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Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 05:04 AM

Yes. 16 months.
September of 2019, I finally reconciled with myself that I would have repaired the absolute butchering of the lugs, from a previous owner, on my 1966 5513 (#1,37X,XXX). Seriously, it was cringe-worthy how bad they were (pics of before at the bottom) and how it broke my heart looking at them, what with ruining an otherwise lovely watch, complete w glossy dial, and the Gay Frères 7206 river bracelet with a 3/66 stamp.
So, off it went to the west coast. Work was delayed as business was booming out there, but I was in no rush. Then after several more delays, Covid. Then the months rolled by and things weren’t looking good with the original plan to fix the lugs. More months went by.
And then...I got word. The work was done.
It was a brutally hard task, and it was never going to look like it did when it left the factory. But, after 16 months, she’s home and I’m thinking “I can live with this.”

And, as promised, a before and after shot of the stomach ache-inducing lugs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

subx · 19 January 2021, 05:26 AM

wow, the before pic is ulcer inducing indeed, but man, what a GREAT result ! is that LAWW or Rolliworks work ?

new bezel, and they even fixed the crown guards too.

you must be happy ! Congrats

PS: lovely Bass Fire'Chicken' on your avatar :)

Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subx

wow, the before pic is ulcer inducing indeed, but man, what a GREAT result ! is that LAWW or Rolliworks work ?

new bezel, and they even fixed the crown guards too.

you must be happy ! Congrats

PS: lovely Bass Fire'Chicken' on your avatar :)

Yeah, ulcer inducing indeed! I got the watch about 7 years ago, and for a curiously good price. After seeing the lugs I understood why. That all said, yeah, I’m glad I did it. It was not altogether fun experience, to be sure, what with how long it took.

And thanks for spotting the Thunderbird ‘chicken’! That’s a whole other hobby/collection/obsession...

aff1 · 19 January 2021, 05:34 AM

I can totally relate to that feeling especially after that much wait. Congratulations buddy.

Tom1675 · 19 January 2021, 05:35 AM

Looks great! congrats on getting it back

Bosstime · 19 January 2021, 05:37 AM

The wait was worth it for sure. congrats

Dan S · 19 January 2021, 05:38 AM

That's quite an improvement!

swaini3 · 19 January 2021, 05:41 AM

Woooow. Congrats. I would have gone nuts waiting that long. Im sure it was painful.... but the outcome is great. It does look nice. enjoy.

Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aff1

I can totally relate to that feeling especially after that much wait. Congratulations buddy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom1675

Looks great! congrats on getting it back

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosstime

The wait was worth it for sure. congrats

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan S

That's quite an improvement!

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaini3

Woooow. Congrats. I would have gone nuts waiting that long. Im sure it was painful.... but the outcome is great. It does look nice. enjoy.

Thanks, guys! Believe me, the wait sucked. A lot. But, at this point I’m just so glad to be able to wear it again.

Just wish I had somewhere to wear it to!

Tavli3 · 19 January 2021, 06:24 AM

Wow that is quite the transformation, gorgeous watch! Don't think I would have lasted 16 months! I had separation anxiety when Philip had my watch for just over 2 weeks!

Confused on the bracelet, love it but thought it was a custom one when I read the name in your post but then saw the Rolex emblem on the clasp in the picture. So did Rolex have some bracelets made for them by this GF and are they considered OEM?

drockadam · 19 January 2021, 06:34 AM

Man that's a gorgeous Sub. Happy for you to have it back on the wrist!

Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tavli3

Wow that is quite the transformation, gorgeous watch! Don't think I would have lasted 16 months! I had separation anxiety when Philip had my watch for just over 2 weeks!

Confused on the bracelet, love it but thought it was a custom one when I read the name in your post but then saw the Rolex emblem on the clasp in the picture. So did Rolex have some bracelets made for them by this GF and are they considered OEM?

Gay Frères manufactured bracelets going back to the 19th century. And they are the best. When Rolex needed bracelets, that’s who they called...or telegraphed! I think, some time in the 30s. I believe GF made their first Oyster bracelet for Rolex. As for the marking, I believe they were unique to those sold in France, but I could be wrong. But, yes, they are most def legit, and actual Rolex products.

As for a watch taking two weeks, that woulda been heaven!

roh123 · 19 January 2021, 07:02 AM

Nice work and nice watch! Love the GF rivet. Very cool.

Tavli3 · 19 January 2021, 07:03 AM

Thanks for that info! Now I got the bug to find one for my 66 Gilt 5513 that I have with a 93150 bracelet. There's simply no comparison in the look between the two. But I have a feeling a Good Luck finding one response is coming my way.

BigBlue1 · 19 January 2021, 07:08 AM

Do I see chamfers? That looks really nice. Totally well done. It looks beautiful. Enjoy

kidneymd · 19 January 2021, 07:21 AM

Looks amazing! I love the puffy lume on the dial.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

narembeen · 19 January 2021, 07:40 AM

Wow! An amazing transformation. Good things come to those who wait! Now I need to learnt that lesson :)

baumare · 19 January 2021, 09:09 AM

Congratulation, very well done!

zapokee · 19 January 2021, 09:57 AM

"Before" pics: criminal
"After" pics: amazing transformation
Very well done.

Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapokee

"Before" pics: criminal
"After" pics: amazing transformation
Very well done.

I wish I could take the credit! But, cheers, my man!

Jackie Daytona · 19 January 2021, 11:38 AM

Beautiful piece. Congrats on getting it back and all done. Really great watch.

linesiders · 19 January 2021, 01:02 PM

Lookin' Good Bill Ray

Kingface66 · 19 January 2021, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linesiders

Lookin' Good Bill Ray

Feeling good, Louis!

BNA/LION · 19 January 2021, 01:10 PM

Congratulations!

emersm · 19 January 2021, 09:24 PM

Wow, your patience definitely paid off!

Congratulations on the beautiful transformation, enjoy!

1William · 19 January 2021, 09:38 PM

Congratulations. Looks great.

Woody · 19 January 2021, 09:51 PM

Big improvement, hope this will keep you satisfied with what is a lovely watch. For what it is worth, I understand that Rolex purchased Gay Frères in the late 90s.

brandrea · 19 January 2021, 10:01 PM

Nice, congratulations

cowboy music · 20 January 2021, 01:07 AM

Amazing watch! Congratulations.

Kingface66 · 20 January 2021, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

Congratulations!

Quote:

Originally Posted by emersm

Wow, your patience definitely paid off!

Congratulations on the beautiful transformation, enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1William

Congratulations. Looks great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

Big improvement, hope this will keep you satisfied with what is a lovely watch. For what it is worth, I understand that Rolex purchased Gay Frères in the late 90s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandrea

Nice, congratulations

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboy music

Amazing watch! Congratulations.

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated!

19 January 2021, 05:26 AM	#2
subx "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: usa Posts: 524	wow, the before pic is ulcer inducing indeed, but man, what a GREAT result ! is that LAWW or Rolliworks work ? new bezel, and they even fixed the crown guards too. you must be happy ! Congrats PS: lovely Bass Fire'Chicken' on your avatar :) __________________ 30 years of collecting Submariners.

19 January 2021, 05:38 AM	#7
Dan S 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 5,902	That's quite an improvement! __________________ @oldwatchdan on IG

19 January 2021, 06:34 AM	#11
drockadam "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: Pepsi. Posts: 5,749	Man that's a gorgeous Sub. Happy for you to have it back on the wrist! __________________ - Adam Instagram: @GMTSUBTIME

19 January 2021, 07:02 AM	#13
roh123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Per Location: Sweden Watch: Gilt Rolex Posts: 2,946	Nice work and nice watch! Love the GF rivet. Very cool. __________________ Instagram: @perj123

19 January 2021, 07:08 AM	#15
BigBlue1 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Real Name: Webmaster Location: Space Watch: it pal ! Posts: 2,955	Do I see chamfers? That looks really nice. Totally well done. It looks beautiful. Enjoy __________________ " Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford". Cindy Crawford Hypochondria is the only disease I haven't got RIP Mikey

19 January 2021, 05:04 AM	#1
Kingface66 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: The Empire State Watch: 1966 Rolex 5513 Posts: 3,417	Incoming...after 16 months in the shop Yes. 16 months. September of 2019, I finally reconciled with myself that I would have repaired the absolute butchering of the lugs, from a previous owner, on my 1966 5513 (#1,37X,XXX). Seriously, it was cringe-worthy how bad they were (pics of before at the bottom) and how it broke my heart looking at them, what with ruining an otherwise lovely watch, complete w glossy dial, and the Gay Frères 7206 river bracelet with a 3/66 stamp. So, off it went to the west coast. Work was delayed as business was booming out there, but I was in no rush. Then after several more delays, Covid. Then the months rolled by and things weren’t looking good with the original plan to fix the lugs. More months went by. And then...I got word. The work was done. It was a brutally hard task, and it was never going to look like it did when it left the factory. But, after 16 months, she’s home and I’m thinking “I can live with this.” And, as promised, a before and after shot of the stomach ache-inducing lugs Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________

19 January 2021, 05:34 AM	#4
aff1 Banned Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA Posts: 126	I can totally relate to that feeling especially after that much wait. Congratulations buddy.

19 January 2021, 05:35 AM	#5
Tom1675 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Real Name: Tom Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,172	Looks great! congrats on getting it back

19 January 2021, 05:37 AM	#6
Bosstime Banned Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Mars Posts: 239	The wait was worth it for sure. congrats

19 January 2021, 05:41 AM	#8
swaini3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Real Name: Mo Location: Dubai Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD Posts: 1,432	Woooow. Congrats. I would have gone nuts waiting that long. Im sure it was painful.... but the outcome is great. It does look nice. enjoy.

19 January 2021, 06:24 AM	#10
Tavli3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Real Name: Jim Location: miami Watch: GMT II 16760 Posts: 1,676	Wow that is quite the transformation, gorgeous watch! Don't think I would have lasted 16 months! I had separation anxiety when Philip had my watch for just over 2 weeks! Confused on the bracelet, love it but thought it was a custom one when I read the name in your post but then saw the Rolex emblem on the clasp in the picture. So did Rolex have some bracelets made for them by this GF and are they considered OEM?

19 January 2021, 07:03 AM	#14
Tavli3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Real Name: Jim Location: miami Watch: GMT II 16760 Posts: 1,676	Thanks for that info! Now I got the bug to find one for my 66 Gilt 5513 that I have with a 93150 bracelet. There's simply no comparison in the look between the two. But I have a feeling a Good Luck finding one response is coming my way.

19 January 2021, 07:21 AM	#16
kidneymd "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: NJ Posts: 99	Looks amazing! I love the puffy lume on the dial. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

19 January 2021, 07:40 AM	#17
narembeen Banned Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Western Australia Posts: 386	Wow! An amazing transformation. Good things come to those who wait! Now I need to learnt that lesson :)

19 January 2021, 09:09 AM	#18
baumare "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Real Name: mario Location: NY-USA Watch: Rolex 1675/8 Posts: 525	Congratulation, very well done!

19 January 2021, 09:57 AM	#19
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,344	"Before" pics: criminal "After" pics: amazing transformation Very well done.

19 January 2021, 11:38 AM	#21
Jackie Daytona 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Real Name: Brian Location: Nashville Watch: 16750 Posts: 5,811	Beautiful piece. Congrats on getting it back and all done. Really great watch. __________________ 16750 \| 6516(wife’s) \| 126334 \| 116400GV \| SBGA413 \| SRPE33 \| 126610LV

19 January 2021, 01:02 PM	#22
linesiders 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: RedSox Nation Watch: U Talkn Bout Wilis Posts: 5,424	Lookin' Good Bill Ray __________________ I'm a sailor peg. And I've lost my leg. Climbing up the top sails. I've lost my leg!

19 January 2021, 01:10 PM	#24
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,195	Congratulations! __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

19 January 2021, 09:24 PM	#25
emersm 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Merle Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,479	Wow, your patience definitely paid off! Congratulations on the beautiful transformation, enjoy!

19 January 2021, 09:38 PM	#26
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,718	Congratulations. Looks great.

19 January 2021, 09:51 PM	#27
Woody "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Africa Posts: 1,120	Big improvement, hope this will keep you satisfied with what is a lovely watch. For what it is worth, I understand that Rolex purchased Gay Frères in the late 90s.

19 January 2021, 10:01 PM	#28
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 73,651	Nice, congratulations

20 January 2021, 01:07 AM	#29
cowboy music "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Texas Watch: 5513 Posts: 133	Amazing watch! Congratulations.

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