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Alcan · 15 May 2009, 11:34 AM

A couple of years ago I acquired an old Wilsdorf & Davis pendant watch in sad shape. But, I had a feeling about it and about the history of Rolex S.A.:

1905, Wilsdorf & Davis is established in London
1908, Hans Wilsdorf registers the Tradename Rolex
1915, the Rolex Watch Company Ltd. is established
1920, the company is renamed Montres Rolex S.A
and the rest, as they say, is history.

I had the case hallmarks checked out, and it turned out that it is indeed from 1908, the same year that Wilsdorf trademarked Rolex. Had it been from 1907 or 1909 I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with this project.

I sent the watch to Bob Ridley last Fall for his opinion on the feasibility of restoring it, here's what he had to work with.

The movement didn't run, the hands and bow were missing, the crown was badly worn down, the caseback was sprung and wouldn't stay closed, and there were deep tool marks on the inner dust cover.

Bob and I spent some time discussing the restoration. The case work was substantial but do-able. Here are the results with the case and inner dust cover repaired, hinge repaired, new "onion" crown, and new bow installed.

On to the movement, it was in rough condition. At one point we discussed locating a similar movement in better shape to work with, but Bob eventually discarded that idea in favour of redoing the original movement and retaining the authenticity of the watch.

He suggested the idea of drilling out a couple of worn bushings and replacing them with jewels to improve the reliability and timekeeping, and that's what we finally settled on.

Next, a correct replacement crystal was fitted.

Finally, a set of period correct hands. I gave him free rein on this and I think he did a wonderful job choosing the blued steel hands. This project has now come to an end, and he'll be shipping it back to me next week. Working with him on this restoration was a pleasure, Bob's a real gentleman as well as being a highly skilled craftsman.

Nancy has already claimed it, so I guess my final expenditure on this one will be a sturdy silver chain so she can wear it as we think it was originally intended, as a Ladies pendant watch.

I've spent the last year or so scouring the internet for other examples of these early works, and I now think that this might be the only surviving, running 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis left.

P.S. Bob's also a heck of a photographer. Most of the images here are his.

diablojota · 15 May 2009, 11:39 AM

Oh my goodness! That is absolutely incredible! What amazing work and what a fantastic looking watch. I really like the blue hands. They just look fantastic! Congrats on restoring such a nice piece of history!

Watchdog · 15 May 2009, 11:44 AM

Fantastic!

djhiram · 15 May 2009, 11:44 AM

That is amazing. Congrats on acquiring such a historic piece!

Lol-x · 15 May 2009, 11:47 AM

Wow that is an awesome job

A really remarkable restoration.

I especially like the 'idea of drilling out a couple of worn bushings and replacing them with jewels to improve the reliability and timekeeping'.

Alcan · 15 May 2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I especially like the 'idea of drilling out a couple of worn bushings and replacing them with jewels to improve the reliability and timekeeping'.

Steve, we mulled that over for a while. On one hand, it wouldn't be historically correct. On the other, Rolex has been known to make upgrades to watches when in for service. We eventually decided that it wouldn't have a significant negative impact on the authenticity of the watch.

Z-Sub · 15 May 2009, 11:53 AM

wow....speechless..

.

Lol-x · 15 May 2009, 11:55 AM

Yes, I agree with your reasoning. It still maintains the integrity of the timepiece, but just gives it a bit of a modern day performance boost. Kind of like changing a the timing system in a motorvehicle from distributor points to electronic ignition timing

if you know what I mean.

Tools · 15 May 2009, 12:31 PM

Looks Great,,,,,

A fine addition to any watch box........................

sub2004 · 15 May 2009, 12:37 PM

Wow, that is truly awesome.

Thank you for the pics and detail of restoration.

lobo58 · 15 May 2009, 12:43 PM

Breathtaking!

Dalton · 15 May 2009, 01:23 PM

Bob is a genius, and I personally believe that his work gives some references just bit more value to the owner, and future owners.

mck22 · 15 May 2009, 02:49 PM

Wow

blackjacker2 · 15 May 2009, 02:58 PM

Thank you - what a great story and and exceptional restoration. I guess you now have a very valuable asset, although I doubt you will be selling!

topcat30093 · 15 May 2009, 03:01 PM

Beautifully and stunningly restored.

G M · 15 May 2009, 03:55 PM

Awesome restoration. Very honorable... Enjoy the piece, and may it live another 100 years!

mickeydainish · 15 May 2009, 05:15 PM

Man.... that is awesome, Al..... Very nice indeed! I do like..... Very much! :-)

buz-lh · 15 May 2009, 07:59 PM

Whoa Al, that has turned out great. BR is an artist and I know Nancy will enjoy wearing it. Well worth the wait.

Jimbits76 · 15 May 2009, 08:01 PM

Breathtaking!

J

migboy · 15 May 2009, 08:14 PM

INCREDIBLE!!!
Great job!!!

mailman · 15 May 2009, 08:29 PM

WOW...that's outstanding

Singslinger · 15 May 2009, 08:44 PM

It's a work of art! Congrats!

JimSnyder · 15 May 2009, 09:04 PM

Very nice Al. It turned out great

ronintt · 15 May 2009, 11:01 PM

Stunning, credit to your find, credit to Bob for remarkable work.

oneillba · 16 May 2009, 12:10 AM

Outstanding work. I really love to see how an ugly duckling can be turned into a swan again. Enjoy it.

jdc · 16 May 2009, 12:22 AM

great job love the blue hands

Dan Pierce · 16 May 2009, 12:22 AM

Congrats to you and Bob.

Very nice results.

I agree with your decisions about the amount of upgrading. What a beautiful watch.

dP

Alcan · 16 May 2009, 12:03 PM

Thank you everyone for your kind comments, but Bob Ridley really deserves the accolades. This was an interesting project, first researching the watch to verify its authenticity, trying to determine the scope of the restoration, locating someone to take the project on after a couple of false starts, discussing options regarding every facet of the restoration.

I'm very pleased with the results of this job. Untold hours of international phone calls and countless e-mail messages and pix culminated in what should probably be called the W&D Phoenix. This watch almost literally rose from the ashes of what it formerly was.

As I mentioned in the original post, I've not been able to locate another verified 1908 W&D watch, running or not. Mine (Nancy's

) might be the only survivor. If anybody has a lead on one, please PM me.

P.S. I have another serious milestone Rolex restoration project coming up soon. Stay tuned!

Timber Loftis · 16 May 2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Looks Great,,,,,

A fine addition to any watch box........................

Heck, it looks almost museum worthy if you ask me -- a beautiful job.

Imtiaz · 16 May 2009, 01:00 PM

Al, mate have you contacted Rolex about this find?

They are always interested in watches that have an attachement to the history of the company.

15 May 2009, 11:34 AM	#1
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	a Bob Ridley restoration of a 1908 W&D A couple of years ago I acquired an old Wilsdorf & Davis pendant watch in sad shape. But, I had a feeling about it and about the history of Rolex S.A.: 1905, Wilsdorf & Davis is established in London 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registers the Tradename Rolex 1915, the Rolex Watch Company Ltd. is established 1920, the company is renamed Montres Rolex S.A and the rest, as they say, is history. I had the case hallmarks checked out, and it turned out that it is indeed from 1908, the same year that Wilsdorf trademarked Rolex. Had it been from 1907 or 1909 I probably wouldn't have gone ahead with this project. I sent the watch to Bob Ridley last Fall for his opinion on the feasibility of restoring it, here's what he had to work with. The movement didn't run, the hands and bow were missing, the crown was badly worn down, the caseback was sprung and wouldn't stay closed, and there were deep tool marks on the inner dust cover. Bob and I spent some time discussing the restoration. The case work was substantial but do-able. Here are the results with the case and inner dust cover repaired, hinge repaired, new "onion" crown, and new bow installed. On to the movement, it was in rough condition. At one point we discussed locating a similar movement in better shape to work with, but Bob eventually discarded that idea in favour of redoing the original movement and retaining the authenticity of the watch. He suggested the idea of drilling out a couple of worn bushings and replacing them with jewels to improve the reliability and timekeeping, and that's what we finally settled on. Next, a correct replacement crystal was fitted. Finally, a set of period correct hands. I gave him free rein on this and I think he did a wonderful job choosing the blued steel hands. This project has now come to an end, and he'll be shipping it back to me next week. Working with him on this restoration was a pleasure, Bob's a real gentleman as well as being a highly skilled craftsman. Nancy has already claimed it, so I guess my final expenditure on this one will be a sturdy silver chain so she can wear it as we think it was originally intended, as a Ladies pendant watch. I've spent the last year or so scouring the internet for other examples of these early works, and I now think that this might be the only surviving, running 1908 Wilsdorf & Davis left. P.S. Bob's also a heck of a photographer. Most of the images here are his. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

15 May 2009, 11:39 AM	#2
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	Oh my goodness! That is absolutely incredible! What amazing work and what a fantastic looking watch. I really like the blue hands. They just look fantastic! Congrats on restoring such a nice piece of history! __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

15 May 2009, 11:47 AM	#5
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,564	Wow that is an awesome job A really remarkable restoration. I especially like the 'idea of drilling out a couple of worn bushings and replacing them with jewels to improve the reliability and timekeeping'. __________________ *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

15 May 2009, 11:53 AM	#7
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	wow....speechless... __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

15 May 2009, 11:55 AM	#8
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,564	Yes, I agree with your reasoning. It still maintains the integrity of the timepiece, but just gives it a bit of a modern day performance boost. Kind of like changing a the timing system in a motorvehicle from distributor points to electronic ignition timing if you know what I mean. __________________ *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

15 May 2009, 11:44 AM	#3
Watchdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Junkyard Dog Location: The Doghouse Watch: I can't tell time Posts: 6,821	Fantastic!

15 May 2009, 11:44 AM	#4
djhiram Banned Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Hiram Location: Miami, FL Watch: 16600 Sea Dweller Posts: 1,233	That is amazing. Congrats on acquiring such a historic piece!

15 May 2009, 12:31 PM	#9
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,500	Looks Great,,,,, A fine addition to any watch box........................ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

15 May 2009, 12:37 PM	#10
sub2004 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Pacific Watch: SS Daytona Posts: 643	Wow, that is truly awesome. Thank you for the pics and detail of restoration.

15 May 2009, 12:43 PM	#11
lobo58 Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Mark Location: Masschusetts Watch: Omega Planet Ocean Posts: 399	Breathtaking!

15 May 2009, 01:23 PM	#12
Dalton TechXpert Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Dal Location: Seattle Watch: 168000 Posts: 1,614	Bob is a genius, and I personally believe that his work gives some references just bit more value to the owner, and future owners.

15 May 2009, 02:49 PM	#13
mck22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brent Location: St Louis Watch: Rolex Sub Date Posts: 1,516	Wow __________________ 16610 Submariner GMT Master II 16710 1675

15 May 2009, 02:58 PM	#14
blackjacker2 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: David Location: UK Watch: 116233 Posts: 68	Thank you - what a great story and and exceptional restoration. I guess you now have a very valuable asset, although I doubt you will be selling!

15 May 2009, 03:01 PM	#15
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,449	Beautifully and stunningly restored. __________________

15 May 2009, 03:55 PM	#16
G M "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Garrett Location: Irvine, CA Watch: 16610 Posts: 130	Awesome restoration. Very honorable... Enjoy the piece, and may it live another 100 years!

15 May 2009, 05:15 PM	#17
mickeydainish Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Michael Location: LaLa Land Watch: Sub Date 16610 Posts: 1,757	Man.... that is awesome, Al..... Very nice indeed! I do like..... Very much! :-)

15 May 2009, 07:59 PM	#18
buz-lh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Buz Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Tudor Pam Posts: 5,108	Whoa Al, that has turned out great. BR is an artist and I know Nancy will enjoy wearing it. Well worth the wait. __________________ Buz The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live. Peter Diamandis

15 May 2009, 08:01 PM	#19
Jimbits76 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: UK Posts: 9,407	Breathtaking! J

15 May 2009, 08:14 PM	#20
migboy "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chicago Watch: 16610 Posts: 300	INCREDIBLE!!! Great job!!!

15 May 2009, 08:29 PM	#21
mailman TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,509	WOW...that's outstanding __________________ JJ

15 May 2009, 08:44 PM	#22
Singslinger "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: singapore Posts: 6,424	It's a work of art! Congrats!

15 May 2009, 09:04 PM	#23
JimSnyder "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Jim Snyder Location: Ohio Watch: Ask me later..... Posts: 7,725	Very nice Al. It turned out great __________________ "You ain't lived, 'til you've had your tires rotated by a red-headed women."

15 May 2009, 11:01 PM	#24
ronintt "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Garden of England Posts: 107	Stunning, credit to your find, credit to Bob for remarkable work. __________________ Rolex Daytona white face 116520 V2 Serial, Rolex GMT II C 116710 LN M serial, IWC Aquatimer Titanium IW353803, Panerai PAM 00090 (far too many straps too list!), Omega Seamaster Professional 2531.80.00, Bvlgari Diagono Aluminium AL44TAVD-SLN

16 May 2009, 12:10 AM	#25
oneillba "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Hamilton, MI USA Watch: My beloved TT DJ Posts: 3,831	Outstanding work. I really love to see how an ugly duckling can be turned into a swan again. Enjoy it. __________________ My Trusty TT DJ

16 May 2009, 12:22 AM	#26
jdc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: UK Posts: 7,023	great job love the blue hands

16 May 2009, 12:22 AM	#27
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,191	Congrats to you and Bob. Very nice results. I agree with your decisions about the amount of upgrading. What a beautiful watch. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

16 May 2009, 12:03 PM	#28
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Thank you everyone for your kind comments, but Bob Ridley really deserves the accolades. This was an interesting project, first researching the watch to verify its authenticity, trying to determine the scope of the restoration, locating someone to take the project on after a couple of false starts, discussing options regarding every facet of the restoration. I'm very pleased with the results of this job. Untold hours of international phone calls and countless e-mail messages and pix culminated in what should probably be called the W&D Phoenix. This watch almost literally rose from the ashes of what it formerly was. As I mentioned in the original post, I've not been able to locate another verified 1908 W&D watch, running or not. Mine (Nancy's ) might be the only survivor. If anybody has a lead on one, please PM me. P.S. I have another serious milestone Rolex restoration project coming up soon. Stay tuned! __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

16 May 2009, 01:00 PM	#30
Imtiaz Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: De Location: Tokyo Watch: Daytona, Sub, DS, Posts: 1,046	Al, mate have you contacted Rolex about this find? They are always interested in watches that have an attachement to the history of the company.

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