What are these strange 'smudge' marks on my new Sub?

[akira9807]

Hi everyone, so I recently purchased a 2017 model Submariner from a dealer in Japan. The watch was advertised as 'S' condition and upon inspection from a certified watchmaker, it is virtually mint/unworn condition. The edges are super sharp and the watch doesn't appear as if it has been polished as there is no 'bleeding' between the different metal finishes.

However, the only thing I did notice was that under the light and in a very certain angle, there are strange 'smudge' like stains around the caseback, underneath the lugs.

Please refer to photos.

I say they look like smudge marks because it almost seems like I can just get a wet wipe and wipe it off, however they are marked into the metal somehow.

Could this be a result of careless polishing (I do doubt it as all the other aspects of the watch are super sharp and crisp and there is no evidence of polishing at all) or is it an ordinary mark arising over time and through general wear?

[JasoninDenver]

Judging by the location, it seems as they polished some scratches on the back of the lugs that resulted from careless removal of the bracelet. I would not worry.

[brandrea]

It’s really tough to tell from those pictures, but Jason’s guess is as good as any