Scratches? Does movement need to be removed to polish caseback?

[mjr24]

I am looking at a watch that has some minor hairline marks, scratches, etc. on the case back.

Two things....
1-I can't say I've ever had any scratches on the case backs of any of my watches. Why would a watch have markings there?

2-I do remember when I went to have my Breitling polished at the AD, they claimed they could not polish the case, at all, without removing the movement....and that basically it had to be sent to Breitling to do this (because you could mess up the movement otherwise). They had no issues polishing the bracelet. I had multiple AD's tell me this same thing.....I asked around (as I had never heard that before....about having to remove the movement). Now, for what it's worth....I had a see-through caseback on my Breitling Navitimer....not sure if this had anything to do with it.

3-Is this something I need to worry about on polishing the caseback of a Rolex (is there a chance of messing up the movement)?

[kieselguhr]

1. You can easily get minor scuffs and scratches on the caseback. For example, when you rest your watch on the clasp.



2. To polish the watch case, the movement has to be removed from within to avoid damage. I imagine it’s also much more manageable by the polishing tech in this form



The bracelet can be separated from the watch case hence why it can be freely polished without affecting the movement.

3. You can drag your case back on your preferred grit sand paper without having to remove the caseback if you wish.


Honestly. Why bother? It’s the back of the case that never gets seen.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mjr24

I am looking at a watch that has some minor hairline marks, scratches, etc. on the case back.

Two things....
1-I can't say I've ever had any scratches on the case backs of any of my watches. Why would a watch have markings there?

2-I do remember when I went to have my Breitling polished at the AD, they claimed they could not polish the case, at all, without removing the movement....and that basically it had to be sent to Breitling to do this (because you could mess up the movement otherwise). They had no issues polishing the bracelet. I had multiple AD's tell me this same thing.....I asked around (as I had never heard that before....about having to remove the movement). Now, for what it's worth....I had a see-through caseback on my Breitling Navitimer....not sure if this had anything to do with it.

3-Is this something I need to worry about on polishing the caseback of a Rolex (is there a chance of messing up the movement)?

Take my advice leave it alone, who is going to see any scratches on the case back for gods sake.All scratches on all Rolex watches should be left to normal routine service only every 5-10 years depending on use.And I am sure that a few case back scratches will have no effect in the running of your watch, for the only function it has to tell the time face up on your wrist.

[khalifam]

Originally Posted by padi56

Take my advice leave it alone, who is going to see any scratches on the case back for gods sake.All scratches on all Rolex watches should be left to normal routine service only every 5-10 years depending on use.And I am sure that a few case back scratches will have no effect in the running of your watch, for the only function it has to tell the time face up on your wrist.

Ditto, I have scratches on my case back and it's from when the bracelet meets the case back when I've not worn it and put it away without a watch holder and one of them spongy things. I just leave it and it adds character to my watch.



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[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by mjr24

I am looking at a watch that has some minor hairline marks, scratches, etc. on the case back.

If the condition of the watch as it is bothers you, don't buy it.

[mjr24]

No that’s a good point....that resting it on the clasp can scratch it. I just wasn’t sure if that was normal. I never put my watch that way so I hadn’t experienced these marks.

Condition is great from a trusted seller....just wanted to make sure it wasn’t odd to have marks on case back but not really on rest of watch (and it hasn’t been polished).

[cop414]

Case back scratches can also occur if a NATO strap was used and grit got between the strap and the case back.

[Ntoz]

Don't buy it if you are not satisfied

[polaris72]

My caseback got scratched by Rolex RSC during warranty service. Go figure. I live with it. Would be happier if done by me.

[Dahh]

If you won't be comfortable looking at it, don't buy it

[chicagowatchman]

Originally Posted by polaris72

My caseback got scratched by Rolex RSC during warranty service. Go figure. I live with it. Would be happier if done by me.

That happened to me sent it back and they fixed it!

[mjr24]

Actually I looked at my 116710LN just now and do some see some surface scratches on the caseback.

Actually, here is the back of the exact watch I am looking at.....look harmless?

[supacarrot]

My AD made a faint 5x1mm scratch against the brush grain on the back of my PM sub when I had them verify the authenticity of my purchase. I don't really worry too much about it.

I do however always keep my watches on my custom watch stand at night so the back of my watch doesn't get dinged up more by setting the case against the bracelet. I generally try to take care of my watch but don't concern myself when incidental injuries occur.

[Boaters]

I don't like scratches, gouges etc. on my watches. But on the other hand I am not going to worry about every little thing. If really thats the way you are a G-Shock is the watch to get. Just my opinion.

[JimBianchi]

The side of one on my Tudor’s got a minor scratch and I used a cape cod cloth to polish it out. Took a bit, but looks brand new.

[Thuilln]

Polish a caseback? Congratulations, you’ve reached a new level!

[Bigblu10]

This is how I store mine. Even being OCD careful there are a few fine scratches on the case back. Stuff happens

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by cop414

Case back scratches can also occur if a NATO strap was used and grit got between the strap and the case back.

Good point Tim

[Euge]

All my watches have scratches on the case back on the lugs,
even if your are very careful when playing with straps and NATOs this happens...

On the other hand, I’ve heard movement has to be removed when polishing the case since there is a lot of vibrations going on.


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[blue lion]

Originally Posted by padi56

Take my advice leave it alone, who is going to see any scratches on the case back for gods sake.All scratches on all Rolex watches should be left to normal routine service only every 5-10 years depending on use.And I am sure that a few case back scratches will have no effect in the running of your watch, for the only function it has to tell the time face up on your wrist.

[donq]

If you can remove the case back, rebrush the finish and then replace the case back, why would you need to remove the movement?

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by padi56

Take my advice leave it alone, who is going to see any scratches on the case back for gods sake.All scratches on all Rolex watches should be left to normal routine service only every 5-10 years depending on use.And I am sure that a few case back scratches will have no effect in the running of your watch, for the only function it has to tell the time face up on your wrist.

[Bozack90]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Actually I looked at my 116710LN just now and do some see some surface scratches on the caseback.

Actually, here is the back of the exact watch I am looking at.....look harmless?

I can't tell from the photo but there might be some scratches on the lug backs from the bracelet being removed. But the caseback for a used watch seems fine.