Oysterquartz 17000 question

[Andrejkka]

Hi Everyone!
I found this Oysterquartz 17000 which is running and is advertised as unpolished. I am not sure if I believe that. I would say it is not overpolished. Can someone help me with this? Is the sticker on the back an old service sticker - which would mean Rolex polished the watch at some point? Any thoughts and opinions would be much welcome!
Thank you!
Andreja

[Tools]

If you like it, don't worry about it. Unpolished or over polished is overused.

[Andrejkka]

Originally Posted by Tools

If you like it, don't worry about it. Unpolished or over polished is overused.

Of course I like it, that's not the question.
The question is should the seller charge me a premium for an 'unpolished' piece

Andreja

[CTech]

The case back sticker looks as if it is the original one, just faded from the normal green color.

The chamfers all look very good so I think this has never had any machine polishing on either the case or the bracelet.

"Never polished" is a very general term that has different meanings to different people, and so it has become meaningless.

If they mean that it has never been polished with a rotating wheel and abrasive compound, then probably this watch complies with that definition.

Another interpretation of polishing is if a previous owner (or the selling dealer) has cleaned the watch and wiped it with a cloth to remove sweat marks, watermarks, etc., then that is polishing in the same way as one might polish a car.

You need to look at some known examples of NOS or excellent similar watches and look at every detail of every chamfer on both the case and the bracelet to determine if it meets your definition of never polished.

Here's two to get you started:

https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex...-new-old-stock

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=949205

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Andrejkka

Of course I like it, that's not the question.
The question is should the seller charge me a premium for an 'unpolished' piece

Andreja

That question was never asked.

Nobody should pay a premium for a seller stating, "never polished". Market prices are for condition. If the watch is in top condition, it should be at the top of the market range, not at the top plus some ambiguous premium.

[Andrejkka]

Originally Posted by Tools

That question was never asked.

Nobody should pay a premium for a seller stating, "never polished". Market prices are for condition. If the watch is in top condition, it should be at the top of the market range, not at the top plus some ambiguous premium.

You are right, I was not very transparent. Sorry about that

[Andrejkka]

Thank you, CTech! That's very helpful!

[Andad]

A very crisp OQ.

[Dr.Smellody]

Sharp. Love it!

[Incroyable12]

That does look unpolished.

OQ are especially susceptible to bad polish jobs because of the angular case and bracelet. Many worn examples look like they melted.

[JustinK]

Looks like a nice example to me with a sharp case.

I like the black dial!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Andrejkka

Is the sticker on the back an old service sticker - which would mean Rolex polished the watch at some point?

No. That looks like an original Rolex sticker from new, albeit worn and faded now. RSCs do not apply stickers like that during/after service.

Nice-looking piece, polished or not. The presence of the sticker could presumably mean the watch is indeed unpolished because it usually would be removed for a case-polish, but it's not definitive.

[zapokee]

The chamfers are as sharp as can be, but the hollowed-out lug holes are a tell.

I'd say it's been serviced by Rolex. Very well, mind. That shouldn't put you off it.

I had my 17000 serviced by Rolex and it was awesome, but they don't replace material that's been lost in the lug holes.

[CNDguy]

Wow that looks nice!

[Dom9]

That's lovely - do wish they'd bring back the integrated bracelet!

[996marty]

It looks nice as for the price only you can decide if it’s worth paying a premium for

[jimmypark54]

Congrats on finding the Oysterquartz 17000! It looks great. If it’s advertised as unpolished but has a service sticker, it likely means it was polished during a service. The key is that it’s not overpolished. If the edges are still sharp and the watch maintains its original lines, it’s in good shape.

[Ny325]

Classic Rolex.