Your opinion on a 16570

[AlpeDHuez]

Hi community -

Asking for some more help in my purchasing journey to a 16570 with a polar dial - y'all have been amazing in offering your thoughts previously.

I was able to locate an example and received the attached pictures upon inquiry. It is a 2000/2001 model with a K serial and the package checks out.

Before I pull the trigger, wanted to calibrate my view on the case:
Clearly, this watch has clearly seen a polishing wheel before, but I'd like to avoid an overpolished example, so I'd be curious to hear your opinions on the level of polishing before I pulled the trigger, specifically on the lugs, chamfers, and the holes (with a watchout for cratering from excess polish).

Thanks as always for your informed opinions!

[shaunylw]

The case has clearly been polished and i wouldn’t be shocked if it’s been laser welded. But that case looks unbelievable IMO. I’ve had quite a few of these, this one looks better than all of the ones i had. To me, the case looks great and they did a fantastic job.


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[0nly5iv3Digits]

Looks pretty good, OP

[Justso]

Overall it looks very good, but something is going on with the tip of the right lug (watch upper left, but picture right) in the last picture. Maybe it is just the way the picture looks but it looks like its been ground down and hard beveled at the tip whereas the opposite lug looks to be perfect.

The chamfers look to be out of spec on the case edges, but that is small peanuts and that can always be restored if you're so inclined.

For its age and probably having seen two services, I would say its in excellent condition.

[AlpeDHuez]

Originally Posted by Justso

Overall it looks very good, but something is going on with the tip of the right lug (watch upper left, but picture right) in the last picture. Maybe it is just the way the picture looks but it looks like its been ground down and hard beveled at the tip whereas the opposite lug looks to be perfect.

The chamfers look to be out of spec on the case edges, but that is small peanuts and that can always be restored if you're so inclined.

For its age and probably having seen two services, I would say its in excellent condition.

Thanks for the feedback. I presume with „restored“, you mean laser welding?

[swish77]

I’d be very surprised if this watch was laser welded, because it still looks quite polished. The point of cosmetic laser-welding is to try to return the case to its original thick factory look, and this watch does not have that. Overall the case is average.

This is not a rare watch. There are plenty out there with better cases, and if you’re patient, you should be able to find an unpolished example, or at least close to it. Or if you’re not so picky about such things, buy this one. Nothing wrong with a polished case. Up to you to decide if the degree of polishing is something you can live with.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by swish77

I’d be very surprised if this watch was laser welded, because it still looks quite polished. The point of cosmetic laser-welding is to try to return the case to its original thick factory look, and this watch does not have that. Overall the case is average.

This is not a rare watch. There are plenty out there with better cases, and if you’re patient, you should be able to find an unpolished example, or at least close to it. Or if you’re not so picky about such things, buy this one. Nothing wrong with a polished case. Up to you to decide if the degree of polishing is something you can live with.

Great advice! Find a NOS for sale then compare pics. That's the only way to learn about polishing other than seeing the watch in hand.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Great advice! Find a NOS for sale then compare pics. That's the only way to learn about polishing other than seeing the watch in hand.

Yes, just be aware that many people claiming NOS aren't really NOS... the rabbit hole goes deeper

[Justso]

Originally Posted by AlpeDHuez

Thanks for the feedback. I presume with „restored“, you mean laser welding?

Correct. If you wanted to have it laser welded and brought back to spec, that's an option. It has clearly been polished, but in my opinion (which others obviously disagree with), it hasn't been overpolished. I've seen cases that have been so overpolished that the lug and case edges are basically bullnosed. So to me, that's the criteria for overpolished - has the watch lost all the edges/lines.

As others have said - if the price reflects the condition, then its a fair deal. But don't let anyone tell you that case is in mint or like-new condition, because it isn't.

Good luck!

[gamingdoctor]

This is an amazing watch and also very common on sales sites. I don't think it would be particularly difficult to find another one in better condition.

[arrey]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

This is an amazing watch and also very common on sales sites. I don't think it would be particularly difficult to find another one in better condition.

+1
Look for something mint if possible.

[AlpeDHuez]

I'll keep the discussion going on another topic (or another rabbit hole )... possible service dials...

If we assume that ~20-25 year old watches could/should have seen one RSC, how does one spot a possible service dial?

My research tells me that the thickness of the hour markers is the only real hint (as later 16570 dials would have thinner hour markers vs the original thickers ones from the beginning of the century), but I'd love to hear other opinions.

For reference, see for example these threads:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=193949
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=756348

[dcorn]

Keep a look out for sharp lug holes where the bracelet pins don't reach the edge of the holes. They are really close on the crown side, but the pin should still be a tad recessed all the way around. Also, the crown side lugs are a slightly different shape than the 9 o'clock side, but should be matching top to bottom obviously.

I got a black dial a few months ago from Tropical Watch and it was absolutely mint. Been on my wrist every day since.

[Davidt]

That’s too polished for. Is it the photos or is the circular grain missing from the top of the case?

[rohada]

What's the asking, or agreed upon, price?

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by Davidt

That’s too polished for. Is it the photos or is the circular grain missing from the top of the case?

Should look like this....

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Should look like this....

I think OP is looking for unpolished in particular

[KatGirl]

I don’t like the way the lug holes look, or the mismatched lugs in that last pic. You can find a better one. Good luck!

Kat


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[jacowestt]

Thanks for sharing the details. From the photos, it’s clear the watch has been polished, but not excessively so. The lugs look slightly rounded, and the chamfers aren’t as sharp as a factory finish, but the lug holes don’t show severe cratering, which is a good sign.

Overall, the case retains a decent profile, and if the price reflects the condition, it could still be a solid pickup. However, if you want sharper lugs and untouched chamfers, you might consider waiting for a cleaner example.

Good luck with the purchase!

[racerx]

Overpolished

[georgekart]

Not great, not terrible. You can definitely see the watch has been polished and not in the best way possible, but it's not too far gone to be enjoyed IMO. Depends on the price. It's a good deal if the price is right and you don't particularly want a perfect example, or you may be able to find a watch that's better for the price.

[173rdabn]

Looks quite good.

[1William]

I think it looks good. The price is what would also be a determining factor. If too much, I would pass.

[huncho]

looks a bit overpolished

this one looks better to me, also a K serial from 2001 - https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/20...hite-dial/4t4y

for neo vintage/vintage i would really stick to the sellers that specialize in them, otherwise it's a mine field of people just flipping ones in terrible condition without caring about the product they're selling

[AlpeDHuez]

Originally Posted by huncho

looks a bit overpolished

this one looks better to me, also a K serial from 2001 - https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/20...hite-dial/4t4y

for neo vintage/vintage i would really stick to the sellers that specialize in them, otherwise it's a mine field of people just flipping ones in terrible condition without caring about the product they're selling

Thanks, huncho. I arrived at this conclusion as well... Here's another one that looks better IMO: https://imgur.com/a/fR4UXPh