Experience with AP polishing?

[sportsfan0704]

What is everyones experience been with having AP polis their watch? I am located in USA, so presumably it would go to Florida for polishing. I've also heard AP does not weld fwiw.

[APhound]

Ya Clearwater will do it. I wouldn’t let anyone else do it besides AP. I had a royal oak polished and then got an annoying scratch I wanted them to polish but since they will only polish the entire watch and not one particular area they advised against polishing it again, so I’ll wait until it’s way more beat up to do it again. I think it’s around 5-600$ bucks the way.


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[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by APhound

Ya Clearwater will do it. I wouldn’t let anyone else do it besides AP. I had a royal oak polished and then got an annoying scratch I wanted them to polish but since they will only polish the entire watch and not one particular area they advised against polishing it again, so I’ll wait until it’s way more beat up to do it again. I think it’s around 5-600$ bucks the way.


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Are they generally regarded as good with polishing? I know for example some RSC are better than others with this stuff

[mickyd329]

I've had numerous watches polished by APSC in Clearwater over the years. ROO'S to RO's. They do a great job. You don't need to worry.

[sportsfan0704]

Has anyone had them do any welding?


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[Il-Re]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

Has anyone had them do any welding?


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Do AP do welding?

[zentts]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

Has anyone had them do any welding?


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I was told by a watch dealer they do laser welding


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[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by Il-Re

Do AP do welding?

That’s my question


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[sportsfan0704]

I just spoke to AP. No welding. But that is at odds with this article: https://professionalwatches.com/a-st...ctory-service/


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[jgottsman11]

I've owned two AP RO watches that just came back from AP service and polish and both looked extremely sharp and brand new if i wasn't told otherwise

[SN2354]

My friend just polished theirs, looks great, but $700! I did not understand why they did it either watch was only a year old.

[J.T.]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I just spoke to AP. No welding. But that is at odds with this article: https://professionalwatches.com/a-st...ctory-service/


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They will laser weld in certain circumstances that they decide. It's not an across the board policy to laser weld each and every watch that comes in for service.

[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by J.T.

They will laser weld in certain circumstances that they decide. It's not an across the board policy to laser weld each and every watch that comes in for service.

Of course not every watch needs it. Mine does. But they said they won’t do it. They will only polish as much as they can and call it a day.


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[mickyd329]

They've laser welded a bezel on an ROO for me in the past.

[J.T.]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

Of course not every watch needs it. Mine does. But they said they won’t do it. They will only polish as much as they can and call it a day.

As I said "They will laser weld in certain circumstances that they decide", your case does not warrant that, apparently. I personally saw the laser welding machine there during my tour and also had some welding done on a damaged WG piece recently so it is a case by case basis.

[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by J.T.

As I said "They will laser weld in certain circumstances that they decide", your case does not warrant that, apparently. I personally saw the laser welding machine there during my tour and also had some welding done on a damaged WG piece recently so it is a case by case basis.

To be fair, I hope this is the case. They haven’t looked at my watch. I simply asked if they do this at all if it’s needed and they said no.


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[J.T.]

What reference/model are you sending? Unless it is vintage or unique in some way don't get your hopes up with welding. They will however polish it and make it look great.

[Tomas Eriksson]

I sent my 26470or to service last year and it had numerous dents and it came back sharp without any to me noticeable loss off material. If the watch hasn't had a bad polish previously or have a really deep dent I wouldn't worry.

[sportsfan0704]

Originally Posted by J.T.

What reference/model are you sending? Unless it is vintage or unique in some way don't get your hopes up with welding. They will however polish it and make it look great.

I want to send in my Edward piguet. It has a ruff scuff on the back (in addition to normal wear along the front and sides of the case)
along with minor dings. Any insight on if this would need some welding or come out with polishing?


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[nazarian]

Anyone with any recent experience with refinishing older models like the 4100-14790. Any general thoughts?

I’m being told that the movement needs to be upgraded with any refinishing work, I’m
Conflicted.

[overgrower]

I sent in a 14790 to APNA this year and had a complete maintenance service and a refinishing of case and bracelet. I was told a movement upgrade is only suggested if they deem it necessary.

[T.Stanley]

Originally Posted by overgrower

I sent in a 14790 to APNA this year and had a complete maintenance service and a refinishing of case and bracelet. I was told a movement upgrade is only suggested if they deem it necessary.

What is your opinion on results of APNA's refinishing of the case and bracelet? Was it a light refinishing or was in need of laser welding/dent repair?

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by sportsfan0704

I just spoke to AP. No welding. But that is at odds with this article: https://professionalwatches.com/a-st...ctory-service/


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I've had laser welding done by APSC on a bezel in the past. Not sure that has changed since then.

[In-N-Out]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

I've had laser welding done by APSC on a bezel in the past. Not sure that has changed since then.

I contacted Clearwater to ask about laser welding on my 26240st case. They told me they don’t do laser welding. This was in May or June this year

[rrrholdings]

I Think AP/Clearwater has changed a bunch over the past few years.

[WatchEater666]

Only let AP polish. IMO there are so many clearly botched half assed polished ROs floating around… don’t let your watch become one.

[SpeedyTuomas]

Out of curiosity, why don't they laser weld? If you get an annoying ding on the case I dont want it polished but first welded and then polished. Seems lazy?

[J.T.]

Originally Posted by SpeedyTuomas

Out of curiosity, why don't they laser weld? If you get an annoying ding on the case I dont want it polished but first welded and then polished. Seems lazy?

Because they would rather sell a replacement part if/when possible as it is more profitable and quicker. Can't blame them honestly.

[rrrholdings]

I’ve used AP in the past. Quality of the work was superb, my only issue was that it took a very long time.

I’m thinking of trying out Bennisson watch repair the next time I have to send something in for a polish.


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[Il-Re]

AP are good but I have noticed some bad QC, a dial time polished by them in a dealer had the two vertical lines on the side of the case not lining up with the bezel, was pretty bad, usually they’re pretty good. Speaking for Europe there is watchsspa, his work is incredible I’d argue he maybe does a better job than AP because he is so meticulous and careful, there’s also perri watch repair in London they have some great examples of royal oaks they have done.