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skrtskrt · 31 March 2018, 07:36 PM

Hello,

I'm in possession of my grandfather's Rolex Submariner 6538 that was bought in 1958.

As you can see the bezel is missing and the crystal is quite scratched. The face and hands appear to be in quite poor condition too. Bracelet is ref number 9315 and I still have the original receipt.

I was wondering how to go about getting it restored, and if it was possible to replace any parts with parts from that year, and possibly a value estimate.

I'm based in Australia.

Thanks

Lol-x · 31 March 2018, 07:49 PM

That is fixable.
The biggest problem is the bezel & insert, the restoration of the rest of the watch should not be significantly difficult. But I'm not talking about replacement or re-dialing the dial. Hands may be refurbished.
You need to get the right guy to do it.
Someone like Bob Ridley or Rikki would be my best bet.

watchlovr · 31 March 2018, 08:09 PM

Just take your time, take advice and ask questions.
DO NOT get the dial/hands changed, and be very careful of any case polishing.
(if you are concerned about the value), as case polishing and messing with dial/hands on vintage Rolex will reduce the value by 50-75%
There are renowned world experts in restoring vintage Rolex but none I know of in Aus.

The bracelet is not original to the watch but (if genuine) will be valuable on its own.
The watch is already very valuable and its value can be increased if you are careful. (Potentially it is a £90k GBP + watch)

themaninblack · 31 March 2018, 09:54 PM

PM sent.

greekbum · 31 March 2018, 11:03 PM

Thats a very rare and valuable watch worth imho well over 100k maybe even over 200k if you have all the original paperwork. If your plan is to ever sell it do not touch it and sell it as is. You have nothing at all to gain and everything to loose if you touch it. If your plan is to keep it its an easy fix. The movement is a 1030 caliber and an decent watchmaker can service it. The correct bezel and insert will set you back at todays market price from 15-30k USD.If it was my watch all i would do is a movement service and add the bezel. Be very careful who you let touch this as 75-80% of its value is the dial.

Filipão · 8 April 2018, 05:26 AM

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, missing the pearl)

31 March 2018, 07:36 PM	#1
skrtskrt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Australia Posts: 1	Help with restoring 6538 Hello, I'm in possession of my grandfather's Rolex Submariner 6538 that was bought in 1958. As you can see the bezel is missing and the crystal is quite scratched. The face and hands appear to be in quite poor condition too. Bracelet is ref number 9315 and I still have the original receipt. I was wondering how to go about getting it restored, and if it was possible to replace any parts with parts from that year, and possibly a value estimate. I'm based in Australia. Thanks Attached Images

31 March 2018, 07:49 PM	#2
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,589	That is fixable. The biggest problem is the bezel & insert, the restoration of the rest of the watch should not be significantly difficult. But I'm not talking about replacement or re-dialing the dial. Hands may be refurbished. You need to get the right guy to do it. Someone like Bob Ridley or Rikki would be my best bet. __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

31 March 2018, 11:03 PM	#5
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,418	Thats a very rare and valuable watch worth imho well over 100k maybe even over 200k if you have all the original paperwork. If your plan is to ever sell it do not touch it and sell it as is. You have nothing at all to gain and everything to loose if you touch it. If your plan is to keep it its an easy fix. The movement is a 1030 caliber and an decent watchmaker can service it. The correct bezel and insert will set you back at todays market price from 15-30k USD.If it was my watch all i would do is a movement service and add the bezel. Be very careful who you let touch this as 75-80% of its value is the dial. __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

31 March 2018, 08:09 PM	#3
watchlovr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: UK Posts: 253	Just take your time, take advice and ask questions. DO NOT get the dial/hands changed, and be very careful of any case polishing. (if you are concerned about the value), as case polishing and messing with dial/hands on vintage Rolex will reduce the value by 50-75% There are renowned world experts in restoring vintage Rolex but none I know of in Aus. The bracelet is not original to the watch but (if genuine) will be valuable on its own. The watch is already very valuable and its value can be increased if you are careful. (Potentially it is a £90k GBP + watch)

31 March 2018, 09:54 PM	#4
themaninblack "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Australia Posts: 1,058	PM sent.

8 April 2018, 05:26 AM	#6
Filipão "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Filipe Location: Lisbon & Wadesdah Watch: Never too many Posts: 1,898	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, missing the pearl)

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