Differences between new and RSC polished watches

[the_natural]

I know, another thread about polishing, but hear me out.

My Explorer is only six months old, so no plans anytime soon to send it in for service. But I'm a planner, so I think about stuff ahead of schedule.

What are the main arguments against having a full polish done by an RSC alongside routine service? I've read a bunch of threads, and it seems like there are largely two camps:

(1) Polishing removes the history and character of the watch, and/or
(2) Polishing is risky and they could fark it up, causing avoidable damage or issues

My question is this: if the very best RSC fully polished your watch, does it change how it looks (apart from the obvious), such as the crispness of the lugs/edges/etc, or some other change that makes it clearly look like it's been polished?

I've seen and read plenty about hack polishing jobs done by non-RSC's, and the occasional example where an RSC messed up; but what I can't figure out is if there's a clearly visible difference, a telltale characteristic, that a polished Rolex has.

For example, if you took a just-polished 39mm Explorer case and set it side-by-side to a brand new 39mm Explorer case, assuming no dents or anything like that, would they look identical, nearly identical, very different, etc?

[johneh]

My guess is that it would all depend on the amount of polishing that had to be done, which would be correlated to the condition of the watch when it was sent in. For example, if it only had some light surface scratches and no major dents/dings, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. On the flip side, if the watch was beat to crap and needed extensive polishing you might be able to tell.

[Speed]

Detecting a polish would imply knowing the difference visually between a non-polished version and your watch.

Older models had chamfers which often got polished out...or lug holes which became elongated. Key giveaways. Newer models do not have such flourishes so you'll have to look harder.

Thin Lugs and polished surfaces which should be brushed are also a giveaway. A RSC should know what it's doing...but any tech can have a bad day.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Speed

Detecting a polish would imply knowing the difference visually between a non-polished version and your watch.

Older models had chamfers which often got polished out...or lug holes which became elongated. Key giveaways. Newer models do not have such flourishes so you'll have to look harder.

Thin Lugs and polished surfaces which should be brushed are also a giveaway. A RSC should know what it's doing...but any tech can have a bad day.

This

[Maiden]

I have had two watches polished at RSC during regular service. One was 36 years old (DJ) and a 114060. They came back looking like new and I loved the results. It was like getting a new watch! In 7 to 10 years I will have it done again. I think any Rolex should be able to handle a couple of RSC polishes in its lifetime based on a servicing schedule. Of course if you have an older or vintage watched that has been polished have a dozen times you might re think it. The sentimental aspect (character, history) means nothing to me, but that is just personal preference. YMMV

[smc23]

Had my 15yr old datejust polished by RSC and you can definitely tell it was polished. The fluted bezel edges don't seem as crisp. I question the overall shape of the case now as I really don't know how much polishing was actually done. This was despite telling them on the work order to do a light polishing.

On all my new watches I will not do any polishing whatsoever. I rather live with the scratches.

[lhawli]

When I send my watches in for service, I request a movement and gasket service only.

I specifically instruct them not to polish anything and I also hand them the case only as I remove the bracelet.

I love to keep the history and the battle scars on my watches, which tells my story!


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[esscaster]

I think it depends on you, if you want it to look cosmetically pristine get it polished, but if you don't care (like I don't) then don't.

I don't think the casual observer or even expert would notice if a modern Rolex was polished 1 or 2 times, but the material loss I think would be noticeable by use of calipers after that 3rd or 4th polish.

I would definitely have Rolex do it because they know the case and bracelet the best.

[rootbeer7]

I now have first hand experience of 3 pieces. 1990s Tudor BigBlock, 1990s tt midsize Yachtmaster and 2006 tt Datejust. All 3 serviced and polished and look like they're brand new.

[c41006]

Personally I avoid having my watches polished. I would rather live with the scratches than the possibility of a sub par polishing job,