Bought 16570 3186 recently - should I touch up at LAWW?

[Radish]

Hey guys I just got this exp ii from HQ Milton in sf and I was wondering what your advice would be around touching it up at LAWW?

- The bezel is in decent condition with sunburst brush but the outer polished ring isn’t there any longer

- lugs look okay I think missing the mini chamfer on later serial # 16570 , I don’t think they are as noticeable as holes case exp ii lugs?

Anyway thanks for the advice it is greatly appreciated!!

Note: I didn’t care it was a 3186 - they gave me a good price. In retrospect I should have waited for an unpolished piece I guess.

[Crazy Lugs]

Given you exchanged the previous 16570 you bought from HQ right away for this one, I’d suggest only buying pieces you can see in person first.

FWIW, the bezel is replaceable. No holes cases never had chamfers from Geneva.

Unpolished five digit pieces are out there, but somewhat hard to find outside of NOS examples which will cost you.

[Radish]

Yes I totally agree but I couldn’t Bc they were selling within hours so I had to commit. This one is definitely better than the first one I got and they were great with me. Anyway I know you are right crazy lugs.

I’m obviously going to keep it just wondering thoughts on doing a small touch up on bezel at LAWW or you think just replace eventually?

[Crazy Lugs]

There’s nobody better for case refinishing, IMHO. A new bezel might be the cheapest/easiest solution, but it’s likely worth reaching out to get their opinion. There’s also Rolliworks closer to you.

Outside of NOS examples, there will always be something to make a piece imperfect. At a certain point you’re just chasing your tail going from piece to piece. I think most folks consider the 16570 a type of watch that you should throw on without care for all kinds of different conditions- it’s not the type of watch to be considered or treated as a museum piece. Save that for your first PM watch down the road.

Personally speaking, I’d rather have the 3186, so I think you made the right decision to exchange. It’s a fine piece from what I could tell on their website- enjoy it!

[fskywalker]

Congrats


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Radish]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

There’s nobody better for case refinishing, IMHO. A new bezel might be the cheapest/easiest solution, but it’s likely worth reaching out to get their opinion. There’s also Rolliworks closer to you.

Outside of NOS examples, there will always be something to make a piece imperfect. At a certain point you’re just chasing your tail going from piece to piece. I think most folks consider the 16570 a type of watch that you should throw on without care for all kinds of different conditions- it’s not the type of watch to be considered or treated as a museum piece. Save that for your first PM watch down the road.

Personally speaking, I’d rather have the 3186, so I think you made the right decision to exchange. It’s a fine piece from what I could tell on their website- enjoy it!

Thanks crazy lugs appreciate the help and advice. I think my thing is that I don’t care at all about scratches and dinging up the watch. I wore it the second I got it and haven’t taken it off.

I just prefer to have original lines and no polish wish it had all original marks from previous owner.

Anyway thanks again !

[Radish]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Congrats


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thank you! Loving it : )

[Rado63]

Unclear about what you want to find. The photos you post can not determine condition. Do you want NOS 16570 3186? Do you want 16570 3186 worn but unpolished and minimal service? Do you want a pre owned 16570 and restore it to as new condition? My .02 is that if I wanted one of these , I would by one that needed service but something light polishing and replacing bezel could restore to make look like new. These references aren't rare, and can be found readily. Why not ask HQ Milton to help you restore the piece to the condition you desire?

[Radish]

Originally Posted by Rado63

Unclear about what you want to find. The photos you post can not determine condition. Do you want NOS 16570 3186? Do you want 16570 3186 worn but unpolished and minimal service? Do you want a pre owned 16570 and restore it to as new condition? My .02 is that if I wanted one of these , I would by one that needed service but something light polishing and replacing bezel could restore to make look like new. These references aren't rare, and can be found readily. Why not ask HQ Milton to help you restore the piece to the condition you desire?

Hi yes, my question was if sending it in for a minor touch up on the bezel is a good idea? To answer you other question yes I should have bought one unpolished but used. No big deal I’m loving this version but the bezel with no polished outer ring is bothering me a bit.

[BillA]

What is LAWW?

[japenney]

Originally Posted by BillA

What is LAWW?

LA watch works located in LA, California.

They do amazing work. If you feel the need to get the watch refinished you would not be disappointed.

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Amazing piece. Polar explorer

[gummy]

I would hold out on any re-touching on your new watch.

Wear it for a while, the EXPII (I feel) looks great once its been "worn"

Great Watch - Enjoy!

[kneedeep]

You can just replace the entire bezel, not that expensive.

[Manu77]

Replace the bezel, it will be fine!