polishing/brushing vintage Rolex

[irocz0r]

Hey guys, I've got a 1680 red sub that my father gave me a long time ago. I've had it stowed away for years with the intention of one day fixing it up.

It needs a service and a new bezel, which are easy problems to handle.

But I don't know what to do about the scratches all over the watch. The case and bracelet are completely covered in scratches of varying degrees, some desk diver ones and a couple deeper ones.

I've read that polishing a vintage Rolex will decrease the value. Is that because Submariners are brushed, not polished? Can I brush the watch? I've seen posts on the internet of people restoring the brushed finish to a scratched up watch with a scotchbrite pad. I'm NOT going to be taking a scotchbrite pad to mine, I would get a professional to do it- but my point is, is it okay to get the watch brushed?

[irocz0r]

[samuelhuntington]

Very nice watch you have there. Different options on polishing here. If the scratches bug have an expert do a Light polish on the watch to clean it up, I doubt you'll sell it so do what makes you happy. Send it to abc in Cali as I'm sure it needs a movement service and they'll take care of you

[Paul]

I say source and fit a bezel and nice vintage insert.

Treat the watch to a service and a thorough clean and see how it looks before you commit to any polishing.

You may just be good to go

[jdmi32]

^^^What Paul said. Bezel+correct insert+movement service is all that's needed. Gorgeous watch you have there.


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[CrownMe]

That is one Stunning Red u have there. Perfect patina.

Polishing will NOT decrease the value at all as long as you have a professional do it. Your case is in great condition and would look amazing after a proper polish with a lapping machine.

and as far as subs being brushed. The sides of the case are polished and the tops of the lugs and bracelet are brushed. i highly recommend ABC watchworks. My gmt was in similar condition and they cleaned it up very nicely.


But i do also think your watch would look just fine without a polish as well. Its all personal preference. I wish u well with whatever u decide. Please be sure to keep us updated. Cant wait to see that beauty finished!

[Franks07]

Originally Posted by CrownMe

That is one Stunning Red u have there. Perfect patina.

Polishing will NOT decrease the value at all as long as you have a professional do it. Your case is in great condition and would look amazing after a proper polish with a lapping machine.

and as far as subs being brushed. The sides of the case are polished and the tops of the lugs and bracelet are brushed. i highly recommend ABC watchworks. My gmt was in similar condition and they cleaned it up very nicely.


But i do also think your watch would look just fine without a polish as well. Its all personal preference. I wish u well with whatever u decide. Please be sure to keep us updated. Cant wait to see that beauty finished!

Here is your best advice!
That is a truly stunning Red Sub you have there. That patina is gorgeous. Wear it in good health.

[U5512]

Polishing the watch to remove scratches will remove metal from the watch, which will make the watch looks funny, skinny, out of proportion, etc,.,etc, and it will definately reduce the value of the watch.

Your watch looks great the way it is; just have the movement serviced, get a new rotating bezel and wear it!!! I WOULD NOT POLISH YOUR WATCH IF IT'S MINE!!!

[CrownMe]

Pay no attention to the bad advice given above me.

[U5512]

Originally Posted by CrownMe

Pay no attention to the bad advice given above me.

haha.....ok "Mr. Expert".....everyone is entitled to an opinion and there is no need for an un-neccessary sm@rt@ss response..........Merry Christmas!!!

[77T]

Nice Sub - since it is a family heirloom, and I'm sure you're not selling it, you could simply get it in top shape mechanically and leave the case and bracelet alone.




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[Dalton]

Vintage has many faces, and refinishing it is your choice. But if you do choose to refinish it I'd contact Beau at ABC, since he is the best I know. I got my start there, and we resurrected more vintage than any other restoration house in the US, I believe. The place is set up for this kind of work, and the cuts are outstanding. I use to tell the guys "Our finish is the end all be all of refinishes for vintage" I truly believe that some of the watches we restored will develop new patina, which will make them look as if they were never touched by a wheel, that's the key to refinishing vintage. Of course there's "vintage refinish" in which only the tops of the lugs are re-brushed, leaving the rest AS-IS, with character and history. Those are my .02 cents on the subject.

[cajuntiger]

Its really a matter of personal preference if you don't plan on selling it. I find the scratches part of the appeal, they tell the story of where the watch has been. Personally I am willing to pay more for a watch just like yours that has never been touched over one that looks perfect and has been professionally polished by an expert...but thats just me.

[SUBversive]

Great watch. Maybe a light polish and a service. Source a vintage insert.

[springer]

Having a properly polished watch definitely brings back some of the luster from days gone by - especially if done properly. Some prefer the finish of the older watches, battle scars and all. Either way, it is a matter of personal preference. If you would prefer the case be "tuned-up" a little, then by all means, have it done correctly.

[Michael M.]

As a collector and dealer of Vintage Rolex, I would personally not polish the case on this 1680 in question. Just a movement only service, new crystal, gaskets, and period correct bezel assembly. However, it is your call.

[crowncollection]

As you would never likely sell the watch do what makes you happy. Just remember the are bad and good polish jobs. Ensure you get it done at a recommended repairer.

[swish77]

ABC can detail the lugs to factory specs without polishing the sides, and your already stunning watch would look even more amazing. Or ... leave the case as is, just service the movement, pick up a nice bezel insert, and enjoy. You can't go wrong either way. Good luck!

[RC2]

Light polish by someone who knows what they are doing is fine. Up to you

[bdex75]

I say get the bracelet tightened up a bit or source s replacement, keep the original. Service the movement and wear it. I don't think a light polish will hurt it or the value but I kind of like the scratches.


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[dysondiver]

how about , get the service done , find a bezel , then wear it ,, you can polish it anytime in the future ,,, or not , all the time in the world to decide ,,,
it will be even more stunning clean and worn.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

how about , get the service done , find a bezel , then wear it ,, you can polish it anytime in the future ,,, or not , all the time in the world to decide ,,,
it will be even more stunning clean and worn.

Exactly my thoughts. And if you do choose to polish it, go with a known expert. The term "light polish" gets thrown around a lot but it's really more about a "good polish" IMHO. You either polish a surface or you don't.

[Cajones]

Do everything else first, then see if you still feel the need to polish it. I like the scratches. It is a vintage watch and they tell a story. If you polish it, it will just get more scratches. Just my opinion. Beautiful watch!!!