My fathers old Sub

[lahainabry]

Hi, My father passed recently. He had a few Rolex watches and we found this one in a safe at his home. I am writing this in hopes someone can help me with the year and if it is original or, a Frankenstein version thrown together.

Years ago, I took this to the local Rolex dealer and had it serviced (Blackman Jewelry Newport Beach, CA).
They had some information but I forgot it long ago. Here is what I believe to be true.

My father was in the Korean War and was on Subs. He eventually became a Navy Commander and retired in the late 1980's. I do not know the year of this watch.
I have no idea when he purchased it. My wife says he is wearing it in old photos from the 1960's, I don't know if I see this watch or a different style in the photo.
I removed the band to look for a model number, there is not one on the case.

I am not looking to sell this watch. I just want more information and possibly to insure if it is of value. Prior to taking to the dealer, I figured I would ask here. You guys are very good at information.

I was considering having it restored. However, I just don't know.

Mods, I am not looking to sell, just curious on the information I hope to get.

Thanks, Bryan

Thanks in advance for any information you guys might have.

Here are some photos.

https://www.amazon.com/photos/album/...T66nxgh6iRlVeQ
https://thumbnails-photos.amazon.com...A1SBE1NPBF4DNH
https://thumbnails-photos.amazon.com...A1SBE1NPBF4DNH
https://thumbnails-photos.amazon.com...A1SBE1NPBF4DNH

[JP.]

Hi Bryan. Those pic links don't work.

Use imgur.com to upload your photos.

[BisonHead]

Interested to see some pictures. Great back story to the watch.

[lahainabry]

Thanks for the heads up.
https://imgur.com/lPNgOwV
https://imgur.com/8khXcVb
https://imgur.com/OVsopDE

[brigadoonb]

Following and sorry for your loss

[Dan S]

Very sorry to hear about your father, this watch is a wonderful heirloom for you to enjoy. And a really attractive watch IMO.

Unfortunate that the reference number can't be read, but maybe if you look really closely between the lugs at both 6 and 12 o'clock, in different light under magnification, something will show up. I don't think it's all original, since the dial appears later than the case, but that definitely doesn't mean it's a franken. Rolex often installed authentic parts to replace worn parts when watches underwent standard maintenance service.

I don't think it really needs any restoration other than a standard service for the movement, keeping everything else as is.

[GGGMT]

Sorry for your loss bro. Very cool watch.


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[fusionstorm]

My condolences to the OP.

Your father’s Sub unfortunately has had a later dial and bezel insert swapped in at some point. If you’re able to safely get the bracelet off, there’s hopefully serial number and reference info still visible on the case between the lower lugs.

Best of luck with refurbishing an invaluable memento!

[lahainabry]

Thanks for the information and I appreciate the kinds words about my Father. He was quite the man and defiantly will be missed. Do you think sending the Rolex, would be the best bet for service?
I send mine to Beverly Hills in Los Angelas CA.

Thanks again,

B

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by lahainabry

Thanks for the information and I appreciate the kinds words about my Father. He was quite the man and defiantly will be missed. Do you think sending the Rolex, would be the best bet for service?
I send mine to Beverly Hills in Los Angelas CA.

Thanks again,

B

I would find a vintage specialist. Sorry for your loss. He wore this watch a lot from the shape of it, what a fantastic heirloom.


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[1904 Submariner]

Just thought I'd put the photos in the thread. Nice watch. Sorry about your dad.

[lahainabry]

Originally Posted by 1904 Submariner

Just thought I'd put the photos in the thread. Nice watch. Sorry about your dad.

Thank you!

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by lahainabry

Thanks for the information and I appreciate the kinds words about my Father. He was quite the man and defiantly will be missed. Do you think sending the Rolex, would be the best bet for service?
I send mine to Beverly Hills in Los Angelas CA.

Thanks again,

B

As someone who recently walked into the Rolex Service Center (in Beverly Hills) to ask about my vintage GMT Master 1675, I can definitely recommend that you do not, and I repeat do not, have it serviced there. They will replace literally everything on that watch, and I believe I am using that term correctly here. However, if you are in Newport you could make a day of it and take it to the Rolex place in Beverly Hills (on Wilshire Just east of Beverly) just for shits and giggles, (once you realize there will be nothing left of your original watch...) before you take it to the real experts at LA Watch Works. They know vintage watches, and will give you great advice on maintaining the original character of that gem. I took mine there for an evaluation and they were very knowledgable and very nice. If you do a search on this forum you will see some examples of their fine work. LAWW.

[Johnnie K]

So sorry about your loss. As a retired veteran, I thank your father for his service. I have a good friend who also served during Korea and have heard some pretty bad horror stories. I hope his service was without any bad issues.

Getting to the watch, It is definitely a valuable heirloom and I agree that you have a certified independent watchmaker handle the service to the watch so you can control what work will be done. I'm sure there are some very well qualified watchmakers out your way that can handle it. I found mine via the jewelry store I purchased my DJ at. Many of the reputable jewelry stores either have a qualified watchmaker on site or local where they send it.

Good luck and where the watch proudly.

[lahainabry]

Originally Posted by Johnnie K

So sorry about your loss. As a retired veteran, I thank your father for his service. I have a good friend who also served during Korea and have heard some pretty bad horror stories. I hope his service was without any bad issues.

Getting to the watch, It is definitely a valuable heirloom and I agree that you have a certified independent watchmaker handle the service to the watch so you can control what work will be done. I'm sure there are some very well qualified watchmakers out your way that can handle it. I found mine via the jewelry store I purchased my DJ at. Many of the reputable jewelry stores either have a qualified watchmaker on site or local where they send it.

Good luck and where the watch proudly.

Thank you sir, it is appreciated.

[Dan S]

Rolex will likely replace the old parts (e.g. the dial) with new ones. If you want to retain the vintage look, you should send it to an independent.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Rolex will likely replace the old parts (e.g. the dial) with new ones. If you want to retain the vintage look, you should send it to an independent.

+1. Dudes right. Don’t take the chance.


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[lahainabry]

OK, Understand. I will be on the mainland in Southern CA for 2 months, Nov and Dec. We have a home there (Newport Beach). Can anyone recommend a service center in a close proximity? (If there is one).

Thanks again,

B

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by lahainabry

OK, Understand. I will be on the mainland in Southern CA for 2 months, Nov and Dec. We have a home there (Newport Beach). Can anyone recommend a service center in a close proximity? (If there is one).

Thanks again,

B

In SoCal, LA Watchworks is widely recommended. It's in Pasadena, however, so not super-close to Newport Beach, but perhaps worth the drive to avoid shipping risk and expenses. They often have a significant backlog, so you may want to contact them in advance.

http://www.lawatchworks.com

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by lahainabry

OK, Understand. I will be on the mainland in Southern CA for 2 months, Nov and Dec. We have a home there (Newport Beach). Can anyone recommend a service center in a close proximity? (If there is one).

Thanks again,

B

Definitely RolliWorks in my opinion from experience with vintage pieces. https://www.rolliworks.com/

I would change nothing; clean case and bracelet, polish crystal, and simply service the movement. Keep it's patina and character. It'll be just like your dad wore but perfectly functioning. Don't change anything about it's aesthetics! You want an independent vintage specialist. You'll be in good hands with any of the recommendations you receive. I would stay away from a Rolex Service Center. This can be easily handled by recommendations here.

That's a fantastic piece! Your old man sounds like quite the guy.

[Dr.Smellody]

Appears to be a small crown, no crown guard model. Probably 5508 with a later 5512 dial fitted. 5508 is a 100m watch, not 200m. I personally wouldn't worry about the dial (as it is completely wrong). If you can't find a 5508 dial, I'd have no problem putting in service parts, not polishing (anymore), getting it on my wrist and wearing it in memory of your Dad.

Good luck!

[lahainabry]

Yes, he was quite the guy and is missed every second of the day. I will call and talk with the companies above. I really appreciate the kind words about my father.
Thank you for the contacts to take the watch for service.

[statsman]

Originally Posted by lahainabry

Yes, he was quite the guy and is missed every second of the day. I will call and talk with the companies above. I really appreciate the kind words about my father.
Thank you for the contacts to take the watch for service.

I’m sorry for your loss. My dad is 83 and I dread the day he is gone.

You make a great point, though. Sometimes we see posts where new dads want to buy a watch that they can pass on to their children, and they want to get one of exceptional quality or great heirloom value. They miss the point. If you’re a good enough dad, you can pass along a Timex to your child and they will treasure it.

My dad has given me his two main Watches- a Rolex 1016 and a Lord Elgin windup. I love them both, even though the 1016 has a lot more value, because I love my dad. He talks about his old Seiko he bought on the troop ship to. Vietnam, and I wish he still had that one, too!

[offrdmania]

If you ever decide to ship it off to a vintage specialist who will retain its current originality but service the watch, I would definitely recommend Philip Ridley.

https://ridleywatchmakers.com/project-gallery

[wonkka]

Just leave it alone.....the dial etc. is part of its story. Wear it in good health.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by wonkka

Just leave it alone.....the dial etc. is part of its story. Wear it in good health.

Totally - it's present configuration adds a bit of a uniqueness to it. Maybe a movement derive as some of the guys have said, and a check of the integrity of the bracelet.....just in case.....and you are good to go. Great memories!

[circles]

As others have said it may not be the original dial. It isn't much but I can tell you the dial in that watch was made between 1967 and 1976. Considering the story behind your watch if it were me I wouldn't change a thing.

Sorry about your dad. Good for you that you have something of his.

[Jackie Daytona]

It may be a little far from you, but D’s time service in San Diego has done great work for me in the past. They have been great about maintaining the originality as well. As a little back story I got my fathers old 16750 GMT that had been drowned in past and sitting a drawer for may years. My father had previously inquired about fixing it with Rolex directly and per the norm they quoted him to basically restore the entire watch at about the cost of a new GMT master at the time. I brought it to Tom at Ds time and he completely fixed everything that was wrong with it, ensuring that noting vintage that could be saved was replaced. Another time my son got ahold of my GMT master and somehow managed to hit it in such a way the material was knocked out of the GMT hand and floating around the dial. He was able to source me another GMT hand with the same patina as the rest of the watch and have it back up in no time at very reasonable prices. I still ship it to them for all work needed even though I now live back in Nashville, Tn.

[NachoNeal]

that crystal is a bit too scuffed up for my taste, even given the nature of its sentimental value.