6538 sub rises again

[arguscanis]

I received my fathers 6538 submariner after he passed last year.
Needless to say, it was pretty beat up.
[img][/img]
Serviced by Rolex NYC until late seventies I think.
Service dial from 1967 I believe,[img][/img]and he also retired a 1963 C&I Oyster bracelet and replaced it with a Jubilee around then.
[img][/img]
He then had a few well meaning watchmakers tinker with it but eventually it ended up with an incorrect bezel, inset and would not run.
In early June I sent it to Bob Ridley.
Today I got it back with the following repairs.
Movement overhauled, parts replaced as necessary.
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
Case "sympathetically" refinished.
[img][/img]
Replaced existing with "Genuine" crystal, crown and case tube.
[img][/img]
[img][/img]
Nasty dial replaced with refinished one and original hands were relumed to match.
[img][/img]
Replaced bezel with appropriate aftermarket till funds and availability allow original.
Oyster bracelet endlink which was missing was replaced and fitted.
As the watch was a pretty sorry case and I only wished to preserve it I think it came out pretty nice.
Yes I know there are some out there who would question the expense and wisdom of some of these "improvements", to this I can only say "it's personal".
PS As far as I can tell the stories of Watchmakers Intl. demise are premature. Aside from regular communications (typical for a busy shop)every thing was done to my satisfaction, Bob Ridley has been a true gentleman and I would not hesitate to use his services again.
Thanks for looking![img][/img]

[mtl514]

Cool! I like the polish but the dial and hands can be better. Pm me if you want a nicer redial, try to find a fat font insert too. Lastly the crystal he used is a t-19 you need a t-17 to be 100% correct

[Wing Zero]

I hope you kept the original tropic dial and faded insert...

[Paul]

IMO there's not much that's nicer to own than an heirloom watch. Total respect too, to an owner who adds their own touch.

Can't help thinking though that a blend of the refinished dial and hands, crowned by that splendid, faded old insert might work a treat.
That may just inject a bit of vintage back into the nice old watch.

Just an opinion though from a fella who favours a rustic look .

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by Paul

IMO there's not much that's nicer to own than an heirloom watch. Total respect too, to an owner who adds their own touch.

Can't help thinking though that a blend of the refinished dial and hands, crowned by that splendid, faded old insert might work a treat.
That may just inject a bit of vintage back into the nice old watch.

Just an opinion though from a fella who favours a rustic look .

Agreed

[scooba]

I like it !,

[joli160]

Nice, wear it with pride. Great heirloom

[Vincent65]

Great restoration - looks like new, and congrats/wear with pride.

BTW - I think I would have kept the dial, hands and bezel insert as they were, and just done the rest of the service, but it looks great now anyway.

[Limey-]

Looks great. I would think about putting that tropical dial back in it personally, with the bezel insert. Awesome project. Great that the old girl gets A new life and a little piece of your dad is with you there every day !!!

[watchcrank]

At least you like it. I'd have left it as it was but I like old worn character. enjoy it.

[brandrea]

I think it looks great! Congratulations, and enjoy it

[linesiders]

Welcome back! Glad you got dad's watch back home

I think it looks fine - I am going to also suggest putting your old insert back in the watch.

[lhanddds]

Looks very nice, congrats

[arguscanis]

We had eagerly anticipated installing the insert into the replacement bezel but according to Bob it wasn't the right size.
I have all the old parts including the dial. I just felt that it was a "service" dial, it didn't say swiss, and it looked like green mold on the lume plots.
[img][/img]....that lume is just "nasty".
When we discussed the crystal he had for it and discussed whether to replace the old one, I had no reference and took his word that it was the appropriate one. At least the crystals are obtainable.
video of functioning movement
[img][/img]

[V.lats97nsx]

I would keep the original dial. No questions asked

[Ow11867]

Good read. Great story long live your Sub. Wear with pride


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[aaamax]

Absolutely terrific.
These are by far my favorite types of threads.
The watch looks great. The fact that you have the original dial (maybe the bezel insert too?) gives you the option later on should you develop a hankerin' for even more vintage flair.
Cheers to you and your dad's watch.

[waspy1]

Looks good. The dial you had wasn't a service dial, just refinished so there's no loss there. I'd be happy wearing a aged looking dial if it was original but not if it was a repaint.


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