Should i polish the oyster bracelet ?

[ipmala]

I have a 1983 gmt master which was serviced by rolex usa some 25 years ago. All new parts...and they polished the case & bracelet.

I then put it away for 25 years....and hardly wore it. I just had it
serviced by a local very reputable watch service....but i noticed that the bracelet is now somewhat scratched (scuffed marks) but the case and bezel still look new.

Do i take it back and request that they do a *light polish* on the bracelet....or....should i just leave it alone ?? The bracelet now looks like i was wearing the watch for 25 years.

I plan to send the watch to rolex usa (in nyc) to have them add 1 link----because i have gained some weight...and the bracelet is a little too *tight* on my wrist. Rolex said they would have to polish the whole watch (not just the bracelet). They also told me they would charge me $200-$300 for the polishing. Should i leave the scratches alone....or take it back to the watch repair service in birmingham, michigan---> and have them do a **light polish** on the bracelet only ??

Considering that this is a **vintage gmt master** what should i do---> a light polish...or....leave it alone ??

[Tools]

If you wear it, it will get scuffed.

As to sending it off to RSC for a link, any dealer or watchmaker can do this 10 minute operation. It is not something that makes the cost of shipping to an RSC worthwhile, although they should do this small job while-you-wait if you take it in personally.

Bracelets are pretty easy to touch-up.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=111743

[indianmachine]

depends on how bad, could we see some high resolution photos please?

Most likely I'd leave it as is, if you wear the watch bracelet is going to get scratched up regardless.

I wouldn't send it to RSC for a link.

[springer]

I would take it back and have the watchmaker polish the bracelet. He should also be able to find a link for you which should cost around $75 to $100.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by ipmala

...because i have gained some weight...

Same here. I bet Rolex are making a fortune providing extra links after lockdown.

Personally I'd leave it re. the polishing. It will only get scratched up again when you wear it. Personal preference, though - either A or B.

[joli160]

I always get the shivers from local watch repair services.

Buy a link yourself on the bay or chrono and touch up the bracelet yourself after installing.
Very easy DIY and don’t give the repairmen a second shot at ruining more than has been done already like i.e. grinding half the crown on the clasp.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by ipmala

I have a 1983 gmt master which was serviced by rolex usa some 25 years ago. All new parts...and they polished the case & bracelet.

I then put it away for 25 years....and hardly wore it. I just had it
serviced by a local very reputable watch service....but i noticed that the bracelet is now somewhat scratched (scuffed marks) but the case and bezel still look new.

Do i take it back and request that they do a *light polish* on the bracelet....or....should i just leave it alone ?? The bracelet now looks like i was wearing the watch for 25 years.

I plan to send the watch to rolex usa (in nyc) to have them add 1 link----because i have gained some weight...and the bracelet is a little too *tight* on my wrist. Rolex said they would have to polish the whole watch (not just the bracelet). They also told me they would charge me $200-$300 for the polishing. Should i leave the scratches alone....or take it back to the watch repair service in birmingham, michigan---> and have them do a **light polish** on the bracelet only ??

Considering that this is a **vintage gmt master** what should i do---> a light polish...or....leave it alone ??

Ref: Post 2.

[Ddaywatch]

If I plan to wear it and never sell it, I'd polish it. Otherwise, no.