too many scratches on gold yachmaster bezel

[QuigleysTavern]

hi,

have a gold yachtmaster with blue face. While it still looks great, the scratches on the matt finish not he bezel are noticeable to me and i'm wondering how to get these out.

Is sending to rolex the only way to do this? what's the cost? and does it take a layer of gold off?

Also, is the yachmaster not a great daily wear? I think i need a more durable watch for my daily.

[versatile1]

As I was quoted 90 bucks from Rolex Canada plus shipping I would say you should be close to the same
Cheers

[QuigleysTavern]

i called rolex customer service and the agent wasn't acutely aware of the issue i was describing so she gave me the typical rolex polish policy. they wont' touch the watch unless its out of warranty for a polish.

do i have to seek out through my AD a place like RoleX Canada do to the work ad hoc?

[WatchNutcase]

You can try to polish them out with a cape cod cloth, If not you should be able to send it in!

How did you get so many scratches on it, from wearing or storing? In my experience I haven't really noticed gold rolex's scratching easier than SS models. Perhaps invest in a little WatchPod case to keep it safe when you take it off your wrist.

[Blue_Lume]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

In my experience I haven't really noticed gold rolex's scratching easier than SS models.

Gold is so much softer than steel, what's this experience you speak of?

Paulo Coelho is on TRF!

*Google name for the joke to click if you're not into books ;)

[DJRikki]

Lets see pics

[RichM]

Not really sure you want to use a Cape Cod Cloth on the bezel. I thought you only use them on a polished surface. That bezel is a matte finish.

Leave it alone until service time. You'll only make it worse.


Welcome to TRF.

[AK797]

Sorry to hear that, ceramic is more scratch-resistant, but I've found my sandblasted plat bezel on my YM has acquired no marks so far.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by AK797

Sorry to hear that, ceramic is more scratch-resistant, but I've found my sandblasted plat bezel on my YM has acquired no marks so far.

platinum is stronger than 18k gold mix. probably why. im sure you know this but:

https://www.mjewelry.com/Info/Educat...s-Metals-Guide

[Cru Jones]

pics?

do NOT use cape cod cloth on your YM's bezel!!

[watchwatcher]

Yeah...what Rich and Cru said. Let a professional tackle the YM bezel. The sandblasted finish is no match for a Cape Cod.

Let's see some pics.

[HogwldFLTR]

I agree, let's see some pictures. Also don't go near the bezel with cape cod cloth.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by AK797

Sorry to hear that, ceramic is more scratch-resistant, but I've found my sandblasted plat bezel on my YM has acquired no marks so far.

All that practice from your days with the ROC has paid its dividends in wrist awareness

[QuigleysTavern]

here is a picture, notice the burnishing on the matte finish near the 30 on the bezel

my AD said i have to do a full service in order to get bezel re polished. which costs 800 bucks or something. he said he spoke to rolex and this is their policy. he didn't mention rolex canada or knew of it.

i'm going to rolex new york later this week.

what do you guys suggest?

[RichM]

That's not a DIY job. I'm pretty sure Rolex will not polish unless it's time for a service. If it's time, let them do it. If not, leave it alone.

I know it's not my watch, but I don't think that's so bad. It gives the watch some character.

By the way, the cost sounds about right.

There are other alternatives to the RSC. I've never used anyone other than the RSC. Maybe someone with first hand knowledge of a good independent will chime in.

[QuigleysTavern]

I saw a thread that Rolex Canada does unbelievable work ? is that an RSC?

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by QuigleysTavern

here is a picture, notice the burnishing on the matte finish near the 30 on the bezel

my AD said i have to do a full service in order to get bezel re polished. which costs 800 bucks or something. he said he spoke to rolex and this is their policy. he didn't mention rolex canada or knew of it.

i'm going to rolex new york later this week.

what do you guys suggest?

If they can't repair it they might take the bezel in trade for a new one. Bring it in and see what they say. FWIW, it seems like part of the charm for the model.

[kilyung]

send it in if it bugs you. Do NOT attempt to refinishnit yourself unless you know what you're doing.

[DJRikki]

Yup.

Im a DIY nut and even I wouldnt attempt it

[CRofMel]

I have the same Yachtmaster, 16623 18k/SS, and I too have the same problem. Slight amount of scratching on the matte part of the bezel and the numbers more worn down from my local jeweler trying to clean it up a few years back. This is why I'm switching to a Sub for a daily watch.

Is the only option sending it into Rolex for service and paying the $800-$1000? Do you have to go to a AD to facilitate the Rolex service or just call Rolex 800 number? If the numbers are worn down pretty good on mine I wonder how much Rolex would charge me for a replacement bezel.

[QuigleysTavern]

I'm going to get all the information when I go see rolex New York and share it here. I'm wondering if Rolex will just replace my bezel and take the scratched one and charge me the difference or a fee, or do it for free?!? I could complain and say why buy a watch this expensive if it's just going to deteroriate rather rapidly. Frankly the watch looks like crap
With these markings and it's less than 1 year old and cost 13k. I'm pissed to be honest .

[James K]

They should be able to do a polish only job but that runs over $400. I'm surprised they wouldn't give you the option for that. My platinum's in the same boat as you but I'm going to wait until it's service time.

[ejvette]

Personally unless you find it really annoying I would wait until service time

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Etschell

platinum is stronger than 18k gold mix. probably why. im sure you know this but:

https://www.mjewelry.com/Info/Educat...s-Metals-Guide

I don't think it matters much the metal, most of the complaints I heard about the YM was scratches to the plat bezel.

Originally Posted by GB-man

All that practice from your days with the ROC has paid its dividends in wrist awareness

Yes, seems so... so far. The gold bezel on my Naut is and feels far more vulnerable, the YM I don't really worry about now.

[DRKBC]

They don't polish the bezel they blast it, I think the medium is glass beads if I remember. It looks a lot better after the fact. Here is mine after having a full service and polish cost was $1200 for both but it hadn't been serviced for about 8 years.

[waQstar]

Reach out to ABC watchwerks in Los Angeles, they will take care of you.

[QuigleysTavern]

Originally Posted by DRKBC

They don't polish the bezel they blast it, I think the medium is glass beads if I remember. It looks a lot better after the fact. Here is mine after having a full service and polish cost was $1200 for both but it hadn't been serviced for about 8 years.

that's a nice looking watch. is that rose gold or YG ? did you notice anything different on the bezel after they sand blasted it? did it take a "layer" off the gold?

[DRKBC]

Originally Posted by QuigleysTavern

that's a nice looking watch. is that rose gold or YG ? did you notice anything different on the bezel after they sand blasted it? did it take a "layer" off the gold?

Hi thank you it is a Y/G a 16623, I have since traded it, after its $1200 service :-) anyway... The bezel looked like new after the service and when I say it was a $1200 service that is Canadian dollars so about $900 US. I believe the bezel portion of the repair was about $120 US.

They block off the polished markers and then bead blast the rest, it really looked good when it was done, like new, no difference, no less substantial. It looked so good in fact that I couldn't face scratching it up again. That and the fact I was wanting a less casual watch than a TT was the reason I traded it.

[QuigleysTavern]

Originally Posted by DRKBC

Hi thank you it is a Y/G a 16623, I have since traded it, after its $1200 service :-) anyway... The bezel looked like new after the service and when I say it was a $1200 service that is Canadian dollars so about $900 US. I believe the bezel portion of the repair was about $120 US.

They block off the polished markers and then bead blast the rest, it really looked good when it was done, like new, no difference, no less substantial. It looked so good in fact that I couldn't face scratching it up again. That and the fact I was wanting a less casual watch than a TT was the reason I traded it.

were you under the impression that you could do the bezel refinish alone if you wanted to? Like it was a separate service?. When I call the RSC they tell me the watch is too young and the only way they will polish will be apart of a total service overhaul. In my opinion, you should be able to do whatever you want and Rolex should accommodate you. I'm willing to pay the 200 bucks it is for the refinish, or whatever it is, but I want it done. buying such an expensive watch i think gives you the right to that.

I'd like to have the refinishing done, and retire the watch to less flashy piece for work and everyday use. the gold on this thing POPS, which i love, but sometimes i think its a little flashy. not to mention its propensity to be scratched.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by AK797

I don't think it matters much the metal, most of the complaints I heard about the YM was scratches to the plat bezel.

you are probably right. that said from what i am reading most people dont have those types of scratches on their platinum bezel YM no matter the age of the watch.