Question about Datejust over-polishing...

[Southern]

This is my first post to this wonderful forum so go easy on me.

While looking at many vintage Datejust models for sale (mostly from 1970s and 1980s), I've noticed that they often have a slightly asymmetric appearance of the case. The sweeping curve that follows the curve of the bezel is usually intact on the side of the case away from the crown. However, on the side of the crown the curve appears flattened as if the curvature has been polished away.

Left side looks correct like a ( shape
Right side looks more flat like a > shape.

Hard to explain but I think you get the idea. I'm very picky, so it's noticeable to me. Is this what happens with over-polishing or was the Datejust case actually shaped like this back then?

Educate me please.

[springer]

Here is a 1980 DateJust for comparison.

[GeoGio Greece]

Welcome !

If you have the "eye", you can easily see the polished, overpolished, of even heavily damaged and repaired cases, if not done properly.

You need to see many of the photos posted in this forum, to get the training. Each watch suffers some scratches and dents during its use, and polishing comes to correct them , but this requires material removal in most of the cases. During this procedure, the "lines" are affected, the lugs become thinner, etc.

By seeing a lot of photos, you will be in a position to clearly notice the cases that have been badly polished and / or overpolished.

So, please do your homework

[Southern]

Yes! The photo posted above by springer shows what I'm talking about. Is that the normal shape of the case or has the side with the crown been over-polished because it has straighter lines compared to the curve on the opposite side.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Southern

Yes! The photo posted above by springer shows what I'm talking about. Is that the normal shape of the case or has the side with the crown been over-polished because it has straighter lines compared to the curve on the opposite side.

For 1980, I thought the case was very nice. Maybe you can post some pics for us to review.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by springer

For 1980, I thought the case was very nice. Maybe you can post some pics for us to review.

the case looks ok to me john.

to the original poster rolex watches are not symetrical one lug side is thicker than the other to balance the winding crown and in some case more pronounced on models with chrongraph buttons and crown guards

[Southern]

Ok, here's a pic. The pic posted by springer shows a straight shape of the case leading to the crown on that side the case, but curved on the side opposite to the crown.
However, this pic I've posted shows a smooth symmetric curve on both sides of the case.

[Tools]

The stock photo you are showing is of the latest larger case model and has a different shape and profile..

[Southern]

That's true, but you get the idea of what I'm asking. Should older Datejust have symmetric curves or is that flatter appearance on the crown side normal. That's all I'm asking.

I'm not saying that I know the answer, believe me. I'm just trying to learn if the case shape was like that in the 70s and 80s or if that appearance is caused by over-polishing.

[Southern]

Yes, the pic I posted is a newer model but you see what I'm asking I think. Were the Datejust models of the 70s and 80s made with a "straighter" side of the case on the crown side or is that appearance a result of over-polishing.

I don't know the answer, believe me - I'm no expert. I'm just asking those in the know so I'm educated on what is normal and what isn't.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Southern

Yes, the pic I posted is a newer model but you see what I'm asking I think. Were the Datejust models of the 70s and 80s made with a "straighter" side of the case on the crown side or is that appearance a result of over-polishing.

I don't know the answer, believe me - I'm no expert. I'm just asking those in the know so I'm educated on what is normal and what isn't.

I believe it is the angle of the camera. In this photo, the crown side has a nice curve!

[swish77]

I obsessed over this very same issue in hunting for a vintage DJ. The answer to the OP is not simple. Some vintage DJs are overpolished, of course. Some might be just lightly polished but done poorly, and some just trick you because of the lighting and/or camera angle. (I looked at hundreds, if not thousands, of photos over the course of a year.) So, those beautiful curves on the case aren't always going to look perfect. Just find a case that is fairly thick and not too polished, and then focus on the movement/dial issues, which can be even more of a challenge. Here's the one I ended up buying from the original owner who assured me it had never been polished. Good luck in your search!

[Southern]

Yes, that one looks much better to me. I'd like to find a Datejust made in my birth year - one that has never been polished would be perfect.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Southern

Yes, that one looks much better to me. I'd like to find a Datejust made in my birth year - one that has never been polished would be perfect.

What is wrong with a properly maintained and polished watch? There was a time, and still is, where nobody wanted beat-up, scratched and nicked cases on their Rolex. If you want a vintage watch that looks new, you can send it out and have the case laser welded to look new like many others are doing.

An original watch to me is one that has been properly maintained/serviced/polished. Most vintage watches fit into this category. There are also other categories for vintage watches - to include those that are poorly maintained or over-polished to have "toothpick" lugs. And lastly, you will find a few that are original, untouched watches that are still in outstanding condition. Most original, untouched watches are not in outstanding condition.

[Southern]

Don't misunderstand me - I have no problem with those properly maintained watches that have been polished if that suits the wearer. I'm just very picky about buying a watch, so I want it with an intact original case shape.

[watchcrank]

Polished is not a bad word. Over polished is not good of course. And unless you have owned the watch since new it is difficult to prove you have an "unpolished" watch. Subject was discussed by Jed in good detail. M

[crowncollection]

exactly, we use to like well maintained polished watches, there is a difference between a bad overpolished watch and a proffession job that maintains the original lines of the watch, people are getting ridiculous with this unpolished stuff, i have many vintage pieces,many are polished and well maintained,if it's real valuable and rare,i have a few of these, i do not wear them. i just look at them and because i might want to sell them i don't polish them, but that is for the sake of resale to others., just my opinion.

[springer]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

exactly, we use to like well maintained polished watches, there is a difference between a bad overpolished watch and a proffession job that maintains the original lines of the watch, people are getting ridiculous with this unpolished stuff, i have many vintage pieces,many are polished and well maintained,if it's real valuable and rare,i have a few of these, i do not wear them. i just look at them and because i might want to sell them i don't polish them, but that is for the sake of resale to others., just my opinion.

Yes David, it has become ridiculous. I now see three or four-year-old watches for sale that are being hyped as unpolished.

[Southern]

I don't care if the watch has been polished, that doesn't bother me. I just don't want an over-polished watch.

[gpfps]

Rolex says human hand do the final polishing when making a new watch. If this is true the case can't be perfect human hand and eye sight is not like a machine!