having served people for the last (30) years, I've had the opportunity to meet some great people. Not just in positions of great stature, but in the simple fact that they are just great people in themselves. Along with this opportunity, I've enjoyed seeing various watches.

This is my first post with the “Rolex Forum” and I wanted to share some of my experiences that you might enjoy them.

My first post represents a particular watch that came to me last year.

The owner acquired this piece in the late 50’s or early 60’s ,from Bucherer’s Jewelry Co.(located in Neuchatel, Switzerland.). He described himself as one who had prosthetic arms and learned to wind his watches by lowering the watch down to the heel of his shoe and then rub back & forth.

This gentleman provided (2) pictures of himself wearing watches, as illustrated below.







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Having pulled a broken watch out of the drawer, he considered whether or not the watch would have some value; contacted me, and we then began to speak about the possibilities of restoration.

As it turned out, the broken watch in his sock drawer was a rare, Triple Calendar Chronograph, Anti-Magnetic Rolex # 4768 with a Valjoux 72C movement.

As you can see below, both of the upper case lugs were broken from the case. One lug was missing and the other lug was available. The remaining lug, was used as a pattern to fashion the replacement lug.





[img]3591VRF3[/img]**************************************

The grade of steel used during that time was along the line of #302 or #304. Unlike the surgical quality of steel used today (#904), this particular grade was softer as well as vulnerable to water corrosion. However, in keeping with this period, we chose to go with a #304 grade steel for the sake of blending and consistency.







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Interestingly, wrist watches have only been around since WWI and the interest in restoring timepieces is perhaps, at it’s highest point yet. Due to sentimental as well as fair market values, the owners are more interested in having their prized, micro-engineered products restored. However the services needed for many repairs go beyond those services offered in the day to day repairs for newer models. This, in part, is why we've retooled...to address restoration needs that are not being addressed to the extent that it should be.
In the field of watch repair, there are two schools of thought and perhaps these two “schools” are primarily based on one’s person (disposition). Some can look at the many demands of restoration as a frustration while others can look at them as a challenge and thus enjoy the "fruit of that labor."
There is no demeaning to either “school” .…each side has a vital function in maintaining watches as well as preserving them. Today, there remains a great need in providing proper services for both current day as well as earlier models.












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Note: In the illustration provided below, the push buttons located on the nine o’clock side of the case are hidden. These buttons operate the forwarding of the calendar indicators to the desired day, date, & month, whereas, the visible, flat buttons on the three o’clock side of the case active and reset the recording hands.







I hope that ya'll enjoyed these pictures as much as I enjoyed going through the process to get his watch back into function.
Having the opportunity to meet and help Rolex enthusiasts has been a real treat.

Best Regards, Bob Ridley

[mailman]

Welcome to TRF Bob That's one heck of an introduction. Fantastic job on the restoration.

[toph]

Bob welcome to TRF. That is outstanding! i enjoyed this story and pictures so much. How long did it take to restore the watch to its new beautiful state? What would teh value of something like that be?

[mike]

What an honor to have you here Bob. Your reputation in the community precedes you. A very warm welcome, and a fantastic introduction!!

[Thani]

this is one of the most intresting posts i have ever seen

thanks for sharing with us..

[Letsgodiving]

A fascinating story and an amazing restoration. Welcome and thanks for an excellent post.

[jake]

Hi Bob!

Welcome to the forum!!!

I don't know why Rolex stopped making complicated watches? It is a shame, because they were beautiful. I think they should bring them back and compete with Patek.

Thanks for sharing a great story and pictures.

Jake

[GMTJOHNNY]

Amazing! Welcome to TRF!
Sounds like we have another great resource to add to the list!
I would love to hear more about your Rolex. I have never heard about such a model.
Come often!

[bobridley]

Hello Christopher,

Regarding the turn a round time for this chronograph repair was within (3) monthes.
As to the fair market value, I don't have a professional opinion for the value since I'm not a "dealer" of these products. However, I understand the value to be in the low-mid, five digit figure.

Regards, Bob Ridley

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by mailman

Welcome to TRF Bob That's one heck of an introduction. Fantastic job on the restoration.

I'll say! Welcome to TRF.
dP

[jake]

Here is another beautiful example of a Triple date...

[speicher1]

Welcome Bob! Thank you for an amazing introduction and great story.

[SabaDen]

A warm welcome Bob ... nice pics.

[oneillba]

Wow, great story, great watch and great first post. Thanks for the input. I hope to see more of your posts. What a person can learn here. Truly outstanding!

[mickeydainish]

Welcome Bob... WOW!! Gr8 post and a very good read. Tx.
Cant wait to read more from you Bob......... :-)

I bet you have a few Rollies and fine watches of your own... any pics on the way?????

[Lol-x]

Welcome Bob and thank you for that very well written and illustrated story on the vintage chronograph.

I think that you did an excellent job

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

[Lol-x]

Bob did the crown get changed, did you find NOS replacement parts, or did you have to manufacture them yourself?

[SPORTSFAN]

Welcome Bob,
Very impressive post.
I think your massive experience will be much appreciated here.
Regards Mike.

[Attila]

Welcome, terrific introduction!

[vukotab]

Welcome to TRF!
This is one of the most interesting posts recently!Congrats on that!

[toph]

Originally Posted by bobridley

Hello Christopher,

Regarding the turn a round time for this chronograph repair was within (3) monthes.
As to the fair market value, I don't have a professional opinion for the value since I'm not a "dealer" of these products. However, I understand the value to be in the low-mid, five digit figure.

Regards, Bob Ridley

Thanks Bob- great piece. i was so interested that i did a bit of reading last night and discovered that it is from the 1940's. What a treasure that watch is now -its about 70 years old and looks new!

[Trurolexer]

WELCOME TO TRF, Bob!!! Hope you enjoy your stay here!!!

[LRRP]

Great post!! Welcome to TRF.
Tom

[Gedanken]

It's not often I'm left speechless. All I can think of saying right now is awesome introduction and it's a pleasure to have you aboard, Bob!

[daveathall]

Great post Bob, thank you very much for sharing it with us, very interesting, welcome to TRF.

[DSJ]

Wow, nice restoration!

[erwin]

Amazing Introduction!

[Tony-GB]

Hi Bob

Superb post & pics

Thanks for sharing

[Bobareno]

Welcome, great pictures. What a good job, thanks.