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The WatchMan · 9 October 2015, 03:20 AM

I've got a Red Submariner that I purchased back in 1971 that's never been serviced and has stopped, short.

It was a daily wear watch during my years in the military and for some years afterwards. Then I put it away, not wanting to beat it up. But it needs to see the light of day again and I want it to shine.

Where should I take it for service and/or repair? I'm thinking an RSC somewhere near the Bay Area CA. Can anyone recommend places to go or places to avoid?

Thank you for your suggestions.

brettpaul · 9 October 2015, 03:29 AM

Welcome to the forum!

You have a very nice watch for sure and one that is highly valuable and collectable to say the least. I would not take it to Rolex as they will likely want to replace the dial and hands and this us the value of the watch for a collector.

There are several Rolex trained technicians who can service your watch and make sure it retains its value - likely in the neighborhoodof USD 10,000. Post some pics if you have a chance - would love to see it!

There are also some good watch makers here on the forum (Rikki, Vanessa, and Bob to name a few)....im sure they'll chime in soon!

Speed · 9 October 2015, 03:36 AM

Bob Ridley is watchmakers.com

Folks rave about his work on vintage. Hope to have a Sub like yours someday to send to him.

The WatchMan · 9 October 2015, 03:45 AM

Thanks for the quick response! I'd really hate to lose the dial unless it could be replaced by another Red dial, but I don't think that's possible.

Unfortunately, I no longer have all the providence. I bought it at the suggestion of my commanding officer, who would buy two gold Day-Dates once a year. I thought $750 for a watch was just way too much, even for a gold Rolex. If I knew then... There's not that much collector value, but I love this watch and want to rescue it from it's previous hard life. I owe it that much!

Before I send it anywhere, I'll take some Before pics. And I hope- some brilliant after pics.

SLS · 9 October 2015, 04:22 AM

Welcome! What ever you do, do not change the dial, hands or bezel insert. As mentioned above, Bob Ridley is highly regarded for working on vintage Rolex. I have personally used Dalton Toledo at ABC watchwerks for several of my (non vintage) pieces and his work was also very good. Good luck and please post some pictures!\
Scott

miteemike3 · 9 October 2015, 05:17 AM

ABC Watchwerks is highly regarded for servicing vintage Rolex... Dalton is excellent! You might also give RSC San Francisco. I believe the Giovanni himself wears a vintage Red Submariner himself and knows what to do.

ZeKe · 9 October 2015, 05:24 AM

Hope all goes well....post pics ASAP please!
before and after.

9 October 2015, 03:20 AM	#1
The WatchMan "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Red Sub Posts: 9	Submariner Service Recommendation? I've got a Red Submariner that I purchased back in 1971 that's never been serviced and has stopped, short. It was a daily wear watch during my years in the military and for some years afterwards. Then I put it away, not wanting to beat it up. But it needs to see the light of day again and I want it to shine. Where should I take it for service and/or repair? I'm thinking an RSC somewhere near the Bay Area CA. Can anyone recommend places to go or places to avoid? Thank you for your suggestions.

9 October 2015, 03:29 AM	#2
brettpaul "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Brett Location: Bahrain, Dubai Watch: Rolex and AP Posts: 5,538	Welcome to the forum! You have a very nice watch for sure and one that is highly valuable and collectable to say the least. I would not take it to Rolex as they will likely want to replace the dial and hands and this us the value of the watch for a collector. There are several Rolex trained technicians who can service your watch and make sure it retains its value - likely in the neighborhoodof USD 10,000. Post some pics if you have a chance - would love to see it! There are also some good watch makers here on the forum (Rikki, Vanessa, and Bob to name a few)....im sure they'll chime in soon! __________________ Photostream on Instagram brett_in_bahrain

9 October 2015, 04:22 AM	#5
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Welcome! What ever you do, do not change the dial, hands or bezel insert. As mentioned above, Bob Ridley is highly regarded for working on vintage Rolex. I have personally used Dalton Toledo at ABC watchwerks for several of my (non vintage) pieces and his work was also very good. Good luck and please post some pictures!\ Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

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9 October 2015, 03:36 AM	#3
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,706	Bob Ridley is watchmakers.com Folks rave about his work on vintage. Hope to have a Sub like yours someday to send to him.

9 October 2015, 03:45 AM	#4
The WatchMan "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Red Sub Posts: 9	Thanks for the quick response! I'd really hate to lose the dial unless it could be replaced by another Red dial, but I don't think that's possible. Unfortunately, I no longer have all the providence. I bought it at the suggestion of my commanding officer, who would buy two gold Day-Dates once a year. I thought $750 for a watch was just way too much, even for a gold Rolex. If I knew then... There's not that much collector value, but I love this watch and want to rescue it from it's previous hard life. I owe it that much! Before I send it anywhere, I'll take some Before pics. And I hope- some brilliant after pics.

9 October 2015, 05:17 AM	#6
miteemike3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Mike Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: (Rolex)³ Posts: 154	ABC Watchwerks is highly regarded for servicing vintage Rolex... Dalton is excellent! You might also give RSC San Francisco. I believe the Giovanni himself wears a vintage Red Submariner himself and knows what to do.

9 October 2015, 05:24 AM	#7
ZeKe "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Texas Watch: Grandpa's Tissot Posts: 733	Hope all goes well....post pics ASAP please! before and after.

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