What to do with 36 year old Sub

[fusionstorm]

Congrats on having parents who had the means and foresight to get a valuable heirloom. I'm sure your dad will live many more years, just to stoke your desire for it to be passed down to you that much more!

[sweetlew]

Well Bob Ridley really outdid himself as far as I am concerned. He only had the watch a few weeks and it looks AMAZING. I didn't think I'd have until sometime mid February.

A couple things I learned via this project:

1. The watch was actually a 555XXXX serial #, which put it around 1978. Based on my moms recollection going into it, she thought she had purchased it for my dad around 1982 but she couldn't be sure. I actually remember the morning she gave it to him. She nor I can remember if it was a bday, anniversary, or whatever occasion. Though I was young, I recall my dad look of shock when he saw the green Rolex box and he specifically said to my mother, "how cruel, you even put my present in a Rolex box!" Never thinking it was really going to have one inside. When he opened it all he said was, "holy shitski, is this real?!" (which that part my mother does recall as well)
2. My pops really beat this thing up. I do know it was his daily wearer for a good 15 years or so, so not totally surprised.
3. All things being considered Bob said the watch was in great shape. Deep black on the dial. Markers with great coloring
4. Bob made sure to keep everything "as is" to keep the most value. He did a great job of explaining and listing out all the things he would do to get it going, and to insure it actually ran like a great watch. I had told him in the beginning that I wanted it to be a wearer, not to put in a drawer somewhere.
5. My dad doesn't know I had it sent to get working.

Over Xmas when visiting my parents they had asked me if I had purchased the GMT LN I was looking at yet. I said I hadn't and after seeing his, I was thinking of just getting a new Sub. A week went by and he mentioned to me on a phone call that maybe he'll just hand it down to me as it'll be mine some day anyway. I kind of laughed to myself as I had just sent it of to Bob at WI. I told him "of course I'd be more than thrilled to wear it, but ultimately it was his watch." As my parents have just now decided to relocate after 40 years, I mentioned to them to keep an eye out for the original Rolex box as it does ad value. After moving and cleaning out their house and having that box they were a bit frustrated they couldn't find it as originally they had kept it for a pretty long time. My mom did manage to find the internal "stand" that the watch was on inside the box. (not sure what its called) Its green with some gold trim. During this move my mom mentioned to me, "you know" for your dads bday I think I might get that old Rolex fixed for him. Again, I kind of laughed to myself because I had already sent the watch off.

I have a feeling once they see what the watch looks like, and it running, my dad might rethink his offer to hand it down to me early. LOL.

Anyway here are some pics. Once again a huge thanks to Bob at WI. Just know that whether it is my father or I who is wearing it, hopefully it'll be ticking and in use for another 39 years!

[ugasbiggestfan]

Looks beautiful! Wonderful story with an incredibly happy ending!

[Reddy_Kilowatt]

Fantastic story.

[Styles Bitchley]

Great story, great watch. Thanks for sharing.

[Thathorologist]

Id keep it in the family If I were you Id give it some attention and some love and in 10 years from Today you will be grateful that you kept it
Great Story!
All the best Cheers


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[Thegr8one]

Great story. This example is exactly what is so special about Rolex. High quality heirloom pieces that get passed down for future generations to enjoy and give it another life. Enjoy it.

[para38super]

Amazing story!

I suggest you get a new one to match his. It would make a great pair.

[Bladeshot]

Wonderful story, great looking piece. Best wishes for an awesome continuing journey with the 5513.


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[aczaja10]

Awesome story and magnificent work. Let us know what your dad says when he sees it. Please!

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Id send it off the ABC Watchwerks in LA. They know exactly what they're doing when it comes to vintage.

Beautiful watch btw, I wish I had something like that from my dad. I hope you cherish it.

Great idea they are the best

[cjohns]

That’s a real beauty ! Dad is going to love it . Great story too .

[ronricks]

Great story and a stunning watch. What all was done during the service?

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by sweetlew

1. The watch was actually a 555XXXX serial #, which put it around 1978. Based on my moms recollection going into it, she thought she had purchased it for my dad around 1982 but she couldn't be sure. I actually remember the morning she gave it to him. She nor I can remember if it was a bday, anniversary, or whatever occasion.

Might be right. Not unknown for some units to be sitting in dealer's stock for 2-5yrs sometimes more. More so if one is chasing good discounts rather than blindly paying MSRP (or more).

[sweetlew]

Cleaning / Oil / Regulate service
Autowind - reverser wheels
Brushings- Auto plate, Train Bridge
Stabilize hands
Replace and match Pearl Dot for Insert
Waterproof test
Case Tube

[sweetlew]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Great story and a stunning watch. What all was done during the service?

Cleaning / Oil / Regulate service
Autowind - reverser wheels
Brushings- Auto plate, Train Bridge
Stabilize hands
Replace and match Pearl Dot for Insert
Waterproof test
Case Tube

Watchmakers International

[sweetlew]

Originally Posted by tamiya

Might be right. Not unknown for some units to be sitting in dealer's stock for 2-5yrs sometimes more. More so if one is chasing good discounts rather than blindly paying MSRP (or more).

Possible. 78 would have been an "off" year to buy...in the sense that their 10th anniversary was 81, which would be more logical of when she would have purchased, and closer to when she "thought" she purchased it.

[TommyH]

Great story, thanks for sharing it, fantastic looking watch.