6538/0 retaining ring + dial

[Filipão]

Hello Gentlemen, my late father's 6538/0 (his from new in 1958) has had the retaining ring broken and had moisture inside for a few days.

This said, the already discolored dial (very brownish) was further damaged.

1 - Retaining ring: No longer available. Where can I get one?

2 - Dial: Should I replace it for a repop?

I have no financial means to invest on a better dial.

Thank you experts!
Filipão

P.S. I do have too a double red 1665 + 1675 + 5508 (5508 as new, untouched,

[Filipão]

Gentlemen, here are some pictures as per your requests.
Thank you so much for your help,
Filipe

[watchcrank]

Interesting but that is not really much proof. Who knows who typed that on a non Rolex letter. And wouldn’t make much difference to any valuation imho. If you know it’s part of history then fine that’s all you need to know.
As to dial I would not touch it in any way. Hands and bezel insert newer & could be replaced as funds available. Wear it with pride & it’s history proudly. M

the retaining rings pop up on the Bay time to time & as much as it pains me some aftermarket ones will work with adjustment from competent watchmaker.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by watchcrank

Interesting but that is not really much proof. Who knows who typed that on a non Rolex letter. And wouldn’t make much difference to any valuation imho. If you know it’s part of history then fine that’s all you need to know.
As to dial I would not touch it in any way. Hands and bezel insert newer & could be replaced as funds available. Wear it with pride & it’s history proudly. M

The letter you're referring to was a Rolex fax in reply to my own query. I don't have or need to prove anything at all, let alone a production date that can be confirmed by anyone anytime. Thank you for your kind advice, Filipe de Menezes

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Filipão

The letter you're referring to was a Rolex fax in reply to my own query. I don't have or need to prove anything at all, let alone a production date that can be confirmed by anyone anytime. Thank you for your kind advice, Filipe de Menezes

[Mike Wood]

Hello Filipe,

Congratulations, you have a great trio of watches!

The dial in your 6538 looks so honest, I don't think you should even consider changing it. Enjoy its history!

Is the bezel retaining ring still there? Perhaps it can be laser-welded by a skilled jeweller. The rings do come along, but sometimes it is a matter of being patient...

I'd love to see your 5508.

MW

:-)