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bobridley · 5 May 2008, 12:51 PM

This two toned Sub came to me for service and after an examine, I found the 1680 to be a little overdressed. For those who may not understand, this model was designed to be a steel version of the Rolex Submariner instead of a steel & gold version of the same. (BTW, the dial, and hands were generic parts). The bracelet was apparently made from a variety of bracelets; both steel and gold, in order to morph into a complete bracelet.

Therefore, with an agreement from the owner who knew no better and was delighted with the plan, we decided to "throw out the bath water and save the baby". What an enjoyment it was to bring this baby back to her rightful place.

Below are some before & after pictures.

Regards, Bob Ridley

karmatp · 5 May 2008, 12:54 PM

Very interesting, nice work by you. Where do you work ?

bobridley · 5 May 2008, 01:01 PM

Hello Trevor,

You may go to our web site to find additional information.
I should probably add this information to my signature. Thank you

Best regards, Bob Ridley

Bob Ridley Certified Horologist
Watchmakers International
Arlington, Texas USA
817.276.1400, 1.888.250.2121
www.watchmakers.com

Tools · 5 May 2008, 01:02 PM

Great transformation Bob.

It gives me a thrill to see an abused, or at least poorly accessorized watch, rescued .

Keep those great pieces coming..

...........

Tools · 5 May 2008, 01:35 PM

Bob,

As I review those before shots some more, I notice that the lug holes show quite a bit of wear and corrosion or degradation.

Did the restoration include any work on the lugs, or was this a pretty straight forward return to original configuration ?

Rolex_07 · 5 May 2008, 01:36 PM

What are you going to do about the bracelet?

bobridley · 5 May 2008, 01:50 PM

Regarding the lugs, it was the latter of the two. While the corrosion was removed, the lugs did remain with integrity, structurally speaking and therefore, there was not a "proceed" for lug restoration.

Regarding the bracelet, my commission was to service the case w/movement; what the owner will eventually decide on with the band/strap options, only time will tell.

Regards, Bob

bsodmike · 5 May 2008, 02:14 PM

Bob, that is fantastic work...I now know who to contact when the RSC stops accepting any of my pieces.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing more of your 'restoration' posts :)

ashu2289 · 5 May 2008, 02:32 PM

Excellent work there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jamesw · 5 May 2008, 02:37 PM

Great work. Nice to see that 1680 back to its original state.

Marrk · 5 May 2008, 02:48 PM

Beautiful work, indeed.

If I may ask, how did you come to find a new tritium dial?

Regards,

Marrk

Wolfgang427 · 5 May 2008, 03:07 PM

Excellent work Bob as always.

Glad to see you venture out from the VRF.

topcat30093 · 5 May 2008, 03:26 PM

Wow,what a difference

marshallr47 · 5 May 2008, 04:07 PM

You do some amazing work Bob. Thanks.

SPACE-DWELLER · 5 May 2008, 05:20 PM

Excellent work, Bob!

To think that a person could even dream of modifying such a nice Rolex so dramatically!

Good call it was brought back to original specs!

Magik · 5 May 2008, 05:23 PM

Job well done. To think you saved that piece of history and made it right again. Terrific.

mike · 5 May 2008, 06:14 PM

Just fantastic work Bob.

Thani · 5 May 2008, 06:17 PM

nice work

SPACE-DWELLER · 5 May 2008, 06:26 PM

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