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10 November 2013, 02:10 AM | #1 |
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My dad's old 5508 is visiting Bob
My dad gave me his old 5508 earlier this summer (serial 76xxxx, exclamation dial).
It is in need of restoration as when it was given to me the bezel was off, the bracelet was pretty banged up and the watch wasn't running. I brought it to my local Rolex jeweller who sent it on to Rolex Canada for an assessment. They returned it unchanged, saying they didn't have parts for it (neither in Canada nor Switzerland) given it's age. From what I know of the watch, my father says he purchased it in either late 1961 or early 62 just before joining the Canadian airforce. I have the original box it came in. It's in pretty bad shape though - the lid is detached and one hinge is missing. From the paperwork I have, it's been serviced twice by Rolex Canada. In 1985 & 1999 the movement was serviced. The dial and hands may have been relumed & crown/tube may also have been replaced although it's not clear from the service receipts. The research I've done on the forums seems to indicate the bracelet may not be original either as it's a 9315 rather than a 7206. The crystal is very scratched and chipped & the bezel is missing the pearl insert. Upon it's return from Rolex, I was able to fairly easily pop the bezel back on (not sure if I should have even tried that after educating myself a bit). I then wound it and to my surprise it started running. I've been wearing since it has such sentimental value to me but ultimately, I'd like to try and restore it to as original as possible. As such I've recently sent it off to Bob Ridley. I'd appreciate any recommendations for what we might be able to accomplish and a path forward. I've attached a photo for reference. Cheers, Don... |
10 November 2013, 02:43 AM | #2 |
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Great watch! Good choice on sending to Bob. You'll love the results.
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10 November 2013, 02:46 AM | #3 |
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Beauty, looking forward to seeing BR's work
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10 November 2013, 02:50 AM | #4 |
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Very nice!
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10 November 2013, 03:25 AM | #5 |
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Can't wait to see the finished results....
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10 November 2013, 03:27 AM | #6 |
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Once you get it back, it will be a piece you can be very proud of.
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10 November 2013, 10:18 AM | #7 |
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Beautiful piece...it will definitely be something even more special once done...congrats.
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10 November 2013, 12:30 PM | #8 |
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Thanks everyone. I'm certainly excited to see what Bob can do with it.
Anything you'd advise I do or avoid doing? |
10 November 2013, 12:34 PM | #9 |
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Wow, what a fantastic looking Sub. I'm sure that Bob will be able to fix you up. Keep us posted on the progress, can't wait to see the "after" pics!
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10 November 2013, 11:17 PM | #11 |
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I'd pass on a case polish, I'd send the bracelet to mike young in hong kong and get it restored. Put on a new crystal an get new seals and service it is really all it needs. Keep the old crystal though. Always good to have the services parts.
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10 November 2013, 11:47 PM | #12 |
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Fantastic, congrats - I'm not sure that's the original bezel insert. Maybe the hands were changed in a previous service too, but hard to tell. I'd just have the movement serviced/seals replaced and put a new plexi on it. Lovely!
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11 November 2013, 01:29 AM | #13 |
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Thanks for the feedback and advice.
Does anyone know if the 9315 bracelet was ever original on the 5508? What little research I’ve done seemed to indicate the 7206 rivet was usually the bracelet shipped with this model. My dad seems pretty sure he never had it replaced though. He also mention he always declined the Rolex-recommended dial and hands replacement. Any thoughts on using a service plexi crystal versus trying to find a NOS Tropic 16. Bob seemed to think I might be best to use a service plexi as most NOS Tropics have gotten too brittle to be reliable. |
11 November 2013, 01:48 AM | #14 |
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a couple of more "before" pics:
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11 November 2013, 03:31 AM | #15 |
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..Awesome piece.. !! - Look forward to the results..!!
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11 November 2013, 03:33 AM | #16 |
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Really nice. It will be even nicer when you get it back.
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11 November 2013, 03:43 AM | #17 |
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looking forwards to the after pics too , very nice watch great history.
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11 November 2013, 03:46 AM | #18 |
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Lovely piece. Wise sending it to someone who understands what these pieces represent.
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11 November 2013, 06:16 AM | #19 |
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Great to see those other pics!
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12 November 2013, 04:30 AM | #20 |
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That is as good as it gets I think. Look forward to seeing finished.
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18 November 2013, 03:22 PM | #21 |
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Just out of curiosity, was the depth rating not gilt on that model/vintage?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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18 November 2013, 03:33 PM | #22 |
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Beautiful piece. Use it and enjoy!
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19 November 2013, 04:51 AM | #23 | |
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Quote:
It certainly matches this one nicely: http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/just-be...ion-point-dial |
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19 November 2013, 05:15 AM | #24 |
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...Exclamation Point dial ( @6 .) .. very interesting..!!
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19 November 2013, 05:45 AM | #25 |
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Makes me all sentimental. That is pretty much how mine use to look like.
You are a lucky guy! Take good care of her and pass her on to your son (or daughter). |
19 November 2013, 05:49 AM | #26 |
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19 November 2013, 06:10 AM | #27 |
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I noticed that too Thomas, learn something new everyday around here!
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19 November 2013, 06:12 AM | #28 |
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Aint dat da trut....!!
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19 November 2013, 06:49 AM | #29 |
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Very nice watch!
Was it relumed or is it just the picture or the plexi playing tricks on me ? |
19 November 2013, 07:37 AM | #30 | |
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My dad's old 5508 is visiting Bob
Quote:
Very cool watch! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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