Bought an "unpolished" 16710 GMT II

[SubMarine]

Trust me, I can tell if a watch has sniffed a polishing wheel. Even “once.”

Originally Posted by ronricks

Most watches advertised as unpolished have indeed been polished because if done correctly you can’t really tell if it has been polished once.

[hbk75]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Most watches advertised as unpolished have indeed been polished because if done correctly you can’t really tell if it has been polished once.

not really. i've spoken to a polishing supervisor at RSC. you can tell whether it is polished by looking at the brushing grains on the front of the lugs.

the original ones are slightly course and looks rougher.

[GMTmatt]

Bought my 16710 new from the AD in November of 2007 and it came with the ceramic 116710 instructions as well. Did not realize until about a year ago. However the 116710 ceramic was already for sale at the AD’s in November of 2007 so I am hoping I have the 3186 movement. Where I am going is I would not worry about the instructions.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by GMTmatt

I am hoping I have the 3186 movement.

You can check right now. One full rotation of the 3186 crown makes the hour hand jump 8 hours compared to 5 for the 3185.

[GMTmatt]

Originally Posted by sillo38

You can check right now. One full rotation of the 3186 crown makes the hour hand jump 8 hours compared to 5 of the 3185.

Thank you for the info! Will definitely check this out, but right now I have this piece in the safety deposit box. Otherwise I would be testing and reporting back of the result.

[SubMarine]

Nice hijacking of the thread.

Originally Posted by GMTmatt

Thank you for the info! Will definitely check this out, but right now I have this piece in the safety deposit box. Otherwise I would be testing and reporting back of the result.

[mach330]

Great watch. Just enjoy it if you're happy with it and satisfied on how much you paid for it. this was my first rolex back in 05. Mine is D serial.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[TreiseKL]

When I first saw the watch I thought it was in great condition. You should be happy with the purchase. Perhaps you aren't happy with the watch?

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by ronricks

Most watches advertised as unpolished have indeed been polished because if done correctly you can’t really tell if it has been polished once.

Yes you can. If it is a used watch and has no scratches, then it has been polished. You can not wear a watch without getting any scratches.

What buyers need to figure out is, do they want a watch with scratches or do they want one that has been polished. I would prefer the scratches, but I suspect I am in a minority.

[WojtekSk]

Originally Posted by TreiseKL

When I first saw the watch I thought it was in great condition. You should be happy with the purchase. Perhaps you aren't happy with the watch?

Yeah, it DOES look very nice, but since it was advertised as "unpolished" I wanted to make sure that's what it is.

If it has indeed been polished, it is still a great piece, only I have a bitter aftertaste in my mouth and wallet since what I bought was supposed to be "unpolished"... ;-)

I agree that it would be hard to find a pristine, unpolished 15-year-old watch, or it would cost an arm and a leg if I were to buy NOS...

[WojtekSk]

http://http://s902.photobucket.com/u..._4306.jpg.html

Is there a way to link here pics that I have uploaded to Photobucket, so that pics are shown and not links?

[WojtekSk]

[faimag]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

I disagree with the last sentence.

16710 production from 1989 to at least 1999 featured sharp case chamfers similar to the Submariner case of the same era. As with the Sub, once the “no holes” case was introduced during Y-serial production, to my eyes at least, the chamfers seemed to be nearly nonexistent from new.

This is correct. The "size" or "width" of the chamfers (or bevels, or however else you want to call them) as they came from factory :

4 digit cases > 5 digit cases with drilled through lugs ("holes") >> 5 digit cases without holes ("no-holes" cases, first appearing in 2003 or so) >>>> 6 digit cases (non existent chamfers)

And for the same era, typically SUB > GMT > EXPII, but the difference in chamfer size between models of the same era is much smaller than for the same model between eras.

Having said that, in recent years it has become popular to "recut" the chamfers as part of servicing/refinishing the case. Hence a pronounced bevel in a no-holes case or an uneven bevel in a holes case can be a sign of prior polishing. You can also pay attention to the width of the lug remaining straight (counting from the end of the bevel to beginning of the endlink). It becomes progressively smaller the more recut the chamfer is. Of course, many service shops do a fantastic job with polishing and "rechamfering" and I would have absolutely no problem getting a watch like that.

And remember: Rolex highly polishes their new watches before they ship them out to your AD!

[springer]

Originally Posted by JonaG

Should be no problem with a watch sold in HK. I have two. HK one of the biggest Rolex markets in the world.

As for polished, one of the dangers of buying unseen online. All of my watches I held in my hand before purchasing. Depends how critical unpolished is for you. Of my 4 Rolex, I only know for sure one has never been polished cos I bought it new. The others were mint but I couldn’t say 100% unpolished. Do you like it? Did you pay a premium for ‘unpolished’? Does it make you want to return it? Personally, if it’s in great condition that would be enough for me.

Although 2008 is a little late for an F to be sold it’s not impossible as they weren’t stellar sellers then. So 4 years in the ADs stock room not unheard of.

Let’s see more and better pics

My opinion differs. The 16710 GMT II was a good seller and 2008 is very late for an F serial to be sold. My opinion, someone added the book at a much later date.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by Seibei

Yes you can. If it is a used watch and has no scratches, then it has been polished. You can not wear a watch without getting any scratches.

What buyers need to figure out is, do they want a watch with scratches or do they want one that has been polished. I would prefer the scratches, but I suspect I am in a minority.

Lot of people don't wear their watches these days and pamper them.

So no, just because it is a preowned watch that doesn't mean it can't have any scratches without a polish.

[WojtekSk]

https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4305.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4304.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4303.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4301.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4300.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4298.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4295.jpg

https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4294.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4293.jpg
https://i902.photobucket.com/albums/...k/IMG_4287.jpg

[Onequik135i]

Watch looks pretty good to me. Enjoy it !

[sillo]

Watch looks great to me! A light and proper refinishing isn’t a big deal at all. I’d be pissed at the seller though for misrepresenting the watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WojtekSk]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I’d be pissed at the seller though for misrepresenting the watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My point exactly. I have written the seller to ask for an explanation. I wonder what the answer will be...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[red1108nyc]

Grains and bevels have to be clearly and easily seen when classified as "unpolished". Still, a light and properly done polish is fine but you must state so if done.

[Seibei]

If you ask me, then a watch classified as unpolished is in fact unpolished. If Wojtek would prefer scratches and is willing to pay good money for them, then he should get scratches.

[MariettaMike]

Nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mmmmp]

I really do not understand what the OP is looking for here.

So far there have been many "It wasn't polished" comments: with plenty of explanations (good ones!) of how they arrived at their answer. Conversely, there have been just as many "The watch *was* polished" with an equal amount of descriptive text detailing how they came to that conclusion. In short, let's say it's 50 / 50 division of opinions.

So, what now? More pictures? More opinions? More speculation along with line after line detailing the member's expert skill, experience and knowledge in the field of watch polishing techniques?

Now, the OP is planning to post even *more* photos to try and solicit even more discussion and opinions which will result in what? Deciding whether to keep the watch, return it, ask for a price break or rebate?

As pointed out several times the OP needs to ask himself: is he happy with the piece as it is or does it get sent back to look for a 'better' 16710? (Good F'*ing luck Charlie)

No ABSOLUTELY DIFINITIVE answer will come forth from this thread. A Gas Chromatograph and Carbon Testing might help but beyond that, again: Good Luck.

I hope things work out but, as said again and again, just enjoy the watch or return it - it's just that simple. And, to remind you (OP) again, buying a Rolex online is seldom a good idea. Sometimes, in the best of cases, it can be a let down leading to slight regret. In the worst case, it's a crushing disappointment resulting in buyer's remorse, depression and a financial
'hit' you'll never forget.

Good luck,
Mark

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[SubMarine]

There’s still a glimmer of hope in the OP’s mind that he is in possession of an unpolished watch. Amateur posters stating the watch has been unpolished are keeping the flame alive. If I was in the OP’s situation, I would simply return the watch for a full refund due to misrepresentation and move on.

Originally Posted by mmmmp

I really do not understand what the OP is looking for here.

So far there have been many "It wasn't polished" comments: with plenty of explanations (good ones!) of how they arrived at their answer. Conversely, there have been just as many "The watch *was* polished" with an equal amount of descriptive text detailing how they came to that conclusion. In short, let's say it's 50 / 50 division of opinions.

So, what now? More pictures? More opinions? More speculation along with line after line detailing the member's expert skill, experience and knowledge in the field of watch polishing techniques?

Now, the OP is planning to post even *more* photos to try and solicit even more discussion and opinions which will result in what? Deciding whether to keep the watch, return it, ask for a price break or rebate?

As pointed out several times the OP needs to ask himself: is he happy with the piece as it is or does it get sent back to look for a 'better' 16710? (Good F'*ing luck Charlie)

No ABSOLUTELY DIFINITIVE answer will come forth from this thread. A Gas Chromatograph and Carbon Testing might help but beyond that, again: Good Luck.

I hope things work out but, as said again and again, just enjoy the watch or return it - it's just that simple. And, to remind you (OP) again, buying a Rolex online is seldom a good idea. Sometimes, in the best of cases, it can be a let down leading to slight regret. In the worst case, it's a crushing disappointment resulting in buyer's remorse, depression and a financial
'hit' you'll never forget.

Good luck,
Mark

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[faimag]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Your watch has most definitely been polished -- I would bet my life on it. The widths of your chamfers are not even uniform. Whoever performed the polish did a sloppy job.

Take a look at my post history and you can see my comments concerning the polished/unpolished statuses of other posters' watches.

The 16710 was never issued with any kind of chamfering whatsoever. Hard stop.

Originally Posted by SubMarine

There’s still a glimmer of hope in the OP’s mind that he is in possession of an unpolished watch. Amateur posters stating the watch has been unpolished are keeping the flame alive. If I was in the OP’s situation, I would simply return the watch for a full refund due to misrepresentation and move on.

While I agree that OP's watch has been lightly touched up in the past (but nevertheless remains in great shape), someone who thinks "the 16710 was never issued with any kind of chamfering whatsoever" - is this for real!? - please abstain from calling other people here "amateurs"...

[Golf&Watches]

That looks exactly the same as my 06 16710, I am the first owner it has not been serviced or polished, you have found a very good watch that may not have been polished, a good purchase.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Golf&Watches

That looks exactly the same as my 06 16710, I am the first owner it has not been serviced or polished, you have found a very good watch that may not have been polished, a good purchase.

Agree that it is an incredibly good specimen.

[123Blueface]

So if this watch was suddenly sitting at your local AD, listed for what you felt was a reasonable price (comparable to what you paid) would you buy it or would you pass on it?
(Assuming selling AD has absolutely no clue as to whether it was ever polished or not)

That watch is an amazingly nice specimen.
Sadly, this thread is yet another example of how the internet (TRF) can drive behavior, in this case, the “polished” hysteria.
I bet 90% of Rolex owners have no clue of TRF and would grab this watch and run, never looking back, not even remotely concerned if previously polished.

[phillycheez]

With money I can make any watch look unpolished. Ah the great technology of laser welding.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[mmmmp]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Agree that it is an incredibly good specimen.

If I spotted a good 16710 for a decent price, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Funny how some people just cannot, will not, be satisfied no matter how good a product or item is. Sure, if advertised "unpolished" and the OP feels misled, that's a personal issue no opinion will change. A GROSS misinterpretation by the seller is one thing, but almost all of us, experts, speculators, non experts and so on agree: it's a sweet watch in great cosmetic condition which should be appreciated for what it is. Caveat Emptor not withstanding, if there were initial concerns, more patience should have been exercised in the form of asking for more pictures and asking more questions *prior* to buying. Buying *anything* high-end then getting on a forum asking, essentially, "Uh, I bought this, it has: blah, blah, did I do good?" is not really the key to lifelong Rolex happiness. Or long term happiness of any kind.

Like I said, I sincerely hope the OP can resolve this to his satisfaction in order to move on to a fulfilling and happy life. After all, even if there's a financial hit, that is: he overpaid, it couldn't be more than a couple of grand which is not *that* crucial. (If it is, that's a different issue & you do not have my sympathy.) Money ain't everything, happiness is the only thing That' what's important.

Okay, enough from me. Good luck OP.
Mark

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk