Has this caseback been polished?

[1lastone]

Any thoughts on whether this caseback has been polished? The brushed finish seems shinier than it should?

[vh2k]

Grabbing some popcorn for this!

Should have been a poll:

1. Needs a polish
2. Perfectly polished
3. Already overpolished
4. Who the hell can tell / who cares about the case back?

[Tools]

Case backs become polished by simply wearing the watch.

In this case it appears that there is a clear sticker covering the back.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Grabbing some popcorn for this!

Should have been a poll:

1. Needs a polish
2. Perfectly polished
3. Already overpolished
4. Who the hell can tell / who cares about the case back?

Fair play, I don’t really care that much, and I actually intend to have the caseback replaced at a service. I am mostly just curious as the watch was sold as “unpolished” and in every other aspect that seems to be the case. I just want to know what other enthusiasts think - can the brushed finish be buffed out with a lot of wear? Hoping for a watchmaker to see this!

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by Tools

Case backs become polished by simply wearing the watch.

In this case it appears that there is a clear sticker covering the back.

I just took the photo and can guarantee there is no sticker, just a bit of dirt on the back or shadow maybe

[ndrs63]

Hard to tell based on the pics. My newer rolexes have a directional brushing on the caseback


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[spoilsofwar01]

Hi there, can I ask about the age of your watch, can we see some photos of the Front and the bracelet, I'm no expert however it looks fine to me, and the other photos may be of help,

[Seddyspaghetti]

No idea but lol.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by spoilsofwar01

Hi there, can I ask about the age of your watch, can we see some photos of the Front and the bracelet, I'm no expert however it looks fine to me, and the other photos may be of help,

The watch is from 2005. Afraid I don’t have any other pics to hand besides this one. The lugs seem full to me and there are a few scratches/dings to the sides but nothing terrible. Same for the bracelet.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by Seddyspaghetti

No idea but lol.

Thank you!

[Alliy]

It is very difficult to conclude. I could see some dirt though but not a sticker

[HogwldFLTR]

My guess is that it is very likely polished or it's sat unworn which is in agreement with the condition of the faded bezel insert. I'd expect a well work watch to have a lot more sign on the back of the case if it weren't polished.

[173rdabn]

It's called friction. Over time it will shine almost anything.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

It's called friction. Over time it will shine almost anything.

I thought so too, just not seen any examples of it. The Rolex I’ve owned for longest is 3 years so was interested if longer term owners had experienced this

[csaltphoto]

Just checked the back of my sub (Worn everyday for 2 years) and it looks about like that. I remember it clearly had a brushed finish when I first got it. Now it looks more smooth with a bunch of marks from grit that gets trapped there.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

Case backs become polished by simply wearing the watch.

In this case it appears that there is a clear sticker covering the back.

Have to agree Larry but this polish syndrome now by some is bordering on the ridicules especially for a case back.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

My guess is that it is very likely polished or it's sat unworn which isn't in agreement with the condition of the faded bezel insert. I'd expect a well worn watch to have a lot more sign on the back of the case if it weren't polished.

Oops!!! Damned typos and lousy proofing!!!

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Larry but this polish syndrome now by some is bordering on the ridicules especially for a case back.

So it is ridiculous and “polish syndrome” to be curious about the condition of one’s watch? I have stated repeatedly that it doesn’t really bother me either way, looking for information to learn more. Thought this forum was the place for that but maybe not

[padi56]

Originally Posted by 1lastone

So it is ridiculous and “polish syndrome” to be curious about the condition of one’s watch? I have stated repeatedly that it doesn’t really bother me either way, looking for information to learn more. Thought this forum was the place for that but maybe not

Sorry cannot see what difference a case back would make if its polished or not its just a case back the main parts are the case and bracelet. And yes I did read that you plan to replace the case back but cannot see the reason why. The main function of the case back is to keep water and dust from entering the movement. So if you plan to have watch serviced soon by RSC, if and a big if, there is anything wrong with the case back it will be replaced when watch is serviced.

[Woody]

Can't understand why you would want to replace the case back. If you are looking for a perfect watch then you should buy a new one......it might save you a lot of angst.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Woody

Can't understand why you would want to replace the case back. If you are looking for a perfect watch then you should buy a new one......it might save you a lot of angst.

And after wearing it for a while it will look the same again

[jimcameron]

Yes!

NO!

maybe.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by Woody

Can't understand why you would want to replace the case back. If you are looking for a perfect watch then you should buy a new one......it might save you a lot of angst.

I am having the watch serviced anyway, and it is a $100 part. I am not able to buy this watch new as it is discontinued. Why would it bother you what I do or what you can understand? There is no angst, i am simply curious about the condition of the watch, I know I can have the part replaced if I wish

[brandrea]

Looks fine to me OP, just wear it and enjoy. As others have said, the caseback will start to look smooth after years of wear anyways.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by 1lastone

I am having the watch serviced anyway, and it is a $100 part. I am not able to buy this watch new as it is discontinued. Why would it bother you what I do or what you can understand? There is no angst, i am simply curious about the condition of the watch, I know I can have the part replaced if I wish

It doesn't bother me at all - enjoy your watch.....and try to stay calm....

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by padi56

Sorry cannot see what difference a case back would make if its polished or not its just a case back the main parts are the case and bracelet. And yes I did read that you plan to replace the case back but cannot see the reason why. The main function of the case back is to keep water and dust from entering the movement. So if you plan to have watch serviced soon by RSC, if and a big if, there is anything wrong with the case back it will be replaced when watch is serviced.

It makes no difference other than my curiosity over something i own. I don’t really understand why it is perceived as fretting or “angst” really, it’s just curiosity. It doesn’t really make a difference in the scheme of things whether any of us own these watches or not or what our preferences for various models are, whether they run well or poorly, it’s just the hobby of being interested in objects to me, I don’t expect it to “make a difference” other than perhaps time spent enjoying and learning. strange to see this attitude here.

[1lastone]

Originally Posted by Woody

It doesn't bother me at all - enjoy your watch.....and try to stay calm....

[Bladeshot]

OP, when you service the watch, they remove the case back, lay it back-down on a piece of sandpaper and they pull it across the sandpaper to recreate the satin finish with grain all going perfectly in one direction.

No one would ever replace the caseback merely to recreate that look. No watchmaker would suggest you do that. Ask a professional when it’s time. Caseback refinishing is done by watchmakers as described above, and I’ve done it many times, along side a watchmaker. (I’m not a watchmaker, but I slept at a Holiday Inn last night). Don’t worry. And don’t replace the caseback. Waste of resources - money.

Your watch case looks quite good to me. Congrats on getting one with strong lugs. Not over polished.

[Leicaman]

Not sure about your watch but here is my Sub, worn for the last 24 years and the case back hasn’t been polished (just so you can compare).







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[1lastone]

Originally Posted by Bladeshot

OP, when you service the watch, they remove the case back, lay it back-down on a piece of sandpaper and they pull it across the sandpaper to recreate the satin finish with grain all going perfectly in one direction.

No one would ever replace the caseback merely to recreate that look. No watchmaker would suggest you do that. Ask a professional when it’s time. Caseback refinishing is done by watchmakers as described above, and I’ve done it many times, along side a watchmaker. (I’m not a watchmaker, but I slept at a Holiday Inn last night). Don’t worry. And don’t replace the caseback. Waste of resources - money.

Your watch case looks quite good to me. Congrats on getting one with strong lugs. Not over polished.

Thank you for this response