SubMariner Service Question

[jimcameron]

If it ever ends up in the hands of a used Rolex dealer, they will try and hype up the price on the basis of it's "originality'. For the actual owner that is trying to sell such a watch, the price will be lower because it is in "harder use condition". Personally, I would go with the full service/bezel replacement. Generally preserving the "history" of the watch will document the time "Dad fell down the stairs" or "Dad should have taken his watch off to change the tire". If these are cherished milestones, so be it.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by Tools

The recent "don't polish, keep inserts original" mania comes from the outrageous values of some extremely rare and absolutely original examples that are sold occasionally at auction.

The chances that your watch will be one of these is extremely unlikely. Keep it looking fresh if you want to - you will never live long enough for your watch to be the only one left on the planet which may increase it's value.

Amen to that.

People thinking that their 1990s sub that there are 1000s and 1000s floating around will all of a sudden be the next paul newman daytona if they dont polish it or replace parts on it. LOL - it wont happen.

[T.Rex]

Full Service.....Too many of these to be of future value. And don't be afraid to have polished.

[s.m.b.]

Originally Posted by peterpl

Amen to that.

People thinking that their 1990s sub that there are 1000s and 1000s floating around will all of a sudden be the next paul newman daytona if they dont polish it or replace parts on it. LOL - it wont happen.

Keeping a watch original and unpolished isn't solely about future monetary value. Patina, wabi-sabi, "old crumpled up and scratched," especially when it comes to family heirlooms, means something to certain people. Others could care less, and that's obviously cool.

Also, I have never purchased a used watch, but I would gladly pay a premium for an untouched sample over a Scotch-Brited, Cape-Codded, sent to Rolex every time something serious happened sample. I say let the next owner decide what to do about the signs of your experience wearing the watch in the world. A watch that has been polished once is sure to look better than one that has been repeatedly polished at home and "professionally" over the course of however many years.