Explorer 2 Gloss/Polished case?

[prk154]

I have recently acquired a F serial Explorer ii. After looking at other pictures of the same watch same serial on this forum, I thought I saw some differences. For example the sides of my case are not as glossy/polished as I've seen I'm other posts (mine are brushed). Also, I don't see any links with anything engraved on the inside. Should I be concerned?

[NKflyer]

Watch looks authentic but has definitely been custom refinished like you said. The case sides, underside of bezel, and the sides of the clasp & links should all be highly polished. As far as the bracelet reference number, it may be present inside the endlinks which wouldn't be visible unless the bracelet was removed.

[prk154]

The underside of the bezel, sides of the links, and sides of the clasp are all polished as you said. This really concerns me because I was told that I was receiving an all original watch. I even have the boxes and matching serial number paperwork.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by prk154

The underside of the bezel, sides of the links, and sides of the clasp are all polished as you said. This really concerns me because I was told that I was receiving an all original watch. I even have the boxes and matching serial number paperwork.

The parts may be all original, as it came from the factory. But a prior owner has had the shiny bits brushed (some people hate the shiny bits). It's still all original. You can have the shiny bits restored for less than $200 if that concerns you.

[prk154]

I just wanted the watch to be all original with no alterations. Should I contact the seller? I still have a few days to return the watch.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by prk154

I just wanted the watch to be all original with no alterations. Should I contact the seller? I still have a few days to return the watch.

Call the seller and ask to return it. If he's a stand up guy he'll want you to be happy.

If the watch is as described in the ad, and all the photos from the ad were correct, you didn't get screwed. You just didn't know what to look for. Explain that to the seller.

He will want the watch in hand before he refunds your money, so expect there to be a delay in getting your funds back.

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

Watch looks authentic but has definitely been custom refinished like you said. The case sides, underside of bezel, and the sides of the clasp & links should all be highly polished. As far as the bracelet reference number, it may be present inside the endlinks which wouldn't be visible unless the bracelet was removed.

Agreed. Watch is surely authentic
A

[prk154]

How will this refinishing affect the value? Do you all think that I should return it?

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by prk154

How will this refinishing affect the value? Do you all think that I should return it?

Look, if you dont like it, and are going to always be unhappy and questioning it - RETURN it!

Only keep it if you LOVE it now!

[prk154]

I would love it if I knew it was 100% original with nothing done to it that could affect value.

[subtona]

Brushing of case may have just been a hasty decision to hide normal wear marks for the sale

[prk154]

I just heard from the seller. Please see the response below.

It is a one owner watch. I know the original owner as he is local in MA and the watch has never been refinished. He purchased it new from Rolex. It is my understanding there are factory polished and brushed finishes and I've had other collectors and dealers confirm this in the past with other models.

[antrolexsub]

Originally Posted by prk154

It is my understanding there are factory polished and brushed finishes and I've had other collectors and dealers confirm this in the past with other models.

Absolute rubbish. Rolex would never brush the case sides. That is a DIY job on the case and bracelet and a poor one at that.

Having said that it's a very easy fix. I wouldn't send it back just because of this. Send it to someone recommended on here to refinish. IMO too many people get hung up on the 'unpolished' fad nowadays. Understable on a mega money vintage piece but an everyday Standard Rolex, a good job is not a problem. A light polish and rebrushing will do no harm. These are tool watches after all. A lot of these 'unpolished' watches have indeed been polished, just done very well.

It IS original. Just some fool has decided to take an abrasive to it when they have no idea what they are doing.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by antrolexsub

Having said that it's a very easy fix. I wouldn't send it back just because of this. Send it to someone recommended on here to refinish.

Agreed.

If you like the watch, but just want it to look correct, it should be an easy fix. Just do your due-diligence on who you have do the refinish work.
So instead of sending it back, you might try and negotiate a partial refund with the seller to cover the cost of the re-finish.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by prk154

I just heard from the seller. Please see the response below.

It is a one owner watch. I know the original owner as he is local in MA and the watch has never been refinished. He purchased it new from Rolex. It is my understanding there are factory polished and brushed finishes and I've had other collectors and dealers confirm this in the past with other models.

LOL, no. It is obvious that the seller or previous owner went at it with some sand paper or Scotch-Brite in an attempt to hide/remove the obvious scratches/gouges/dings in the case (amateur hatchet-job).

Also, there may be some confusion with the terminology being used. You or the seller seem to be conflating "originality" with "condition". A watch can be severely beaten-up/worn and still be 100% original. Likewise, a watch can be in pristine/mint condition, but nowhere near 100% original (aftermarket and/or genuine/service replacement parts, etc.).

[prk154]

It just really bothers my that it isn't 100% original

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by prk154

It just really bothers my that it isn't 100% original

me too.
return it

[William.L.]

PM me if you'd like to have the watch refinished. I can send you example of work I've done for other members here. If you like the watch, keep it. Its easy to bring it back to original spec/finish.

[breitlings]

i like all brushed cases but this was brushed poorly. i cannot imagine it is rolex oem

[Old Expat Beast]

Send it back.

[crowncollection]

Easy fixed


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[Onikage]

Definitely had a 'rub down' of some description but looks real.

[jcatt]

You have been given enough info here to make a decision. The watch is real, but has had it's polished sides brushed. I would guess the OEM brushed parts were re-brushed.

This is not a big deal to get back to spec. If you don't want to deal with it, send it back. Clearly the info is all here, and the ball is in your court.
JCATT