My dad's old 5508 is visiting Bob

[donaker]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

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

None of the service receipts I have mention reluming but I guess it's possible.

There is certainly no noticeable glow left.

Other than appreciating this watch on my dad's wrist as a kid and what I've learned on this forum, I'm pretty new to vintage Rolex.

You guys are a wealth of great info! :)

[jatco]

Originally Posted by donaker

None of the service receipts I have mention reluming but I guess it's possible.

There is certainly no noticeable glow left.

Other than appreciating this watch on my dad's wrist as a kid and what I've learned on this forum, I'm pretty new to vintage Rolex.

You guys are a wealth of great info! :)

.
The 6 and 9 looks like a possible relume ..a little 'over shadow' on the 'stick' - but since all do not look like that.. I doubt your piece has been 'redone'/'relumed completely.. - Just from what I can tell in the pics...
Either way - That, my friend is a 'Treasure' ..!

[donaker]

Here's a before pic of the movement which Bob sent me.

[SubKing]

cant wait to see it once bob finishes

[Cdumi96]

New to the forum. Does anyone have bobs contact info

[donaker]

Originally Posted by Cdumi96

New to the forum. Does anyone have bobs contact info

PM sent with Bob's info.

[SALTY]

Pls be so kind as to send it to me as well; thank you.

[Maxtor]

Very exciting. Looking forward to the "after" pics.

[bde]

Can't wait to see it finished! It's in good hands..

[donaker]

Originally Posted by Nimrod

Pls be so kind as to send it to me as well; thank you.

PM sent with Bob's info.

[strafer_kid]

Super watch - would have no hesitation spending whatever it takes to "bring it back"! Am sure you are looking forward to the final result! Enjoy and good luck with it!

[JCW1980]

Beautiful watch, and very cool to receive an heirloom like that from your father! You'll enjoy working with Bob, and you'll love the results.

I'm lucky enough to live a couple miles from Bob, and it's an absolute treat to spend time with him in person. If any of you ever have the opportunity to hand deliver your watch to him, I highly recommend it.

Looking forward to the after pics!

[donaker]

Thanks for the comments. I think Bob and I have settled on keeping things simple and as original as possible.
- service the movement
- source/replace the pearl in the insert
- stabilize the hands (maybe fix the hour hand where it has flaked off)
- a new service crystal
- a bit of a restore on the bracelet (I may send it off to Michael Young at a later date)
- no case polish

Anything else I should consider or avoid?

[Hawk99]

That sounds about perfect. I would definitely want the hour hand fixed (not a maybe in my book).
Can't wait for the after pics.
Good luck!

[katana]

This is a cool clock. The big plus is that you got it from your father. Am sure, it will be as new after service etc. A real, Vintage Icon ........ Congratulations

[donaker]

What are opinions on colour matching the plots and hands?

[rain_maker]

Bob serviced my Snowflake ... he does fantastic work.

As you've found, he's very consultative in his approach and a pleasure to work with. We settled on a similar menu of items as you did, with a light polish to the case sides and brushing the tops of the lugs. He did a good job on my 9315 bracelet too - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Look forward to your 'after ' pics!

[jatco]

/\ .. Awesome.. Isnt it just Great to get priceless feedback and endorsements like this, from trusted craftsmen.. via TRF. - Now we know, if we didnt already, appreciate the goings-on, on TRF..!!

[tunnel hull]

Originally Posted by Tools

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

Any updates on this restoration? PH

[donaker]

Originally Posted by tunnel hull

Any updates on this restoration? PH

I spoke with Barbara at Watchmakers International late last week. Things are progressing but with the holidays and waiting for some parts to be delivered, delays have crept in.

I hope to have it back in a couple weeks & I'll post some pics at that time.

[tkc324]

Great watch! Can't wait to see the after photos...

[anilzat]

It looks awesome, the talk around here is that guy you sent it to is absolute great with old Rolex tickers, you have a Rolex masterpiece that is awesome.

[mikkibarry]

Originally Posted by donaker

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

Hey now...I wear a GMT from time to time :-)

Seriously though, great choice on Bob. Re: the bracelet, looks to be welded so it might take Michael Young a bit more time (he's still got one of mine, the YM bracelet came back absolutely beautiful so he's worth the wait).

[donaker]

Originally Posted by tunnel hull

Any updates on this restoration? PH

Just got a note from Bob saying he's nearly finished. Getting excited to see it in person!

Here's a teaser shot from Bob's desk.

[anilzat]

That is awesome and worth mega bucks, insure it so you will have a piece of mind, a great watch.

[dysondiver]

wow ,, what a result ,, as expected mind , but its still outstanding workmanship , a fine watch with a family history ,,, that in my eyes is as good as it ever gets.
enjoy.

[lhanddds]

Wow, looks awesome

[jatco]

Wow..she's looking fantastic. ...Love it...!!

[datejust24]

i've been waiting for you to post some updated pics on your beautiful 5508...looks just as amazing as I anticipated. Congrats...I bet you can't wait to strap that beaut on.

[Apdl]

What a great watch with great meaning!!
Take care if it for the next generation