Vintage Submariner

[Old Expat Beast]

Don't take it to the Rolex Service Centre. I doubt any good could come of it as they won't help with that watch. Try and find someone in Jakarta (where you are located, I believe), by joining local Facebook or other social media groups, who is an independent Rolex specialist if you want to get it running. There should be several around.

If I recall correctly one of the first Rolex Service Centres in Southeast Asia was set up in Bandung in the 1930s, so the brand has been popular in Indonesia for almost a century.

[anthony94]

thanks for the advice guys. i’ll just get some replacement spring bars then. actually the watch is still working well and i wanted to wear it daily, but after learning about the radium, i’ll just store it somewhere. i don’t fancy being radioactive everywhere i go ��

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by anthony94

thanks for the advice guys. i’ll just get some replacement spring bars then. actually the watch is still working well and i wanted to wear it daily, but after learning about the radium, i’ll just store it somewhere. i don’t fancy being radioactive everywhere i go ��

That's your choice to make. But if you read previous threads where radiation is measured, you will find that exposure from wearing a cased 1950s Rolex is negligible.

[brandrea]

First … as others have stated you have an amazing heirloom and a very special watch there.

I’m admittedly not a vintage expert but from reading what others here have said RSC is a no go.

To the experts, isn’t there a vintage service depart at Rolex In Geneva? Wouldn’t this watch be worthy of a visit to the ultimate spa?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by brandrea

To the experts, isn’t there a vintage service depart at Rolex In Geneva? Wouldn’t this watch be worthy of a visit to the ultimate spa?

Based on the posts, I don't see that this watch needs anything special to justify that expense. My personal inclination would be to keep it with a trusted independent watchmaker with whom I have good communication.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Based on the posts, I don't see that this watch needs anything special to justify that expense.

I guess I was thinking if the OP really wants to preserve it and make it a future heirloom it might be “worth” the cost.

I assume the vintage Rolex department would also provide authentication and service papers which might add nicely to a reference of this rareness.

[Dan S]

People often think that because a watch is valuable, they need to have all work done by the factory, and they throw away thousands for no reason. I just think it's totally unnecessary and wasteful for most normal people. If you're a billionaire, then go ahead. But there are a number of independent watchmakers with equal or better training and experience who I would trust more, because I actually know who is doing the work and I'm confident that I won't have any unpleasant surprises due to poor communication and an assembly-line service process. If the OP or his heirs ever sell the watch, it will almost certainly go to auction, so service papers will have minimal value IMO. In fact, if I were buying this watch in an auction, service papers from Rolex would give me pause as to the watch's originality. I would prefer to keep this watch very lightly touched. You may feel differently.

[HunterST]

Chamfers seem a bit sharp, no?

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by HunterST

Chamfers seem a bit sharp, no?

Perhaps, but the lugs were different back then. Here is what appears to be an original 1954 Ref 6205 with unmolested case at the link in post #8. The OP's case lugs could easily be restored if desired by LAWW.

[Gaff65]

Phillip Ridley is probably fully qualified to inspect/clean up this watch.

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by Gaff65

Phillip Ridley is probably fully qualified to inspect/clean up this watch.

True, but in the OP's part of the world I think I'd send it to Michael Young.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

True, but in the OP's part of the world I think I'd send it to Michael Young.

I would try to find someone else at this time, I did not have a good experience with them recently.

At this time I would go Ridley or LAWW. Or ask for people in Indonesia.

[Styles Bitchley]

Maybe try sending a direct message to forum member Erpin (Eric), who is in the Philippines. He has an incredible vintage Rolex collection and probably knows the right people in Southeast Asia to deal with this calibre of watch (again, it is unusually special).

[hutch300]

Be very careful. This watch is valuable and special. You want it in good safe hands. I would not go telling all your friends about it either. People do crazy things... I'd talk to experienced people and even travel if needed. Might be good options in SG for you or somewhere not too far. Originality is key.

[mjolnir2thor]

If that was my father's timepiece, I'd simply get some new spring bars to make sure the watch doesn't separate from the watch-head (result in loss or damage) and simply wear it. You can change the spring-bars yourself since the tasks is easy. You mention the watch is running and keeping good time so no need to get it serviced where they may damage the watch or make unwanted modifications e.g., new bezel or change hands.

In regard to the radium on the face of your father's watch, there is a thread I started discussing the radium topic, references, and opinions from the forum. As a newbie to the vintage scene it was very helpful and assisted me in make a rational decision. There is also a link to a YouTube video provided by the Horological Society of New York, presented by Kathleen McGivney.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=876363

Enjoy the beautiful Submariner from your father... a very special timepiece!

[anthony94]

Hi guys, thank you for all the valuable advice. I'll make sure to keep the watch safe, maybe wear it occassionally. I attach some more pics of the watch. Unfortunately it's cloudy today, so I don't have one under the sunlight.

[huttobhsc]

This is giving me a vintage watch hard on.

[whatsthetime?]

Originally Posted by huttobhsc

This is giving me a vintage watch hard on.

It's quite disturbing knowing that a watch can do that.

[btinl]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hi guys, thank you for all the valuable advice. I'll make sure to keep the watch safe, maybe wear it occassionally. I attach some more pics of the watch. Unfortunately it's cloudy today, so I don't have one under the sunlight.

Very nice. Wear it well.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by anthony94

Hi guys, thank you for all the valuable advice. I'll make sure to keep the watch safe, maybe wear it occassionally. I attach some more pics of the watch. Unfortunately it's cloudy today, so I don't have one under the sunlight.

Its awesome, if its running I don't know that you need to do anything but keep it of water... Most others will disagree. If you are going to get it serviced, go to a trusted independent -just pay Ridley and rest easy.

[CaveDiver]

Rolex Service USA will open the watch before they provide any parts. Not sure about other parts of the world.