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bobridley · 24 August 2009, 08:13 AM

I would like to post a project that came to me which had been modified.

Older Rolex watches need special service due to aging and among these some need “things undone before things can be done”. As illustrated in a recent post, Ridley project #1, most modified watches are altered with a view of allowing the repairman to reach a goal, such as developing a means by which they can remove the case back.
I thought to bring project #2 before you because it was a little puzzling as to what the goal of the repairman was. Due to the barbaric altering of this case the modifications brought the viability of the case to a “point of no return”!
What a project… I thought to myself when approached with the needs of this older Sub.

The goal was simple; bring this older 6538 sub back into function in spite of the hurdles to be jumped and keep the original case and case back. There was no doubt that this project was unique to my experience, however, my appetite was wetted. I looked forward to the challenge that was before me as well as the opportunity of putting a smile on my clients face.

Illustration #1 shows a top view of his case.
a. The center opening (crystal seating wall) was grinned and found to be “out of round”?????
b. The lugs had been polished down to an extreme point in contrast to the original design.

1.

Illustration #2 & #3 are shots of the (before service) case that focus on the threads. #2 shows the case lying upside down with a view to the twelve o’clock side.
A. Interior of the dial bottom wall shows some grinding.
B. The two counter sunk holes as seen in the middle of the threads were drilled to both sides of the interior in order to install oversize case clamps.
C. #3 reveals the worn/abuse threads.

2.

3.

Illustration #4 is the (after service) of the case from the top view. This procedure included:
: The “gutting out” of the interior of the case just as one would have an old building “gutted” with the view of renewing the electrical and plumbing functions.
: In order to provide the crystal seating for both the crystal and bezel, we needed to turn out and insert a step cut sleeve (tube or ring) into the center. The sleeve was set, soldered, and resurfaced.
:As seen with illustration #5, we installed a threaded sleeve in order to allow a correct fit for the movement as well as for the case back to turn into.

4.

Bob

mgm · 24 August 2009, 08:26 AM

Splendid workmanship. I know what it takes to bring a piece like that back from the dead.

Tools · 24 August 2009, 08:32 AM

Great work Bob...

As I say here often, the case needs to be pretty far gone before it can't be repaired........ I think that most would agree, this one would have been re-cased 99 percent of the time...

You demonstrate to us time and again what a craftsman you are............My hat is off to you..........

agw2872 · 24 August 2009, 08:43 AM

Wow. Unbelievable workmanship.

Beaumont Miller II · 24 August 2009, 09:04 AM

Bob you are definitely the man I would go to for my vintage Rolex needs.

Lol-x · 24 August 2009, 09:23 AM

Quite remarkable work and an incredible result.
That is lateral thinking and the making of what many would consider a dream into it becoming a reality.

Alcan · 24 August 2009, 11:07 AM

Beautiful work, Bob.

migboy · 24 August 2009, 11:18 AM

wow.... great work!!!

onkyo · 24 August 2009, 12:04 PM

Magical work Bob!

Thanks for sharing with us.

Some Pair · 24 August 2009, 01:19 PM

...Awesome resto from beyond the grave!" Fantastic workmanship Sir.

PHPuser · 24 August 2009, 01:32 PM

Bob was that sleeve you inserted in SS? if so I'm even more impressed cos that stuff is damn hard to machine decently.

greekbum · 24 August 2009, 01:42 PM

Bob great work again.Is it the photos or are the lugs thicker now?

bobridley · 24 August 2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHPuser

Bob was that sleeve you inserted in SS? if so I'm even more impressed cos that stuff is damn hard to machine decently.

Yes, the sleeve that was inserted is made of steel.

Bob

bobridley · 24 August 2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greekbum

Bob great work again.Is it the photos or are the lugs thicker now?

The lugs remained untouched. It must be the "zoomed in" photo that makes them appear larger.

Bob

Tools · 4 May 2013, 01:33 AM

An oldie, but relevant with many posts lately of corrosion in casebacks and faulty mid-cases

Really shows what can be done to save a rare or desirable case from the trash bin..

Rikki · 4 May 2013, 06:46 AM

Very Nice work

Psmith · 4 May 2013, 05:30 PM

Great work, and a pleasure to re-read this thread

Andad · 4 May 2013, 05:39 PM

Nice work Mr Ridley.

I missed this one.

Lgear080 · 4 May 2013, 10:10 PM

Was unaware a case in such condition could be saved.

Very impressive craftsmanship.

Davey Boy · 5 May 2013, 12:05 AM

Another Great Job Bob. That's Why Your The Man !

boogiebot · 5 May 2013, 04:48 AM

Mr Ridley that is some awesome work done there. Very impressive.

mrbill2mrbill2 · 5 May 2013, 05:28 AM

While it's an old post and shows Mr. Ridley's amazing craftmanship, I am curious what something like this costs.

wiseoldlady2001 · 5 May 2013, 12:24 PM

very nice!

etp095 · 5 May 2013, 02:26 PM

Incredible work,resurrecting a vintage sub from the dead.

TSW · 5 May 2013, 04:47 PM

Great work Bob!

Can't wait to see the result of the 6204

24 August 2009, 09:23 AM	#6
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,263	Quite remarkable work and an incredible result. That is lateral thinking and the making of what many would consider a dream into it becoming a reality. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

24 August 2009, 11:07 AM	#7
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Beautiful work, Bob. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

24 August 2009, 01:19 PM	#10
Some Pair Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: seFl.byWayOfBklyn Watch: The Rollie's..... Posts: 609	"Äbsolutelÿ... ...Awesome resto from beyond the grave!" Fantastic workmanship Sir.

24 August 2009, 01:42 PM	#12
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,415	Bob great work again.Is it the photos or are the lugs thicker now? __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

4 May 2013, 01:33 AM	#15
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,125	An oldie, but relevant with many posts lately of corrosion in casebacks and faulty mid-cases Really shows what can be done to save a rare or desirable case from the trash bin.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

24 August 2009, 08:13 AM	#1
bobridley TechXpert & 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Bob Ridley Location: USA Posts: 102	Ridley project #2 Rolex 6538 I would like to post a project that came to me which had been modified. Older Rolex watches need special service due to aging and among these some need “things undone before things can be done”. As illustrated in a recent post, Ridley project #1, most modified watches are altered with a view of allowing the repairman to reach a goal, such as developing a means by which they can remove the case back. I thought to bring project #2 before you because it was a little puzzling as to what the goal of the repairman was. Due to the barbaric altering of this case the modifications brought the viability of the case to a “point of no return”! What a project… I thought to myself when approached with the needs of this older Sub. The goal was simple; bring this older 6538 sub back into function in spite of the hurdles to be jumped and keep the original case and case back. There was no doubt that this project was unique to my experience, however, my appetite was wetted. I looked forward to the challenge that was before me as well as the opportunity of putting a smile on my clients face. Illustration #1 shows a top view of his case. a. The center opening (crystal seating wall) was grinned and found to be “out of round”????? b. The lugs had been polished down to an extreme point in contrast to the original design. 1. Illustration #2 & #3 are shots of the (before service) case that focus on the threads. #2 shows the case lying upside down with a view to the twelve o’clock side. A. Interior of the dial bottom wall shows some grinding. B. The two counter sunk holes as seen in the middle of the threads were drilled to both sides of the interior in order to install oversize case clamps. C. #3 reveals the worn/abuse threads. 2. 3. Illustration #4 is the (after service) of the case from the top view. This procedure included: : The “gutting out” of the interior of the case just as one would have an old building “gutted” with the view of renewing the electrical and plumbing functions. : In order to provide the crystal seating for both the crystal and bezel, we needed to turn out and insert a step cut sleeve (tube or ring) into the center. The sleeve was set, soldered, and resurfaced. :As seen with illustration #5, we installed a threaded sleeve in order to allow a correct fit for the movement as well as for the case back to turn into. 4. Bob Last edited by Tools; 5 August 2021 at 03:26 AM..

24 August 2009, 08:26 AM	#2
mgm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Greg Merrick Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 648	Splendid workmanship. I know what it takes to bring a piece like that back from the dead. __________________ Gregory

24 August 2009, 08:32 AM	#3
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,125	Great work Bob... As I say here often, the case needs to be pretty far gone before it can't be repaired........ I think that most would agree, this one would have been re-cased 99 percent of the time... You demonstrate to us time and again what a craftsman you are............My hat is off to you.......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

24 August 2009, 08:43 AM	#4
agw2872 Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: ANDY Location: SCONE Watch: 6534 Posts: 62	Wow. Unbelievable workmanship.

24 August 2009, 09:04 AM	#5
Beaumont Miller II "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 2,615	Project Bob you are definitely the man I would go to for my vintage Rolex needs.

24 August 2009, 11:18 AM	#8
migboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago Watch: 16610 Posts: 300	wow.... great work!!!

24 August 2009, 12:04 PM	#9
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	Magical work Bob! Thanks for sharing with us.

24 August 2009, 01:32 PM	#11
PHPuser Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: John Location: River City Ky Watch: none anymore Posts: 249	Bob was that sleeve you inserted in SS? if so I'm even more impressed cos that stuff is damn hard to machine decently.

4 May 2013, 06:46 AM	#16
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Very Nice work __________________ Century 21 Certified watchmaker Omega Service Provider Trained Omega OWME Certified. Rolex Parts Account Holder.

4 May 2013, 05:30 PM	#17
Psmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Clive Location: Exoplanet Watch: spring-driven Posts: 38,856	Great work, and a pleasure to re-read this thread __________________

4 May 2013, 05:39 PM	#18
Andad 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 36,926	Nice work Mr Ridley. I missed this one. __________________ E

4 May 2013, 10:10 PM	#19
Lgear080 Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 3,506	Was unaware a case in such condition could be saved. Very impressive craftsmanship.

5 May 2013, 12:05 AM	#20
Davey Boy "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Dave Location: Alabama Watch: 2006 Submariner LV Posts: 669	Another Great Job Bob. That's Why Your The Man !

5 May 2013, 04:48 AM	#21
boogiebot "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: canada Watch: me post! Posts: 3,804	Mr Ridley that is some awesome work done there. Very impressive.

5 May 2013, 05:28 AM	#22
mrbill2mrbill2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Mr. Bill Location: South Florida Watch: 16610 Posts: 6,148	While it's an old post and shows Mr. Ridley's amazing craftmanship, I am curious what something like this costs. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of the Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons - ID # 13

5 May 2013, 12:24 PM	#23
wiseoldlady2001 Banned Join Date: Mar 2013 Real Name: June Location: Charlotte NC Watch: 16600 Posts: 47	very nice!

5 May 2013, 02:26 PM	#24
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	Incredible work,resurrecting a vintage sub from the dead. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

5 May 2013, 04:47 PM	#25
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Great work Bob! Can't wait to see the result of the 6204 __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

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