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donaker · 10 November 2013, 02:10 AM

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...

Beef · 10 November 2013, 02:43 AM

Great watch! Good choice on sending to Bob. You'll love the results.

mjclark32 · 10 November 2013, 02:46 AM

Beauty, looking forward to seeing BR's work

sea-dweller · 10 November 2013, 02:50 AM

Very nice!

azguy · 10 November 2013, 03:25 AM

Can't wait to see the finished results....

Tools · 10 November 2013, 03:27 AM

Once you get it back, it will be a piece you can be very proud of.

datejust24 · 10 November 2013, 10:18 AM

Beautiful piece...it will definitely be something even more special once done...congrats.

donaker · 10 November 2013, 12:30 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm certainly excited to see what Bob can do with it.

Anything you'd advise I do or avoid doing?

cop414 · 10 November 2013, 12:34 PM

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!

crowncollection · 10 November 2013, 04:29 PM

Nice watch please show us photos after you get it back.

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andromeda160 · 10 November 2013, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaker

Thanks everyone. I'm certainly excited to see what Bob can do with it.

Anything you'd advise I do or avoid doing?

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.

Vincent65 · 10 November 2013, 11:47 PM

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!

donaker · 11 November 2013, 01:29 AM

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.

donaker · 11 November 2013, 01:48 AM

a couple of more "before" pics:

jatco · 11 November 2013, 03:31 AM

..Awesome piece.. !! - Look forward to the results..!!

bayerische · 11 November 2013, 03:33 AM

Really nice. It will be even nicer when you get it back.

dysondiver · 11 November 2013, 03:43 AM

looking forwards to the after pics too , very nice watch great history.

mike · 11 November 2013, 03:46 AM

Lovely piece. Wise sending it to someone who understands what these pieces represent.

Vincent65 · 11 November 2013, 06:16 AM

Great to see those other pics!

Tudor Guy · 12 November 2013, 04:30 AM

That is as good as it gets I think. Look forward to seeing finished.

southtexas · 18 November 2013, 03:22 PM

Just out of curiosity, was the depth rating not gilt on that model/vintage?

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s2kev · 18 November 2013, 03:33 PM

Beautiful piece. Use it and enjoy!

donaker · 19 November 2013, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southtexas

Just out of curiosity, was the depth rating not gilt on that model/vintage?

My father and Bob Ridley both say the dial is original.

It certainly matches this one nicely:
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/just-be...ion-point-dial

jatco · 19 November 2013, 05:15 AM

...Exclamation Point dial ( @6 .) .. very interesting..!!

Tudor Fan · 19 November 2013, 05:45 AM

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).

donaker · 19 November 2013, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tudor Fan

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).

I have two daughters. Perhaps some day one of them will have a son I can pass it on to. :)

cop414 · 19 November 2013, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jatco

...Exclamation Point dial ( @6 .) .. very interesting..!!

I noticed that too Thomas, learn something new everyday around here!

jatco · 19 November 2013, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cop414

I noticed that too Thomas, learn something new everyday around here!

Aint dat da trut....!!

Robbyvm · 19 November 2013, 06:49 AM

Very nice watch!
Was it relumed or is it just the picture or the plexi playing tricks on me ?

southtexas · 19 November 2013, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaker

My father and Bob Ridley both say the dial is original.

It certainly matches this one nicely:
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/just-be...ion-point-dial

I don't doubt that at all. I asked because I don't know how Rolex did things then. I'm learning there are subtle differences to these vintage dials (even year over year); researching those details is what makes this hobby fun to me.

Very cool watch!

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10 November 2013, 02:10 AM	#1
donaker "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canada Watch: Dad's 5508 Posts: 351	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
Beef "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,824	Great watch! Good choice on sending to Bob. You'll love the results. __________________ "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." "So you have enemies. Good. You must have stood up for something, sometime in your life." Winston Churchill

10 November 2013, 02:46 AM	#3
mjclark32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: MJC Location: PHL USA Watch: IWC, Rolex, AP Posts: 29,232	Beauty, looking forward to seeing BR's work __________________

10 November 2013, 03:27 AM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,049	Once you get it back, it will be a piece you can be very proud of. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

10 November 2013, 12:34 PM	#9
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,828	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! __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

10 November 2013, 02:50 AM	#4
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Very nice!

10 November 2013, 03:25 AM	#5
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Can't wait to see the finished results....

10 November 2013, 10:18 AM	#7
datejust24 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Chris Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Watch: Rolexssss Posts: 3,504	Beautiful piece...it will definitely be something even more special once done...congrats.

10 November 2013, 12:30 PM	#8
donaker "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canada Watch: Dad's 5508 Posts: 351	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, 04:29 PM	#10
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,157	Nice watch please show us photos after you get it back. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

10 November 2013, 11:47 PM	#12
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,293	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!

11 November 2013, 01:29 AM	#13
donaker "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canada Watch: Dad's 5508 Posts: 351	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
donaker "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canada Watch: Dad's 5508 Posts: 351	a couple of more "before" pics:

11 November 2013, 03:31 AM	#15
jatco 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: YVR Watch: 116233/79190 Posts: 47,874	..Awesome piece.. !! - Look forward to the results..!! __________________ . . ' A Crown for every achievement '

11 November 2013, 03:33 AM	#16
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Really nice. It will be even nicer when you get it back. __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

11 November 2013, 03:43 AM	#17
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	looking forwards to the after pics too , very nice watch great history.

11 November 2013, 03:46 AM	#18
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Lovely piece. Wise sending it to someone who understands what these pieces represent.

11 November 2013, 06:16 AM	#19
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,293	Great to see those other pics!

12 November 2013, 04:30 AM	#20
Tudor Guy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: USA Watch: Blue 76100 Posts: 85	That is as good as it gets I think. Look forward to seeing finished.

18 November 2013, 03:22 PM	#21
southtexas 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,684	Just out of curiosity, was the depth rating not gilt on that model/vintage? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

18 November 2013, 03:33 PM	#22
s2kev 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Kevin Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: Vintage Posts: 2,846	Beautiful piece. Use it and enjoy!

19 November 2013, 05:15 AM	#24
jatco 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Thomas Location: YVR Watch: 116233/79190 Posts: 47,874	...Exclamation Point dial ( @6 .) .. very interesting..!! __________________ . . ' A Crown for every achievement '

19 November 2013, 05:45 AM	#25
Tudor Fan "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 983	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, 06:49 AM	#29
Robbyvm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Belgium Posts: 2,239	Very nice watch! Was it relumed or is it just the picture or the plexi playing tricks on me ?

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