So if I were to buy a 15300 and send it to Clearwater...

[rossi46]

...would it essentially come back a "new" 15300? Or are there are things (bracelet stretch?) that stop a "new" 15300 from ever happening?

Basically I'm asking if it's possible to not need to hunt down a "safe queen" (and, thus, very expensive) used 15300 and still have what passes for a like-new watch? The market on 15300s is only going up, and I'm probably still over a year from being able to pull the trigger. Could I find a used 15300, immediately send it for service/polish, and get back an ostensibly like-new watch?

Or will I still need to be super careful and get stuck paying $$$ for a super minty version?

[lapince]

Well I love to have new unpolished watches, so I went with the expensive version, though after I got mine prices for new raised up another 2k, it's still in my safe in Paris, love the unworn factor, will probably give it for a service to AP as the oils probably dried up, so I should have it before the summer, but of course if you get a good condition one and send it in for a complete rehaul you should get an almost new one come back, not sure the bracelet gets streched on these

[Vipes]

You should be ok if you find a near mint condition piece and have it serviced to like new condition. Any other condition below near mint then I would be very careful since the cost of service can become quite expensive if AP needs to replace the bezel, etc.

[rijowysock]

FWIW, AP can work miracles but they simple will overhaul the movement and refinish the case. their refinish work brings it back to like new. but any deep marks (they dont laser weld) will still be there,

keep in mind the bill will be 4 figures, so just buy what the right piece to begin with would be my suggestion. their bills add up VERY quickly... crown tube here, crown and bezel screws there... etc.

[gummy]

Clearwater has worked miracles on some of my AP's...

But as mentioned, when previewing a potential purchase pay attention to where the wear and tear is on the watch. If there are dings actually on any of those AP angled transitions between the brushed and polished areas - it becomes more difficult to re-create factory finish. The metal simply isn't there.

Ask how many it's been polished in the past too. Makes a difference for me.

If it's simply been worn carefully and shows it's age chances are you will be thrilled once it returns from Clearwater

Happy Hunting

[///armin]

It's best to get one that has not been polished or if polished it was done by the AP service center. The more they are polished, specially by non AP service centers, the more it's taken off from the surface and harder to get it to the original look. The over polishing is specially noticeable where the bracelet joins the case where its not even in size, looking the screws on the case, and the smooth polished parts on edges of the case.

[Xeer]

The prices for these 15300s are only going upwards from here. My suggestion is also to purchase a mint one now and send it to the AP Service Center.

[mobster600]

It sounds like you want a new watch for a used watch price. Cough up the cash on a new or like new one. The AP service is going to eat up any savings you may have gotten on a used watch. Don't be cheap on what brings you joy

[kumar75203]

never mind

[Ci54]

I think this is a question that haunt a few people who wants to buy something that is discontinued but wants it back to new condition by sending it back to the manufacturer for maintenance. Personally I've toyed with this idea a few times and amongst the considerations that came to my mind are:

1) Will the piece come back looking new with all the original parts?
2) Should the manufacturer recommend some changes, especially to the dial or the hands, will that change the character of the piece?
3) If it comes back with all these changes, will it still be considered "original"?
4) What would be the value of the piece after going through all the maintenance with the new warranty from the manufacturer, just in case a trade or a sale is involved in the near future..

I think the excitement is similar to getting a well worn classic car and sending it back to the manufacturer for a restoration. The real "high" that one gets is knowing that one has a classic piece that is back to original condition. I'm pretty sure in that process there will be some parts that are better off upgraded due to the prevailing technology but the question is how much has that diluted the originality of the piece in question. It is not an easy question to answer..

To the OP, I must say I share the same perspective if indeed these are your considerations. I would love to get a GMT Master classic and restore it back to original condition but how much value will be left of the piece if I proceed to do it? Similarly, the 15300 restored to original condition after acquiring it in the open market, what value will it command? In my mind, there is no doubt it is a new piece but will it be viewed the same way by the rest?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Xeer

The prices for these 15300s are only going upwards from here. My suggestion is also to purchase a mint one now and send it to the AP Service Center.

I honestly don't think they can go far from here. You'd be insane not to buy a jumbo for a couple grand more. Yes I'm aware of the nuances just saying.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by mobster600

It sounds like you want a new watch for a used watch price. Cough up the cash on a new or like new one. The AP service is going to eat up any savings you may have gotten on a used watch. Don't be cheap on what brings you joy

This