can this amateur polish job be fixed?

[kirksingleton]

I bought this F series GMT last week. I have not had a chance to check the movement to see which one is in there but assuming it is the regular one, I still got a really really really good deal.
The best that I can tell is that the back was engraved and someone did a amateur job sanding it out. While they were at it, they gave a horrible case polish. The watch is keeping decent time and the reserve is about 15 hours so it doesn't in need of a immediate service at this point. But probably in the next year or two.
I am thinking (because I am anal retentive) of sending it into the RSC in Dallas for a entire case polish and possibly replacing the caseback. Online, the back is anywhere from $140- $1200. The crystal also has a tiny chip at 6:00 that isn't visible with the naked eye but you can feel it with your finger.
I don't mind putting some money into this GMT as I am going to keep it for my son.
Here are some of my questions:
Can anybody help me with suggestions on RSC pricing? Should I just leave it alone? If they do a full service, will (or can) they polish it up as new included in the service price? If I wait to buy the caseback, will they always be available or will Rolex stop making them at some point? I may just throw it in the back of my safe for 10 years and send it in when my son is going to graduate from Collage so it will have a fresh service when I give it to him.
so many questions on this one...

[Tomas Eriksson]

No one will see the caseback, I would leave it.

[perpetualman88]

Yes it can be fixed :)

[cdmorenot]

I would have the case-back repaired rather than replaced and have the entire watch serviced. Movement overhaul, polish, etc... If the ding is not noticeable it may come off during routine polish. If it is a gouge laser weld is your solution which RSC will not do.

I see you're on the West Coast - I'd send it to an independent watch maker. You'll pay $300 for the service $200 for the polish and possibly $50 - $100 for the laser weld on the ding.

I'd wear the hell out of it and get it serviced again when your son is ready for it.

Ps. That is a damn good looking GMT.

[HERITAGE82]

The case back looks perfectly fine, and the current case polish although not stellar isn't terrible. If you just want it polished correctly ABC watchwerks in LA will bring it back to like new condition for $100 (they recently did it to my 16710 GMT that was poorly polished). They also do laser welding which I had done to my watch due to a lug that was dented (cost was another $100).

However, 15 hours power reserve is terrible (did you give it 40 full winds of the crown?) therefore I would have ABC do a full service and polish and you will get back an amazing looking & running watch that will be good to go for years to come.

My

[dysondiver]

looks like an inscription has been removed , rest of it isnt tragic , health to wear it.

[Sublovin]

In all honesty, the caseback is probably the last thing I would spend money on

[normandy]

case back probably around $200-$300

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by HERITAGE82

The case back looks perfectly fine, and the current case polish although not stellar isn't terrible. If you just want it polished correctly ABC watchwerks in LA will bring it back to like new condition for $100 (they recently did it to my 16710 GMT that was poorly polished). They also do laser welding which I had done to my watch due to a lug that was dented (cost was another $100).

However, 15 hours power reserve is terrible (did you give it 40 full winds of the crown?) therefore I would have ABC do a full service and polish and you will get back an amazing looking & running watch that will be good to go for years to come.

My

Sounds like a plan. Nice looking GMT, by the way.