Bevels on lugs

[enhamhale]

I do seem to see a lot of 1960s vintage watches with really nice bevels on lugs, is it me or are they put there for cosmetic purposes and by whom ?

[bluemartinifan]

Alex are you referring to the original chamfers or cases that have been recut?

[GreatCircle]

Originally Posted by bluemartinifan

Alex are you referring to the original chamfers or cases that have been recut?

Can you actually tell the difference if the polishing has been done by a pro (RSC) and they only had to remove very little material? (nog big dents or deep scrathes in the lugs)

[Vincent65]

The 60s models had beautiful, more pronounced chamfers on the case edges. They were put there by Rolex, unsurprisingly, and I'd guess it was to deflect knocks and protect the case more than a square, 90 degree corner/edge. They just happen to be aesthetically pleasing as well. All kinds of things have been done to cases since - good restorations and bad bodge-jobs.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Vincent65

I'd guess it was to deflect knocks and protect the case more than a square, 90 degree corner/edge.

Anything to support that theory or just speculation? And I agree - the chamfered lugs are very appealing


A lot of the older lugs had more curve, flair, and twists from the 50s to 60s. This seemed to decrease in the 70s and just about disappear afterward.

[bayerische]

Sadly, polishing (which is a disease) has killed off most of the chamfers.

[watchcrank]

what we call a good polish usually entails very little metal removal. My old watchmaker says you have to have proper wheels and equipment to "push" the metal and not wear it off.
ABC does the best job I have seen since the original New York RSC.
And I blame some collectors for the nonsense you have to have an "unpolished" case. The market makes these for sale as there is a demand although I have doubts about many. My personal preference is some honest wear and few blemishes to know it was not "manufactured" to a buyers idea. Just my opinion as I am new to this having only collected Rolex for 30 years. M

[mluther]

this was work done to my watch case by ABC in LA

[enhamhale]

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge, because looking at my gilt I cannot see much of a chamfer is it because it was polished out at some point .

[Nycturbovr6]

It is hard to find original chamfer

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by enhamhale

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge, because looking at my gilt I cannot see much of a chamfer is it because it was polished out at some point .

yes, probably

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by mluther

this was work done to my watch case by ABC in LA

Fabulous pic, BTW!! Very artistic.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Here is mine from '66. I love the huge chamfers from the mid 1960's. it is a shame the chamfers got smaller over time.

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by mluther

this was work done to my watch case by ABC in LA

Mind me asking what ABC charges? I like that my case is a bit dinged up and clearly worn with love over the years, but that sharp edge looks sexy...

[springer]

Originally Posted by watchcrank

what we call a good polish usually entails very little metal removal. My old watchmaker says you have to have proper wheels and equipment to "push" the metal and not wear it off.
ABC does the best job I have seen since the original New York RSC.
And I blame some collectors for the nonsense you have to have an "unpolished" case. The market makes these for sale as there is a demand although I have doubts about many. My personal preference is some honest wear and few blemishes to know it was not "manufactured" to a buyers idea. Just my opinion as I am new to this having only collected Rolex for 30 years. M

X2

[Beaumont Miller II]

Michael

I can certainly appreciate your perspective and experience.

I have seen the terms "unpolished" and "NOS" used sparingly here on TRF in the recent past. Compare that with a couple years ago when it was the focus of many posts and threads.

Presently I see members commenting on a watch case describing what they see with regard to the lugs, chamfers, and crown guards, rather than looking into the watch's past which is inappropriate unless you are the original owner.

Mluther beautiful case.

[CrownMe]

Here is my 1675 case before and after. Beau at ABC is a Master at his craft

[Beaumont Miller II]

Beautiful Kevin.
I have had ABC work their magic on one of mine as well.

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by Beaumont Miller II

Here is mine from '66. I love the huge chamfers from the mid 1960's. it is a shame the chamfers got smaller over time.

It really is a shame they changed the Bevels as time went on. Imo it gets no better then this