Looking for advice on case restoration

[ny_yeti]

Hi gang, I was hoping to get some feedback regarding the case on my 5-digit sub date from 2006

LONG story short... I am the original owner of the piece minus about 8 months. During this time, the previous owner looks to have had the case polished. I assume, based on images I have seen, over polished the case.

As I am not an expert on what over-polishing actually looks like or what the original should look like, I would like some feedback / friendly advice on a few items.

1) first and foremost... is the polishing really even THAT bad?
2) If yes to #1, who is recommended for repair? I have seen good feedback on Rolliworks and LA watch works. Any recent experience with either?
3) Any concerns with case repair? Does this type of work "void" the authenticity of my piece?

To be 100% honest, it does not bother me too much but would love your 2-cents!

Thanks all!

Yeti

[Noonan]

Polishing is only "bad" if you plan on selling the watch. Unpolished would command a higher price in the market. If you're not selling it, wear and enjoy it!

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Noonan

Polishing is only "bad" if you plan on selling the watch. Unpolished would command a higher price in the market. If you're not selling it, wear and enjoy it!

........on TRF.
Elsewhere, not a concern.

[tie219]

Honestly looks fine, wouldn't call that overpolished at all. Enjoy it!

[2001jesper]

Some better pictures are needed for a fair evalaution - crown guard looks a little thin, but impossible to say.

There will always be “issues”, but you like the watch in its current condition, then wear and enjoy it instead

[faz]

It is a beautiful watch as it is, enjoy it. I think you are over thinking the whole polishing thing. In fact, have a local guy give it a nice quick polish to bring the shine back out on it and enjoy your like new shiny watch. Even if you have it lightly polished many more times in its life, the case will still have more metal and life left in it than you could ever use in your lifetime.

Or at least that is how I look at watches.

Wear, enjoy, don't try to keep them perfect, and don't expect them to stay perfect.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Noonan

Polishing is only "bad" if you plan on selling the watch. Unpolished would command a higher price in the market. If you're not selling it, wear and enjoy it!

I don't think you're wrong but I feel there is a big overlap, even if you plan to sell that it's not necessarily bad as long as it's done well, maintains the original lines, brushings, chamfers, etc.

I just sent a watch to LA Watchworks. I'd heard only good things. Only complaint so far is that it's taking longer than expected. I will update when I have the watch back in hand.

[Tools]

Don't succumb to the recent "no-polish" crowd. Most of them are just repeating what they read on the 'Net.

1. Overpolishing is actual deformation, not minor scratch work, so, no, your watch is not "bad" in any manner at all.

2. Don't send your watch in for refinishing as an end-all; send it in to Rolex for a service and they will refinish your watch to factory specs - free.

3. There is no such thing as "void authenticity". If you have custom work done (large chamfers are popular now), it is still an authentic Rolex.

[Kliminator]

Originally Posted by ny_yeti

To be 100% honest, it does not bother me too much but would love your 2-cents!
Yeti

If it doesn't bother you - leave it!

Just continue to wear and enjoy it. If you decide to have it refinished - you're honestly more likely to obsess if it gets scratched / dinged up.

[123Blueface]

Originally Posted by Tools

Don't succumb to the recent "no-polish" crowd. Most of them are just repeating what they read on the 'Net.

1. Overpolishing is actual deformation, not minor scratch work, so, no, your watch is not "bad" in any manner at all.

2. Don't send your watch in for refinishing as an end-all; send it in to Rolex for a service and they will refinish your watch to factory specs - free.

3. There is no such thing as "void authenticity". If you have custom work done (large chamfers are popular now), it is still an authentic Rolex.

[Crazy Lugs]

Originally Posted by Tools

2. Don't send your watch in for refinishing as an end-all; send it in to Rolex for a service and they will refinish your watch to factory specs - free.

I consider #2 incorrect, as RSC will not cut chamfers “as new” in a watch that had them new, such as early 14060/M. LA Watchworks seem to have the best skills for this work at the moment, but take ages to respond to inquiries (they have more work than they need an there ain’t no one better at case refinishing).

Mike at Rolliworks is super responsive and will provide a formal quote. They’re refinishing skills look just as good to my eyes, but I’m not sure if anyone can do anything about those overly sharp crown guards. The material is simply gone.

[ny_yeti]

Originally Posted by Tools

Don't succumb to the recent "no-polish" crowd. Most of them are just repeating what they read on the 'Net.

1. Overpolishing is actual deformation, not minor scratch work, so, no, your watch is not "bad" in any manner at all.

2. Don't send your watch in for refinishing as an end-all; send it in to Rolex for a service and they will refinish your watch to factory specs - free.

3. There is no such thing as "void authenticity". If you have custom work done (large chamfers are popular now), it is still an authentic Rolex.

Thank you, sir

[Bizcut1]

Looks great to me! Enjoy it!

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Crazy Lugs

I consider #2 incorrect, as RSC will not cut chamfers “as new” in a watch that had them new, such as early 14060/M. LA Watchworks seem to have the best skills for this work at the moment, but take ages to respond to inquiries (they have more work than they need an there ain’t no one better at case refinishing).

Mike at Rolliworks is super responsive and will provide a formal quote. They’re refinishing skills look just as good to my eyes, but I’m not sure if anyone can do anything about those overly sharp crown guards. The material is simply gone.

This /\ (nor will they ad material)

RolliWorks or LAWW will make that case good as new. RolliWorks seems to have mastered the laser welding process.