The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 18 January 2024, 02:20 AM   #1
seabreeze
2024 Pledge Member
 
seabreeze's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Real Name: Ed
Location: Martha's Vineyard
Posts: 835
To have Rolex polish or not polish my 10-year-old sub?

I know there are number of posts on here, but I have a 10-year-old sub, ceramic. Going to send it to RSC for its first proper service.

I know unpolished is a thing however, it would be Rolex doing it and I guess one of the pleasures of getting the watch back is that it would be in new condition.

I guess on the plus side they know what they’re doing and it would come back looking great on the minus side it will only be for a short period before it starts to be scratched up again.

I know it’s a 50-50 with valid points on either side but I am curious as always what people think


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
Rolex Submariner 114060 - 2013
Rolex Explorer 1016 - 1967
Omega Seamaster 2220.80 2007
Victorinox Swiss Army 24221 - circa 1985
Sold but wish I didn't
Rolex DateJust 1603 - 1972
seabreeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 02:26 AM   #2
Balsquat
"TRF" Member
 
Balsquat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 227
To be quite honest, you can probably polish your own Rolex if you were so inclined. That being said, I think it's a waste of time in either case. To each their own though.
Balsquat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 02:33 AM   #3
Easy E
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: GA
Posts: 5,080
There is certain to be a number of users telling you never let them polish your watch and they will site some verifiable examples of bad poor workmanship, I am in the let them polish camp. Given the thousands of watches serviced a year pointing to a few bad examples isn't enough for me. I, not too, too long ago, purchased an older 16710 that had been serviced at a RSC. I am 99% certain it had been polished, but it looked perfect - brand new even.
Easy E is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 02:35 AM   #4
HHIslander
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Real Name: Henry
Location: USA
Posts: 4,288
Sounds like you want a polish, so I’d do it. No harm in it. I am in the polish camp myself for non vintage.
HHIslander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 02:40 AM   #5
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,062
Well my own working tool 16600 SD had a very hard life with well over 600 hours underwater.And now have been serviced and polished every time by now 4 different RSC worldwide now 24 years old and still looking good.
__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 04:50 AM   #6
seabreeze
2024 Pledge Member
 
seabreeze's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Real Name: Ed
Location: Martha's Vineyard
Posts: 835
this is great thanks! yes i am in the polish camp
__________________
Rolex Submariner 114060 - 2013
Rolex Explorer 1016 - 1967
Omega Seamaster 2220.80 2007
Victorinox Swiss Army 24221 - circa 1985
Sold but wish I didn't
Rolex DateJust 1603 - 1972
seabreeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:37 AM   #7
PenDelicate
"TRF" Member
 
PenDelicate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Stockholm
Watch: Just a Daytona
Posts: 1,385
As long as you appreciate the consequences of your decision, whatever you decide is fine.

Polishing a watch can have two negative consequences:
1) It may devalue it. If you're thinking of re-selling it down the line, know that most collectors tend to value unpolished pieces more than polished.
2) There's no going back. You might love your polished piece now, but down the line, you might regret losing those, "Original, sharp edges."

And it can have one positive consequence:
1) Your watch will look brand new.

You may hear the argument, "Why make it look brand new again if it will only get scratched-up again?"

This has always struck me as an unusually equilibrium-focused view of things, discarding the temporary, transient states through which you pass on the way to equilibrium. Sometimes the transient states are the point. Eating food, for example. Or being alive.

Of course, I'm using flippant examples, but the answer to, "Why polish when it'll end-up scratched anyway?" is, "To enjoy it looking brand new again, even if only for a short while."
PenDelicate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:39 AM   #8
thesharkfactor
"TRF" Member
 
thesharkfactor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Scotland
Watch: GMT
Posts: 3,643
If you have any dings or dents - don’t polish! They will ruin the nice defined sharp edges getting those out.

If it’s just superficial marks hairlines and swirls - polish away!
thesharkfactor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:51 AM   #9
0nly5iv3Digits
"TRF" Member
 
0nly5iv3Digits's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: EARTH
Watch: What is "watch"?
Posts: 1,349
I would not, personally. You’re better off “cape” cod polishing the case flanks and re-brushing the bracelet yourself with scotchbrite.

I’m not even close to joking.
__________________
UNpolished or I’m not interested” 😎
2FA Enabled
0nly5iv3Digits is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:56 AM   #10
jgottsman11
2024 Pledge Member
 
jgottsman11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: wHerE do U liv
Watch: 5164R
Posts: 1,450
For that model i'd say polish it
__________________
5164R Aquanaut "Tiffany & Co"
18238 Champagne Day Date
jgottsman11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 06:37 AM   #11
Idaho
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 61
I would say to not polish. I have never been very happy with the RSC polish. Bezels get destroyed. Just my opinion
Idaho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 06:59 AM   #12
Tools
TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron
 
Tools's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Real Name: Larry
Location: Mojave Desert
Watch: GMT's
Posts: 43,514
Quote:
Originally Posted by seabreeze View Post
. . .

I know unpolished is a thing however, it would be Rolex doing it and I guess one of the pleasures of getting the watch back is that it would be in new condition.

. . .
Rolex uses standards and proper contour shapers to keep your watch looking like new, properly.

If you make the insides like new, why not give yourself a mint looking watch to see outside too.
__________________
(Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....)
NAWCC Member
Tools is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:13 AM   #13
Calatrava r
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: United States
Watch: Rolex and Patek
Posts: 11,420
If it looks okay to you, I would not have it polished. Sometimes there is a particular mark which annoys, and it is best to remove that with a polish at service.
Calatrava r is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:15 AM   #14
173rdabn
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: George
Location: Cape Cod
Watch: 216570 Explorer II
Posts: 2,422
Just polish it! RSC will do a good job.
173rdabn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:50 AM   #15
Car32
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 397
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
Rolex uses standards and proper contour shapers to keep your watch looking like new, properly.

If you make the insides like new, why not give yourself a mint looking watch to see outside too.
I had my 16570 polished by RSC NY during services. lugs were fine, polish on the 9 o'clock side of the case was not totally "rounded" as it should be, more like an octagon with the sharp ends at regular intervals along the side. However very slight and only noticeable in certain light, so I just left it alone.

to OP: if you are planning on wearing the watch regularly, I would say no polish. Not only because of the risk of a bad job, but also, it's just going to get scratched and dinged anyway, so what's the point?
Car32 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 09:05 AM   #16
slide13
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Here
Posts: 1,003
You sound like you'd enjoy it looking new again, in which case I think a polish is a fine idea as long as the case is in good overall condition with no deep marks or dings they would need to try and get out.

Personally, I'm a no polish person. I like the crisp edges of an unpolished case and once you polish you can't go back...it'll always be a polished case. Plus I don't like the idea of erasing the wear I put on the watch.

But, I do think it's much less noticeable on 6 digit watches then the 5. With the bevels on the 5 it gets to be so noticeable if it's been even just slightly overpolished so it's a riskier endeavor. With a 6 digit it usually tends to go better with the thicker cases and lack of bevels.
slide13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 03:27 PM   #17
Verdi
"TRF" Member
 
Verdi's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Mitch
Location: UAE
Watch: Big Ben
Posts: 2,451
I don't polish my watches if I am the one that put the scratches on them.

Nothing wrong with a polish after 10 years of wear. It'll look like brand new providing that is done professionally. So, you get that new watch feel for a while.
__________________
IG: @watch_idiot_savant
Verdi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:08 PM   #18
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,064
It may not necessarily come back in like new condition.
If you've bashed it up too much, someone has to make a judgement call as to whether it would be an advantage to Laser weld the worst of the nuga-chungas.
There are limits as to how much one can make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Having said that, a SubC has shite loads of meat on it so that aspect of the job will be an advantageous with little down side.
Some before pics would be great to help gauge the damage.
Some after pics would be awsome
We don't generally get to see much of the aftermath of RSC work on a SubC or any SubCs if I recall correctly

Great movements too.
How is timekeeping so far?
Why do you think it needs a service in your case?
You're lucky.
I normally only get 5 - 5.5 years out of a daily wearer auto before something is up with it and it needs a service
Dirt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:11 PM   #19
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by HHIslander View Post
Sounds like you want a polish, so I’d do it. No harm in it. I am in the polish camp myself for non vintage.
Agreed
Besides, one has to do it to know whether it works out and is of value.
As Tools says, it's basically hard to beat a RSC job because they are a dedicated lot.
Dirt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 05:14 PM   #20
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by Car32 View Post
I had my 16570 polished by RSC NY during services. lugs were fine, polish on the 9 o'clock side of the case was not totally "rounded" as it should be, more like an octagon with the sharp ends at regular intervals along the side. However very slight and only noticeable in certain light, so I just left it alone.

to OP: if you are planning on wearing the watch regularly, I would say no polish. Not only because of the risk of a bad job, but also, it's just going to get scratched and dinged anyway, so what's the point?
Your rationale makes a case for the occasional polish job.
After all, if it's going to get knocked around some more when it's back on the wrist. It's a bit like a haircut. It's only a week between a good one and a bad one. Lol.
Dirt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 06:28 PM   #21
jamesbondOO7
"TRF" Member
 
jamesbondOO7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Real Name: BondJamesBond
Location: The Algarve
Watch: Rolex or nothing
Posts: 4,081
It could be ruined in an instant. Don’t do it.
__________________
♛ 5-digit Rolex or nothing ♛
jamesbondOO7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 06:35 PM   #22
Spoonage
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: California
Posts: 3,133
I personally prefer to leave as is so no polishing for me. While new and shiny is always appealing, a watch with some light scratches and dings has its own charm and appeal. No if it looks as if it was thrown out of a window .. polish it then.
Spoonage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 07:00 PM   #23
Dirt
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 8,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spoonage View Post
I personally prefer to leave as is so no polishing for me. While new and shiny is always appealing, a watch with some light scratches and dings has its own charm and appeal. No if it looks as if it was thrown out of a window .. polish it then.
Now let me say this.
My DSSD doesn't quite look like it's been thrown out of a window, but it's in pretty sad shape. In fact it's the worst condition watch I've ever had after over 12 years of daily wear and tear and two much needed services under it's belt.
The watch has never been polished because my RSC doesn't do Laser welding.
It needs welding up otherwise it will never look respectable or it will look like a bad fake after polishing.
In summary, Jesus Christ himself couldn't fix it with a polish alone.
How do I know this?
This kind of thing is a large part of my trade.

A blanket statement about polishing being the be all and end all without seeing the item in question is folly.
We need to factor in the possibility the OP doesn't have easy access to an RSC that Laser welds the worst of it if required before finishing off with a polish job.
The OP may well be better served by going to a great independent to have the work done as Rolex isn't the only game in town when it comes to the full spa treatment.
Dirt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 07:11 PM   #24
alphadweller
"TRF" Member
 
alphadweller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Real Name: Vic
Location: Spain
Watch: SD43
Posts: 6,198
You'll have rounded edges for nothing. You basically polish the case to have it scratch free for a while, until scratches come back and you're left with a case that's lost its original sharpness. I won't polish my watches when service is due.
alphadweller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:12 PM   #25
jimcameron
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ByDawns Earlylite
Watch: 16800
Posts: 3,580
Get a Dremel tool and polish it yourself.




just kidding.
jimcameron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:29 PM   #26
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,062
Picture below of my own working tool 16600SD I am sure this watch has seen more use and sometimes abuse than todays pampered watches will see in ten life times. Picture taken after last service in Singapore this was its third service and polish by various RSC world wide. Now had 4 services and polish and still looks good today. Having serviced many many watches over the plus 50 odd years of owning ad wearing Rolex watches never ever had a bad service or bad polish from any RSC. But admit I dont have a loupe to expect every minute area of any watch I have ever owned.

__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 08:37 PM   #27
travisb
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
travisb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Travis
Location: FL / NYC
Watch: Yes..
Posts: 33,489
For that watch, yes. I'd have RSC polish it and it'll look good as new.
travisb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 09:15 PM   #28
1st amg
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
1st amg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Real Name: nicholas
Location: ottawa canada
Watch: Rolex,AP,Panerai
Posts: 10,409
Ed, I would polish. It will look like new and feel like a new watch after all those years. Realistically, if you were ever to sell this watch, the difference of money you would potentially lose is minimal. It's not like your watch is now worth half. Do it!
1st amg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 11:00 PM   #29
m j b
"TRF" Member
 
m j b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: Michael
Location: RTP, NC, USA
Watch: ♕& Ω
Posts: 5,221
Here's a thought: resale doesn't matter if you plan to keep the watch forever.

I'm firmly in the polish camp.
__________________
Enjoy life - it has an expiration date.


Disclaimer: Please note that the avatar is not an accurate representation of how I look. The camera adds 10 pounds...
m j b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2024, 11:05 PM   #30
RolexDave68
"TRF" Member
 
RolexDave68's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Real Name: Dave
Location: USA
Watch: SUB 116613LN
Posts: 2,888
Quote:
Originally Posted by m j b View Post
Here's a thought: resale doesn't matter if you plan to keep the watch forever.

I'm firmly in the polish camp.

I agree
RolexDave68 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.