RWG Technical Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alextor Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 The Zigmeister! amazing surgery you performed on this watch. Have to be honest, judging from the first picture I was not convinced of the outcome...but after reading the 'process' and looking at the mandatory wristshot...suffice to say, that was a jaw dropping moment. Congratulations. The original 5508 with no CG's is THE classic Bond sub, beautiful piece! Have a great 2007 Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted December 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Have to be honest, judging from the first picture I was not convinced of the outcome... So was I... Given the condition, the neglect, the age, and the fact it was not running at all, and then I saw the gouge in the caseback, and on the winder bridge, I thought I had thrown a lot of money away... Pay your money, take your chances, worked out this time, but the bracelet is not going to come cheap...so I still have a ways to go before it's complete. Wearing it as I type this, and not being a big rollie fan, I am warming up to it... RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longshot Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 wow! thanks for sharing that rob a cool thing once done cannot be un-done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaca22 Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 (edited) ggg Edited November 12, 2007 by vaca22 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsons Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 I was keeping my fingers crossed for you on this one, Rob. It did not look like you had much to work and as you mentioned, sourcing the correct parts may be difficult and expensive. The end result is nothing short of spectacular and I'm sure you had a lot of fun bringing this old and valuable piece of history to fully functioning order. The 5508 loooks spectacular and better yet, the watch itself is totally original. I'm sure this particular Rolex will grow on you. I recall when this watch was first discussed at length a couple of years back or so at the old RWG. That turned out to be one of the best threads I have read in these forums and a very educational read for me. I was so amazed by this post plus photos that I asked my wife to read it. I let her know that this was the Rob that brought her Longines back to life. It's a understatement to say that she was extremely happy with the result and equally impressed with the work performed on this classic Bond. All the best in the New Year! Jet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingkitesurf Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 No this is not so much about reps anymore... this forum is getting into gens... haha. I love that... Zigs how about getting a better bezel insert because it's the only part that looks not restored now... Great watch... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Wow... I am at a complete loss of words! What a difference from start to finish! The sympathetic restoration of this piece is a true work of art. Excellent, as always! BTW- I am on the hunt for your bracelet... And a bezel insert as well. I'll let you know what comes of the search Enjoy that beauty! Best, R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s-o-w-m Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 cool...too cool to be true..... ..........good job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted December 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Wow... I am at a complete loss of words! What a difference from start to finish! The sympathetic restoration of this piece is a true work of art. Excellent, as always! BTW- I am on the hunt for your bracelet... And a bezel insert as well. I'll let you know what comes of the search Enjoy that beauty! Best, R Excellent, let me know if you find one... On the El Primero, I have been giving it the "Evil" eye for the past 10 days, and studying it, just like a boxer psyching himself up before the big fight, I think I am going to be ready to tear this one down over the weekend... and you thought the new Rocky was good... "...it ain't over till it's over"... RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted December 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 I was keeping my fingers crossed for you on this one, Rob. It did not look like you had much to work and as you mentioned, sourcing the correct parts may be difficult and expensive. The end result is nothing short of spectacular and I'm sure you had a lot of fun bringing this old and valuable piece of history to fully functioning order. The 5508 loooks spectacular and better yet, the watch itself is totally original. I'm sure this particular Rolex will grow on you. I recall when this watch was first discussed at length a couple of years back or so at the old RWG. That turned out to be one of the best threads I have read in these forum and a very educational read for me. I was so amazed by this post plus photos that I asked my wife to read it. I let her know that this was the Rob that brought her Longines back to life. It's a understatement to say that she was extremely happy with the result and equally impressed with the work performed on this classic Bond. All the best in the New Year! Jet Thanks for the kind words. I am also glad that your wife likes the results of the Longines service, it was a challenge due to it's small size. Jen and I are planning a trip to the big Fruit (or is it Apple, I can't remember) in the new year/spring, we will get together for sure... All the best in 2007 from both of us. RG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 On the El Primero, I have been giving it the "Evil" eye for the past 10 days, and studying it, just like a boxer psyching himself up before the big fight, I think I am going to be ready to tear this one down over the weekend... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Simply: wow. Don't let the original owner see the finished product - especially after Randy locates the insert and bracelet. The guy is going to have some serious seller's remorse! And I was even surprised an original owner would sell this piece in the first place. But at least he can take comfort in knowing it went to a good home, and that it looks great on its new wrist!! Congrats again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defender110 Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 absolutely Amazing. and this is the best part.. and I quote: "... and I hope you enjoyed the review as much as I enjoyed doing this up." I love the techinical articles.. this is one superb post. congrats on the wonderfully accomplished project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Stunning. Really nothing else to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertk Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 The Zigmeister, what an amazing job of resurrecting a beautiful watch. You're work is an inspiration.I happen to have an original '66 Bond I picked up a several years ago and appreciate the work you've put into it. I'll keep a look out for an original bracelet for you. Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cucumber_Jones Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Wow Rob, this looke great. Wear it in great health! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubiquitous Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Rob- Found some items which may be of interest Let me know what you think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewightstuff Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 absolutely beautiful. id have been disappointed with anything less congrats on a great job and in keeping the character that made it so special in the first place. wait a year and you should be able to retire off of it lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenMc Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Sorry Rob, but the outcome was not exactly a cliffhanger for me...we've come to expect this type of thing. Now if you were to do this work with a cold & 2 sick kids...well that would be God-like. Actually the timing performance is the amazing part, quartz levels IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 another beauty saved. Well done Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted December 27, 2006 Report Share Posted December 27, 2006 Outstanding job Z. And congrats for the watch... it's a great investment for sure. I know how valuable these Bond Subs have become. For a moment I thought the first pic was of Nanuq's Sub. PS: I love these breakdowns and restoration reviews. I've read every single one of them many times over and over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted December 28, 2006 Report Share Posted December 28, 2006 Rob, amazing craftsmanship, as usual. Now, do us all a favour and slap that bad boy on a $15 grey and black NATO strap. You know you want to. Come on, it has to be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertrinaustin Posted December 28, 2006 Report Share Posted December 28, 2006 Great job Rob! I would love to find one for you to do similar work on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M5Man Posted December 28, 2006 Report Share Posted December 28, 2006 Hey Z, AMAZING restoration, I am further convinced that you are one of the last masters of the dying art of watchmaking. I thought you might find this interesting.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ROLEX-VINTAGE-SUBMARIN...1QQcmdZViewItem I think your dial is significantly better than this one, with a new bezel insert I would imagine it's worth more than this one..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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