RSC polish at service - or not?

[georgew]

I'm getting ready to send in my 2008 16610LN for RSC service. Nothing is wrong other than it is 15 yrs old and has gotten the majority of wrist time over the last 10 yrs or so (lately been mixing it up a bit more with the others). It's running right around +6 secs/24 hrs - so just about on the upper end of the spec. I know some will say it doesn;t need service, and others will. I'd prefer not to wear it until something breaks as that tends to be more expensive (generally I think). Overall, it is in excellent condition without major scratches/gouges etc. So, I'm inclined to say no to having them polish it - what say you?

[saxo3]

Only you can decide. If you are happy with the watch as it is then don't get it polished. Anyhow, RSC service includes polishing w/o additional cost and it will come back like new.

[Tools]

I'm in favor of a periodic clean, oil, and adjust service for any mechanical machine.

As far as refinishing, personal choice. I think that if you are going through the trouble to have it cleaned inside, why not the outside too.

[rootbeer7]

This obsession with polishing or not is nuts. I’ve had a 1675, Kermit & Big Block polished by RSC. All superb jobs. If it’s your watch & you want it looking like new then absolutely do it.

[Ron P]

@ Rootbeer: Yes, I fully agree, they do in general a great job, comes back looking stunning again.
I never understand why a valuable watch should look like an old wreck. They should be proud on having it looking great and showing off you gave it all the needed attention to look great, properly maintained and not scratched all over with died lume and a bracelet that bend 90 degrees down from wear an play in the links of scratched, chipped glasses.

[DanCav]

No! Too many horror stories, just leave it and clean it yourself. Polishing should be done only when it is necessary and it does not sound like this is the case.

[JDsnewwatch]

Just got my 2008 116710 back and yes, I got it polished. It looks amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[rmurphy]

I recently sent my 16014 Datejust to an Independent, it’s been gone since 6-24 so I’m expecting it back anytime now. I chose to have it polished. I’m honestly not worried about a thing, I’ve been following their work for years now and it’s some of the best I’ve seen. It’s not like my Datejust is ever going to ascend into the collectibility category of some Subs or Daytonas that polishing would crush their non polished values. I wanted it to look it’s best.


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[georgew]

thanks for all the feedback. I went with a "light" polish. We'll see in about 8 weeks or so

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by saxo3

Only you can decide. If you are happy with the watch as it is then don't get it polished. Anyhow, RSC service includes polishing w/o additional cost and it will come back like new.

Agreed.
Though I think here in OZ a polish is still an additional cost option, but I could be entirely wrong about that.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by georgew

thanks for all the feedback. I went with a "light" polish. We'll see in about 8 weeks or so

Keep in mind that Rolex will polish according to their standard and there is only the minimum work done to achieve that.
If it needs a light polish, that's what it will get.
It it needs considerably more up to the point of including laser welding, that's what it will get.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by georgew

I'm getting ready to send in my 2008 16610LN for RSC service. Nothing is wrong other than it is 15 yrs old and has gotten the majority of wrist time over the last 10 yrs or so (lately been mixing it up a bit more with the others). It's running right around +6 secs/24 hrs - so just about on the upper end of the spec. I know some will say it doesn;t need service, and others will. I'd prefer not to wear it until something breaks as that tends to be more expensive (generally I think). Overall, it is in excellent condition without major scratches/gouges etc. So, I'm inclined to say no to having them polish it - what say you?

Today there is a anti polish syndrome god know why, as long as any RSC polish/light polish is done correctly then no problem. Picture below of my own late 1990s early 2000 16600 SD. Used as a real working tool for many years underwater. And would expect it has seen more use and sometimes abuse that todays mainly pampered watches will see in 10 lifetimes. Plus its been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide now 22 years old and still fully working and ticking strong.

[1William]

If you like the looks then I would not have it polished.

[rmurphy]

Originally Posted by padi56

Today there is a anti polish syndrome god know why, as long as any RSC polish/light polish is done correctly then no problem. Picture below of my own late 1990s early 2000 16600 SD. Used as a real working tool for many years underwater. And would expect it has seen more use and sometimes abuse that todays mainly pampered watches will see in 10 lifetimes. Plus its been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide now 22 years old and still fully working and ticking strong.

Amazing watch …… quite frankly my favorite of any model Rolex has ever produced.


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[krounchou]

Very personal...
Just got back my 16570 white dial from RSC (AD) after a 3 weeks period for full service.
My watch was almost like new despite its age (13 years) so I decided not to polish it. Very happy with my watch like this, all new inside and lightly used outside