Polishing Lugs

[raskal83]

So I've been reading the forums a lot and notice people are always giving the pros and cons of leaving superficial scratches alone versus getting a light polishing. So here are my questions....

1) What happens when there is over-polishing through the years and the lugs and sides of the case become extremely narrow/thin? Can you purchase a new case and if so much? Or are you just out of luck and your watch is finished?

2) I've noticed that due to varying degrees of polishing the lugs might not be symmetrical, but is that due to a poor watchmaker or unauthorized AD doing the work? I would hope that a RSC would be able to keep it symmetrical and keep it the same shape as the original.

[rolexpawn]

I like a vintage Rolex to be left alone and only a light polish, that is what I do to my Rolex, buff it once a month lightly keeping it in excellent condition.

[slcbbrown]

Prefer to have my watches polished at service time. They always look a lot nicer after a good buffing.

[HL65]

Leave them alone--why take the metal off. A worn watch is a watch with character....
But to each his own....

[hennabav]

I prefer completely unpolished pieces.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Leave them alone--why take the metal off. A worn watch is a watch with character....
But to each his own....

Originally Posted by hennabav

I prefer completely unpolished pieces.

unpolished, original lines

Originally Posted by raskal83

So I've been reading the forums a lot and notice people are always giving the pros and cons of leaving superficial scratches alone versus getting a light polishing. So here are my questions....

1) What happens when there is over-polishing through the years and the lugs and sides of the case become extremely narrow/thin? Can you purchase a new case and if so much? Or are you just out of luck and your watch is finished?

2) I've noticed that due to varying degrees of polishing the lugs might not be symmetrical, but is that due to a poor watchmaker or unauthorized AD doing the work? I would hope that a RSC would be able to keep it symmetrical and keep it the same shape as the original.

1-a new case can be purchased (not sure of requirements aside from a defect) but the new "case frame" will cost you! recent quote was upwards of $2000 for a modern submariner (m serial)

2-sometimes the asymmetry comes directly from rolex,
ie.lug holes not lined up.

[astrazen]

With my Sub I have now accepted the scuffs and I like how the watch looks.

Very different with my Daytona which love to look as new. Give it a quick polish with a Cape Cod cloth every so often.

[tkc324]

I dont polish my watch at all... I dont want to take any more metal off then necessary. If I ever decide to sell my watches, the next owner can have the choice of polishing it or leave it as is. All watches will end up with scratches and dings anyways.

[Johny]

unpolished for me.

[al_bongo]

Prefer unpolished. Over polishing and the sharp edges of the case become poorly defined and most of all with the subs/GMTs you can see a smoothing out of the bezel edges.

It's not so relevant since the bracelets may have been changed but you can see the effect of "light polishing" on the Rolex emblem on the clasp - some are almost worn away.

It might look like new the first few times but at some point it's just going to look worn.

[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Leave them alone--why take the metal off. A worn watch is a watch with character....
But to each his own....

x2!!

Watches with scratches show that they have 'lived'!!