my 1947 Rolex Bubble back needs help

[timely]

My 1947 14k bubble back model 3131 needs help. I took it to the Manhattan RSC and was told it was to old to service by Rolex. I was given a card and number for the AWCI. The Watch works great but could stand a new crystal and service. I was hoping for a great recamandation from one of your members

[Tools]

There is a Rolex service center in Lititz PA. It is run by watchmakers who may have a different opinion, or can certainly recommend a local area watchmaker..

Barring that, there is a very respectible watchmaker who specializes in Rolex restoration.. Bob Ridley at Watchmakers.com, Dallas Texas

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Originally Posted by timely

My 1947 14k bubble back model 3131 needs help. I took it to the Manhattan RSC and was told it was to old to service by Rolex. I was given a card and number for the AWCI. The Watch works great but could stand a new crystal and service. I was hoping for a great recamandation from one of your members

Glad Larry (in the Mojave Desert?!) was able to recommend repair shops for you. I'm just delighted to see a Bubbeback on this forum. That's the model I set out to buy when I started and I am still looking. Good luck with your quest for service. It would be great if you could follow up and share what you learned. Thanks for posting a Bubbleback.

RC

[topcat30093]

I have read NOTHING but good reports regarding Mr Ridley.

[Pete17]

Me too, If I was in the States he'd be my first choice after a RSC.

It pays to shop around the RSC's sometimes.
The RSC here in Oz still services models from the 50's. Not sure about a '47 bubbleback though. Might be worth sending them an email..........
Rolex Geneva would definitely service it for you.

[Elementa]

Originally Posted by Tools

There is a Rolex service center in Lititz PA. It is run by watchmakers who may have a different opinion, or can certainly recommend a local area watchmaker..

Barring that, there is a very respectible watchmaker who specializes in Rolex restoration.. Bob Ridley at Watchmakers.com, Dallas Texas

For vintage, he's your guy.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by Elementa

For vintage, he's your guy.

X2. If not you might want to contact Rolex Geneva as someone mentioned.

[timely]

The RSC in Lititz PA. has agreed to look at my Bubble back but I have to take it to a AD or back to the Manhattan RSC and have them ship it for me.

[adam78]

Bob Ridley did a wonderful mechanical restoration of my 2940 bubbleback:

(the one on the left)

[SPARTAN2161]

Bob is your guy.

[timely]

Bob Ridley did a wonderful mechanical restoration of my 2940 bubbleback:

Adam
Did Bob send you the 2 photos of your 2940 apart

[adam78]

Originally Posted by timely

Adam
Did Bob send you the 2 photos of your 2940 apart

Yep. The green background is characteristically his.

[timely]

Rolex has agreed to service my 65 year old 3131 in lititz PA. I had to take it back to Manhattan RSC since the PA RSC has no customer service counter.

[oldbronco]

my 3131 after the Bob Ridley spa treatment. how can you go wrong?