1979 Tudor Submariner Snowflake Restoration - Round Two!

[ATX]

Let's try this again, can't seem to edit the original post.

This has been a long time coming for me...

I should lead with the fact that I am a long time (15+ year) forum participant in the auto world. The first thing I checked when looking to have the watch restored was Rolex forums, y'all didn't disappoint!

Onto the watch. Purchased originally by my Opa (mother is German) while working for a Rolex dealer. My father was at the time studying to be a horologist and working for the same dealer, my mother came in to visit her dad one day... As they say, the rest is history. Opa gave it to my father who gave it to me. I always loved the watch and even started my sales career at the very same Rolex dealer. I actually owned a 2004 Rolex Submariner employee "gift" (engraved by Rolex) from my time with the dealer that sadly had to go during college. I do miss that watch but this one means so much more to me and I can't wait to see it restored.

At some point in time before my dad received it the bracelet was upgraded to what I believe is the gen 2 oyster. It has been serviced a few times by Rolex, last go round they lacked the parts to finish the repairs fully. They put her back together but the manual wind was not working. Rolex recommended a few places and my dad just did not get around to sending it out. WI promises they have the proper parts NOS. Guess he figured now that it needs a full overhaul it's time to pass the torch









To Do List....
- New Crystal
- Refinish band and case
- Repair second hand snowflake
- Repair manual wind
- Overhaul movement (sticking date, inconsistent actuation from crown etc.)

Dial and bezel are original and clean, band and case show wear but there are no large scratches or missing chunks. WI said they can repair the second hand and reinforce the others so they do not degrade. All and all the watch is a clean but worn example.

Considering I am Austin based, Bob & Phillip Ridley in Arlington made perfect sense, and, as soon as I got on the phone with them I felt comfortable. Phillip knew the watch and I really appreciated that. Sounds like his son has started working with him or has that always been the case?

I would love to learn more about this era of Tudor watches. They seem to be a pretty unique example. I worked at said dealer from 2000-2004 which if I recall was right around the time they tried to revive Tudor. I think they had just released the colorful Tiger Woods edition, didn't sell, why not just spend a bit more and go Rolex? I don't recall if they pulled back the brand at that point or if our rep finally just cut us a break, haha.

This thing seems to be an entirely different beast. I know the bracelet is updated, did the Original have the Rolex or Tudor marking? I also find it interesting that the entire watch, sans the dial is, marked Rolex, crown and case back included. Is this literally a Rolex Submariner with a Tudor dial? If so, why? Opa passed in '98 or I would ask him myself ;)

[Gina Marie]

Pics?

[ATX]

Let's try attaching them to the thread itself, apparently google images no longer likes hot linking.

[Gina Marie]

love it...case is fat. would love to see a new acrylic on there...

[ATX]

Originally Posted by Gina Marie

love it...case is fat. would love to see a new acrylic on there...

Thank you, I can't wait to see her cleaned up. Here is a list of what WI will be doing on the watch.

- Cleaning / Oil / Regulate Service
- Autowind - Devise Bridge jewels, Reverser Wheels, Intermediate Wheels
- Mainspring
- Train Wheel Parts-Rachet Wheel
- Hands- Complete the Sweep Hand
- Bezel Services - Calibrate
- Case Tube
- Crown
- Crystal
- Gasket
- Refinish - Optional Slight Enhance
- Repair Bracelet- Stabilize Blade Pin and Adjust Clasp
- Waterproof Test

I won't have seen the watch this clean in my lifetime. Seem like we are missing anything?

[Gina Marie]

don't touch the case. nice enough already. all else do.

[SAAS]

Originally Posted by Gina Marie

don't touch the case. nice enough already. all else do.

This. Case appears to be in great shape. I wouldn't polish a family heirloom all those little marks are part of the life of the watch and person who wore it. Ultimately do what makes you happy

[SAAS]

And congrats beautiful watch!

[harry in montreal]

I love it as it is. Get a pack of polywatch at a swatch boutique!

[Jeffwb65]

I had an identical Blue Tudor Submariner in the late 80s-early 90s. Bought mine new from an AD. At the time (Feb. 1987) I didn't know it was a discontinued version that had been in the showcase for years. It had the very same case as a Rolex Sub, but with the obvious engraving on the back for the Tudor. The bracelet was marked with Rolex, inside the clasp etc., but with the Tudor Shield on the clasp. My folded link bracelet got stretched too much within a year (it was a tool watch, not jewelry) and I replaced it with a solid link Rolex bracelet. From what I was told, they were identical to Rolex Subs in all aspects except the dial and movement, which was sourced from ETA. I wish I'd never sold mine back then, but I had a back injury and couldn't work and needed the money. Preserve Yours as much as possible, and enjoy it forever.

[ATX]

I appreciate the feedback and details, one of the reasons I love these communities, enormous amounts of knowledge. I have enjoyed reading through threads, although now I really want a Pepsi GMT even more.

Y'all got me on the case, I asked Phillip to leave it as is, I blamed the forum ;) It does makes sense as I don't believe the case has been polished in the past. If is was, it was not much, there are some nicks but the shape and edges have been maintained.

WI offered to document the entire overhaul via photos, I will be sharing these as they arrive. Paid my deposit and approved the repairs, lead time is around three weeks at the moment, I am excited but not in a rush.

[ATX]

Updates from Phillip.

[ATX]

The rest.

[harry in montreal]

Nice dial. Lots of old sweat-butter under the bezel!

[ATX]

Oh yeah, she was a dirty girl, WAS!

Happy to say the watch arrived yesterday and I am totally blown away with the results. I made one change that I will actually have Phillip swap back and that is the T19 crystal. Phillip called and gave me the option of a crystal with or without a cyclops. I honestly prefer the watch without and because it will be a daily wearer that is just one spot more prone to scratches. Both were RSC and direct fit so I went T19.

I neglected to ask if there were any other differences with the T19. When it arrived I was blown away but felt like something wasn't quite the same. I looked at the profile and realized this is around half the height of the 25-125. I really love the cleaner look, but, the taller crystal was a favorite design element of mine. The T39 may be an option but I don't know if it is too tall.

I will post some additional photos later, until then here is a quick shot.

[1675-David]

looks stunning!!

[gsg]

Did they relume the seconds hand, it matches nicely the other two.
Also, did you request that they stabilize the tritium on the minute and hour hand? if so, good result, the color shade is not any darker than before the service.

[ATX]

Originally Posted by gsg

Did they relume the seconds hand, it matches nicely the other two.
Also, did you request that they stabilize the tritium on the minute and hour hand? if so, good result, the color shade is not any darker than before the service.

Yes to both questions! I decided to take the leap after Phillip guaranteed he could match the color. I was honestly surprised how well they turned out, I can't notice a difference with the naked eye. The above photo has some sunlight coming through my blinds, it's even better in person.

[Wing Zero]

Do what I did.

Sand the cyclops off the 125

[ATX]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Do what I did.

Sand the cyclops off the 125

Hot damn, not a bad idea at all! I really do prefer the crystal sans cyclops. Beautiful watch.

[Wing Zero]

Thanks. Start with an diamond file to reduce the cyclops fast. Then use 200 - 2000 grit sand paper to get it level. Then polywatch/toothpaste for the final polish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ATX]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Thanks. Start with an diamond file to reduce the cyclops fast. Then use 200 - 2000 grit sand paper to get it level. Then polywatch/toothpaste for the final polish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For once I won't have to DIY something :)

Phillip just confirmed he is happy to do it, he ordered the new 125 and my wife and I will drive up to Arlington to have him swap it out along with the proper Rolex crown.

Thank you again for the idea, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[WatchingAustin]

beautiful! I'm in Austin too - I haven't found any good places for watches yet!

[ATX]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I love it as it is. Get a pack of polywatch at a swatch boutique!

I actually would have kept the original crystal had it not been so damaged. It was beginning to show micro fractures and there were a number of flat spots from polishing. Phillip commented that it was one of the more "angular" crystal he has seen, haha.

I am VERY glad I did not have the case refinished, while I have no doubt Phillip would have done an amazing job, y'all got me with the memories. I really enjoy that I am the third generation to wear this watch.

I won't lie, I find myself looking at the watch every chance I get.

[ATX]

Originally Posted by WatchingAustin

beautiful! I'm in Austin too - I haven't found any good places for watches yet!

I don't think we have any good shops here in Austin. That said, I do plan to start looking for Rolex/Tudor watches at local estate sales along with my hunt for MCM furniture.

[Wing Zero]

Originally Posted by ATX

For once I won't have to DIY something :)



Phillip just confirmed he is happy to do it, he ordered the new 125 and my wife and I will drive up to Arlington to have him swap it out along with the proper Rolex crown.



Thank you again for the idea, this is exactly what I was looking for.

Awesome.
Would love to see the finished product.
Please post some pictures when you get her back


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ATX]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Awesome.
Would love to see the finished product.
Please post some pictures when you get her back


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I will make sure to post up pics!

I do have a question for the forum... I really like the roulette date discs that came with these watches, I would even be ok with an all red version. For the life of me I can't find anything. The ETA 2784 is the only movement I just can't find anything for, not even a solid parts list.

For whatever reason every single movement in the world seems to have parts lists available aside from this 2784. I am honestly just trying to find out what date wheels are compatible with the 2784, any other options?

I will admit, now I am just on a mission to find info about this movement.

[ATX]

Scheduling got in the way and I was really enjoying wearing the watch so I went ahead and sent it back to Phillip for the crystal and proper Rolex crown. I missed that big top hat crystal.

Photos to come!

On another note, my wife fell in love with a 31mm SS/WG DJ w/ BDD (did I get my acronyms correct? ) We both really loved the new hidden crown clasp, last time I was selling these that was a presidential only option.

Watch is on hold awaiting wire transfer, purchased here on TRF from briboxer. So far so good! I will make a post in the modern forum.

[ATX]

Ended up just sending it back as I was too busy. Proper Rolex crown and T125 crystal ( I kept the cyclops, will buy a second to play with.

Couldn't be happier about it. No polishing, bit, I did have Phillip brush the case tops a bit. They were naturally high polish, haha. Looks perfect.

[sensui]

Beautiful results.