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dainese69 · 25 October 2023, 05:27 PM

hello,

I have a 36-year old Sea-dweller that has seen it's normal wear over the years. Is practically worn the whole week. Should i have it polished?

I would like it to have some shine again . It does not have to look new but still? Just afraid they will overdo it and the casing or lugs will be to thin? I suppose if i bring it in to a Rolex Service center they will do a good job? They are used to it.

What do You think?

thanks
David

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Smobews · 26 October 2023, 11:38 AM

Patina at its finest. I would leave it alone.

SearChart · 26 October 2023, 03:08 PM

I'd say it could use a good polish.

thesharkfactor · 27 October 2023, 04:14 AM

They will absolutely destroy it if they try remove those dents. A cape cod to remove swirls and hairlines and the bracelet brushed is all I would do.

Fahoo Forays · 27 October 2023, 11:27 AM

I saw an image or two a few months ago where someone (a pro- might have been Rolex) had carefully brazed/welded/whatever extra SS rod over a particularly rough area and then reshaped it. There's no way you're gonna get the deep scratches out without altering the basic shape of the case or bracelet.

IMHO, it's fine as is. It looks like a watch that's been used as a tool.

daysky1 · 27 October 2023, 11:41 AM

No polishing as I see it, because there isn't anything polished to begin with...it looks all brushed. So sending it to a Rolex service center would allow them to do the best possible job, ie fill any areas that are too deep and rebrush it back to like new...that said I seem to remember a gent in the UK Paul Thorpe interviewing a watch maker that might do an even better job than a Rolex service center. If you can get in contact with him and send the pictures that could be a better option. Wish you the best..

Andad · 27 October 2023, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daysky1

No polishing as I see it, because there isn't anything polished to begin with...it looks all brushed. So sending it to a Rolex service center would allow them to do the best possible job, ie fill any areas that are too deep and rebrush it back to like new...that said I seem to remember a gent in the UK Paul Thorpe interviewing a watch maker that might do an even better job than a Rolex service center. If you can get in contact with him and send the pictures that could be a better option. Wish you the best..

I don’t think a RSC will fill and polish a case or bracelet they will more likely offer new replacements.

As for Paul Thorpe………..

OP: Why not take it to RSC for a service quote?

horseco · 30 October 2023, 11:40 AM

Pendulum laboratorio in Tuscany. This watch needs laser welding, & they do the best work IMO.

dainese69 · 31 October 2023, 05:10 AM

Just saw the results of Pendulum lab . Amazing , but I am scared for the price !!

brandrea · 31 October 2023, 05:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.

There are a few pretty good marks to deal with on that case. I think it might need some laser welding in addition to a polish.

z_charger · 31 October 2023, 07:47 AM

I would take it off the bracelet and put it on a NATO or leather strap.

dainese69 · 2 November 2023, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseco

Pendulum laboratorio in Tuscany. This watch needs laser welding, & they do the best work IMO.

Have you had work done by them?
I have serious doubts of sending my watch to them by mail.

worldofoyster · 2 November 2023, 04:50 AM

leave it

PatekSF · 2 November 2023, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dainese69

Have you had work done by them?
I have serious doubts of sending my watch to them by mail.

Road trip

kingkyle · 6 November 2023, 03:39 AM

I think the scratches add a lot of character and story to your watch! Look forward to seeing what you decide!

KY.. · 6 November 2023, 11:07 AM

Don’t screw with perfection, leave it alone…

Tuffstang · 23 November 2023, 12:12 PM

Leave it be…has character.

Definitely send it out for RSC to go through the movement but specify to “not polish”, get new spring bars ASAP.

Tools · 24 November 2023, 02:33 AM

There is no reason to have a thrashed bracelet on a multi-thousand dollar watch.

Thrashed watches do not have "character", they just look like they have never been maintained or cared for or received a proper overhaul from time-to-time.

Don't have the local butcher on the corner do the job, but a proper refinish from an RSC can be a significant improvement and increase pride and likely value.

rpdur · 24 November 2023, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

There is no reason to have a thrashed bracelet on a multi-thousand dollar watch.

Thrashed watches do not have "character", they just look like they have never been maintained or cared for or received a proper overhaul from time-to-time.

Don't have the local butcher on the corner do the job, but a proper refinish from an RSC can be a significant improvement and increase pride and likely value.

^This^ Especially since, in your own words, you would like it to shine some again.

Ron P · 24 November 2023, 07:48 AM

In one word Yes, restore to full perfection again.

Ny325 · 27 November 2023, 07:11 AM

I would polish it.

painexpert · 10 January 2024, 05:55 PM

I would leave it alone.

BNA/LION · 10 January 2024, 06:33 PM

Light polish would be my preference.

25 October 2023, 05:27 PM	#1
dainese69 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Belgium Posts: 3	36 year old Model 16660 polish or not? hello, I have a 36-year old Sea-dweller that has seen it's normal wear over the years. Is practically worn the whole week. Should i have it polished? I would like it to have some shine again . It does not have to look new but still? Just afraid they will overdo it and the casing or lugs will be to thin? I suppose if i bring it in to a Rolex Service center they will do a good job? They are used to it. What do You think? thanks David

6 November 2023, 11:07 AM	#16
KY.. 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Real Name: Keith Location: California Watch: 60s to 90s Posts: 1,373	Don’t screw with perfection, leave it alone… __________________ Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s… Ex—https://imgur.com/FnO9FRy — ”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”

23 November 2023, 12:12 PM	#17
Tuffstang "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Central Florida Watch: 16600 Posts: 82	Leave it be…has character. Definitely send it out for RSC to go through the movement but specify to “not polish”, get new spring bars ASAP. __________________ ♛116710LN - ♛126710BLRO - ♛16600 Y - ♛16570 P 🤞♛126500LN🤞(wht dial)

24 November 2023, 02:33 AM	#18
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	There is no reason to have a thrashed bracelet on a multi-thousand dollar watch. Thrashed watches do not have "character", they just look like they have never been maintained or cared for or received a proper overhaul from time-to-time. Don't have the local butcher on the corner do the job, but a proper refinish from an RSC can be a significant improvement and increase pride and likely value. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

10 January 2024, 06:33 PM	#23
BNA/LION 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,650	Light polish would be my preference. __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

26 October 2023, 11:38 AM	#2
Smobews "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Usa Watch: The BIG ones Posts: 515	Patina at its finest. I would leave it alone.

27 October 2023, 04:14 AM	#4
thesharkfactor "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Scotland Watch: GMT Posts: 3,643	They will absolutely destroy it if they try remove those dents. A cape cod to remove swirls and hairlines and the bracelet brushed is all I would do.

27 October 2023, 11:27 AM	#5
Fahoo Forays Banned Join Date: Aug 2023 Real Name: R.M. Location: Here Watch: 16264 Posts: 124	I saw an image or two a few months ago where someone (a pro- might have been Rolex) had carefully brazed/welded/whatever extra SS rod over a particularly rough area and then reshaped it. There's no way you're gonna get the deep scratches out without altering the basic shape of the case or bracelet. IMHO, it's fine as is. It looks like a watch that's been used as a tool.

27 October 2023, 11:41 AM	#6
daysky1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Earth Posts: 436	No polishing as I see it, because there isn't anything polished to begin with...it looks all brushed. So sending it to a Rolex service center would allow them to do the best possible job, ie fill any areas that are too deep and rebrush it back to like new...that said I seem to remember a gent in the UK Paul Thorpe interviewing a watch maker that might do an even better job than a Rolex service center. If you can get in contact with him and send the pictures that could be a better option. Wish you the best..

30 October 2023, 11:40 AM	#8
horseco "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Anthony Location: North Jersey Watch: Daytona 116528 Posts: 3,426	Pendulum laboratorio in Tuscany. This watch needs laser welding, & they do the best work IMO.

31 October 2023, 05:10 AM	#9
dainese69 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Belgium Posts: 3	Just saw the results of Pendulum lab . Amazing , but I am scared for the price !!

31 October 2023, 05:16 AM	#10
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,089	Welcome to the forum. There are a few pretty good marks to deal with on that case. I think it might need some laser welding in addition to a polish.

31 October 2023, 07:47 AM	#11
z_charger "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Real Name: Zach Location: Hampstead, NC Watch: Tudor...Panerai? Posts: 41	I would take it off the bracelet and put it on a NATO or leather strap.

2 November 2023, 04:50 AM	#13
worldofoyster "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Real Name: Vincent Location: 215 Watch: SS Sub Posts: 2,361	leave it

6 November 2023, 03:39 AM	#15
kingkyle "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Real Name: Kyle Location: NYC / CT Watch: VCO 7900V Posts: 12	I think the scratches add a lot of character and story to your watch! Look forward to seeing what you decide!

24 November 2023, 07:48 AM	#20
Ron P "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Netherlands Posts: 145	In one word Yes, restore to full perfection again.

27 November 2023, 07:11 AM	#21
Ny325 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Traffic Watch: DW-5600BB Posts: 2,890	I would polish it.

10 January 2024, 05:55 PM	#22
painexpert Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: USA Posts: 627	I would leave it alone.

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