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Old 30 April 2019, 04:17 PM   #1
OutofControl8
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Vintage daydate....... to polish or not

So my dad gave me his old daydate. I’m guessing it’s about 30 years old. I know he’s never had it service and the bracelet does have some stretch. I would like to take for a service and tried to have the bracelet repaired and possibly polished. I was thinking about taking it to Rolex service but I heard it can run into a few thousand and I’m not sure if they will repair the bracelet or make me replace it. I’m not trying to buy another bracelet as I just bought a Daytona. But do you guys think it’s worth going to Rolex or take it to a reputable watchmaker? And if 3rd party is the way to go is there any recommendations in the tri state area. Just curious what you guys think.
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Old 30 April 2019, 04:23 PM   #2
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I would at least ask rolex if it’s worth doing and how much they’d charge.
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Old 30 April 2019, 05:13 PM   #3
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That my friend is a gorgeous watch, sharp with a truly delightful patina. If that was mine I would not dream of polishing it.
There are some expert bracelet repairers out there and I am sure friendly forum members will steer you in the right direction.
I think you have a real treasure there, thanks for sharing the pictures.
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Old 30 April 2019, 05:19 PM   #4
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I would polish it. If it were a vintage stainless steel sports watch...no, but that gold will shine so much nicer with a polish.
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Old 30 April 2019, 05:21 PM   #5
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That’s a beautiful watch!

I recently had a DD from the same time period at RSC. No complaints. I was assured they would use only parts consistent with that period and I opted out of polishing. I did however ask that they clean it as well as they possibly could. The result was very nice.

As for bracelet repair alone I think your only real option is Michael Young.

Good luck to you!
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Old 30 April 2019, 05:25 PM   #6
BisonHead
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A lovely watch with history attached to it, fantastic.

I would service it, maybe have the bracelet refurbished by Rolliworks or one of the other recommended independents.
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Old 30 April 2019, 05:32 PM   #7
Abarth90
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I wouldnt polish it - it tells the Story of your Father! Great Watch
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Old 30 April 2019, 06:14 PM   #8
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I would polish it. If it were a vintage stainless steel sports watch...no, but that gold will shine so much nicer with a polish.
Have to agree today many have a phobia about polishing today, mainly internet hyped.As long as any polish is done by the RSC or one of its authorised independents its not a problem to polish any gold or modern SS watches.
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Old 30 April 2019, 07:37 PM   #9
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No polish... enjoy the finish. Too much shiny gold out there. Your watch has real character. Still worth a service as mentioned above.
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Old 30 April 2019, 07:45 PM   #10
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Have to agree today many have a phobia about polishing today, mainly internet hyped.As long as any polish is done by the RSC or one of its authorised independents its not a problem to polish any gold or modern SS watches.
This.
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Old 30 April 2019, 07:50 PM   #11
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Have to agree today many have a phobia about polishing today, mainly internet hyped.As long as any polish is done by the RSC or one of its authorised independents its not a problem to polish any gold or modern SS watches.
Couldn't have said it better myself
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Old 30 April 2019, 10:25 PM   #12
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I inherited a Day-Date 1803 and had Rolex overhaul the watch. It came back as if it was new. Day-Dates are meant to shine, at least the center links, why wear gold if it doesn’t look like gold?
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Old 30 April 2019, 10:44 PM   #13
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i would probably have RSC polish it
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Old 30 April 2019, 11:24 PM   #14
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Get it polished at RSC it will look like new and still be nice and crisp.
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Old 30 April 2019, 11:43 PM   #15
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If it were me I'd send it in for a full service at RSC and just let them do what they do


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Old 1 May 2019, 12:21 AM   #16
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Dad put in those dents - I would rock’em!


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Old 1 May 2019, 12:32 AM   #17
t65tampa
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Send for service at an RSC or a Rolex trained independent. If done properly, that watch will look close to brand new!

If the bracelet is safe to wear structurally and looks okay on the wrist, I would not spend the money on bracelet repairs.
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Old 1 May 2019, 12:34 AM   #18
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That's a great looking daydate and a nice gift from your dad. I'd personally skip the polish but send in for a service. Then again there's nothing wrong with a light polish if that's what you prefer
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Old 1 May 2019, 12:35 AM   #19
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Why would you polish a perfect piece? Once done cannot be undone.
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Old 1 May 2019, 01:21 AM   #20
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Honestly would never use anyone but Rolliworks. Check out their work in the tech forum.


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Old 1 May 2019, 02:38 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by padi56 View Post
Have to agree today many have a phobia about polishing today, mainly internet hyped.As long as any polish is done by the RSC or one of its authorised independents its not a problem to polish any gold or modern SS watches.
^^^^^^ what he said.

OP: Look, it hasn't been serviced in forever, so yes it might need a bit more attention. THIRTY YEARS... please, pretty please send it to RSC for service. She's worth it and it will be serviced correctly.
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Old 1 May 2019, 02:42 AM   #22
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Vintage daydate....... to polish or not

For bracelet repair I would use (and have) without hesitation, RolliWorks in California. Great guy, communication, fair prices, and most importantly amazing work.

Personally I would polish the case. For me, I love gleaming gold even with vintage. I find it gorgeous. In the right hands like Mike at RolliWorks, it will look stunning. You can have a light burnishing or as Mike calls it "courtesy polish" which is included with a movement service. It'll still look minty crisp.

An example of my 1980 16030 bracelet restoration which was polished. Hopefully you get an idea of what yours might look like when cleaned up as far as stretch and contrasting matte and shiny finishes.


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Old 1 May 2019, 02:54 AM   #23
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Vintage daydate....... to polish or not

Beautiful DD and better because it is from your Father. IMHO

I would recommend a complete rebuild and light polish. I did the same thing with my DD. You will be starting your service history and it will look Fantastic!

I have all my watches services at: http://dstimeservice.com/ Tom the owner is Awesome to work with. You can ship it to his shop, they fix it up and send it back! Ask him for the TRF Discount!
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Old 1 May 2019, 03:05 AM   #24
Seibei
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A few people have said that the watch should be made to look like brand new. If that were indeed possible, what would be the point? The whole point of this watch is it's sentimental value and history. I there something to be gained by erasing that?

If you ask me a polish will not make this watch look like brand new. It will make it look like any old soft polished watch. Is that really desirable?

A clean and a bracelet restoration seems in order and then the OP will keep his dad's watch. Look at how sharp the lugs are, it is superb.
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Old 1 May 2019, 03:27 AM   #25
snowblaze
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Same situation as you. i just did a very very light polish and rehaul!
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Old 1 May 2019, 03:32 AM   #26
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Why wouldnt you polis if it look much better. Wouldnt you do it to your car if paint went away.
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Old 1 May 2019, 03:49 AM   #27
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Classic piece!!! Never goes out of style. Service and light polish is all u need.
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Old 1 May 2019, 04:30 AM   #28
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Plain old soap and water and a brush + regular wearing is all I'd do with that beauty. Dad really looked after it!
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Old 1 May 2019, 04:32 AM   #29
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I received my dad’s TT a couple months back. I decided to not get the service as it’s keeping fantastic time and passed pressure test. This watch also sat in a safe for 20 years...I’d personally wait, but definitely worth getting checked out
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Old 1 May 2019, 04:38 AM   #30
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I had my dad's TT DJ from the 60's which was last serviced in 1990 serviced, bracelet polished and replaced the crystal (aftermarket) at a reputable watch repair service in Los Angeles. Very happy with the results. Cost me $500.
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