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Old 24 November 2018, 05:12 AM   #1
purestrike
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Bracelet buffing or leave it alone?

I got my first Rolex, problem is I had to like the discountinued Kermit! This is also my first second hand watch purchase because I refuse to pay crazy NOS prices. The case is perfect (I used a loupe!) but the bracelet has scratches on it (not deep can't catch a nail)

The psychology is this: I do not mind if I made those scratches but these were made by the previous owner and it kinda bugs me.

What would you do?

See pics please.
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:24 AM   #2
TimeToGo
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If you are unsure of the service history, get it all done at once...
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:26 AM   #3
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If you are unsure of the service history, get it all done at once...
This is good logic to listen to and you will get a new watch back. Send it to Rikki and you will be amazed.
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:27 AM   #4
beshannon
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So you wanted to buy used but did not want it to be used?
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:28 AM   #5
subtona
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a ding or dent would be a concern for me but scratches swirlies and desk diving marks are unavoidable ... your new scratches will cover over previous scratches ... wear that watch and don't think about it
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:29 AM   #6
Sublovin
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Put it on a NATO and throw the bracelet back in the box!
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:36 AM   #7
dcash0615
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Personally if the watch is currently unpolished I would leave as is. Your going to add to these scratches so why try to polish them out.
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:36 AM   #8
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Leave it be.
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:53 AM   #9
SearChart
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Have it refinished if it bugs you.
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:57 AM   #10
joli160
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Bracelet refinishing is a very easy DIY, do a search and you'll find plenty examples. Takes a half hour and you will not be separated with your watch for weeks
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Old 24 November 2018, 05:58 AM   #11
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If it bugs you then polish it. Simple.
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Old 24 November 2018, 06:06 AM   #12
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Leave it alone they will only reappear when you wear it. If the watch needs servicing then ask for a light polishing when you have it serviced.
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Old 24 November 2018, 06:10 AM   #13
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Bracelet refinishing is a very easy DIY, do a search and you'll find plenty examples. Takes a half hour and you will not be separated with your watch for weeks
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Old 24 November 2018, 06:25 AM   #14
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To get the bracelet refinished by someone that knows what they are doing would take 5 minutes. Then it would look good in its entirety.
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Old 24 November 2018, 07:02 AM   #15
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Have it refinished if it bugs you.
Exactly. You'll love it...and it won't do any harm unless you have it done every month!
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Old 24 November 2018, 07:18 AM   #16
purestrike
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Thanks guys! I guess service is coming up anyways, given its been 10 years. Can I tell RSC specifically NOT to polish the watch case but light polish the bracelet? Or does RSC just do whatever they want based on their judgement?
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Old 24 November 2018, 07:21 AM   #17
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It’s your watch. If you want to put the scratches on it yourself ( which you will ) or want it to feel new even for a little while then get it polished by Rolex..


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Old 24 November 2018, 07:22 AM   #18
Dr. Robert
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I’ve had my Rolex & Tudor watches polished by the former licensed Rolex service facility in San Francisco, they did a marvelous job, but don’t do it often.
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Old 24 November 2018, 07:26 AM   #19
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I'd leave it alone. I expect the urge will pass. Unless it's due for a service anyway, then just get it done and start fresh
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Old 24 November 2018, 07:43 AM   #20
purestrike
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcash0615 View Post
Personally if the watch is currently unpolished I would leave as is. Your going to add to these scratches so why try to polish them out.

That is my current thinking, it is supposedly unpolished, the lines look pretty sharp to me but what do I know. What do you guys think?
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Old 24 November 2018, 08:05 AM   #21
Onequik135i
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My Polar has similar scratches on the bracelet part as well. My plan is to take it to Rikki to polish the bracelet only. The lug area and case are in great shape overall but I’m with you on the bracelet polish thinking.
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Old 24 November 2018, 08:07 AM   #22
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Wear it for 10 years. Then do first polish.
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Old 24 November 2018, 08:38 AM   #23
TimingsEverything
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Have it refinished if it bugs you.


+1. I wear my watches so they get a few fine scratches. I have the Rolex repair facility polish them out when the watch goes in for periodic service. If you just got it, have the service center give it a once-over, or just have them polish it.


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Old 24 November 2018, 08:56 AM   #24
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I know how you feel, did the same when l bought a used Milgauss and had my jeweler do a light polish so l could feel like l was starting over. It's nice that you can leave the case alone.

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Old 24 November 2018, 09:00 AM   #25
bradyb
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Looks great! Wear it and enjoy as it won't take long for another scratch to magically appear.

I just acquired a similar mark today and I can't recall when or how it could have happened. But it's Friday 5:04pm and I'm heading to the fridge for my 2nd beer, so I have a feeling everything will turn out A-OK.
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Old 24 November 2018, 09:24 AM   #26
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Everybody is different I personally like my watch to look good and a lite polish is no big deal do what makes you happy and enjoy your timepiece
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Old 24 November 2018, 09:24 AM   #27
antbkny
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I would leave it
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Old 24 November 2018, 09:28 AM   #28
R@lex
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I'd polish
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Old 24 November 2018, 09:41 AM   #29
Greenwich Mean Time
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I've learned one thing in wearing Rolex for 32+ years, no matter how careful you are, scratches are going to happen. Your watch is a tool and tools sometimes get marked from everyday use. When you send it in for service, it will look like new again until the next scratch. Just relax and enjoy it the way it is. :)
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Old 24 November 2018, 10:52 AM   #30
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Leave it and enjoy.
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