Why does anyone polish watches?

[bayerische]

I wouldn't polish my watches.

[redsubby]

Yes, if the seller does not say unpolished, most likely it's been polished for better price. I'd rather sellers leave it the way it is for the buyers to decide if they want the watch polished and where to get it polished. I understand that some watchmakers they use can do a pretty good job on it but I still prefer original finish or factory service finish.

Originally Posted by mm99

I'm in the market for a Rolex, and have been exploring the used market. Looking for a current watch, either a Sub or a GMT.

One thing that irks me is that it is that most of the watches posted by reputed sellers seem to have been polished. The pictures always seem to show no scratches, even though they are months or sometimes even years old.

Only the minority of watches for sale seem to be unpolished.

[freddyttt]

Defiantly a personal opinion. i'm not collector seller I just wear em. i sent my 168000 sub and YM out for service and was SHOCKED shocked i tell ya, SHOCKED when i received them back. esp. the 168000 sub. it's vintage all original with a beautiful patina ... and prolly looks better then the day it was Purchased.

[rmurphy]

I'm not a collector of watches by any means. I own one Rolex, a P serial 16610 and while not perfect it looks damn good. It has the daily wearer scuffs and I chipped the bottom corner of the cyclops banging it on my door knob but I get nothing but comments on what a nice watch it is. I don't know if it's been polished or not. Judging by my reading of most every post listed on the subject it would seem to me that if mine has been it was done correctly. I have good sharp chamfers and the crown on my clasp looks crisp but with a small amount of windex and dish washing liquid I can make it shine as pretty as any I've seen in any store or even on here.

[rozyd]

Scratches = wabi sabi.... What's the big deal? I've never had my sd refinished. That being said my 1803 has. Go figure....

[diver2012]

Originally Posted by rmurphy

I'm not a collector of watches by any means. I own one Rolex, a P serial 16610 and while not perfect it looks damn good. It has the daily wearer scuffs and I chipped the bottom corner of the cyclops banging it on my door knob but I get nothing but comments on what a nice watch it is. I don't know if it's been polished or not. Judging by my reading of most every post listed on the subject it would seem to me that if mine has been it was done correctly. I have good sharp chamfers and the crown on my clasp looks crisp but with a small amount of windex and dish washing liquid I can make it shine as pretty as any I've seen in any store or even on here.

A new cyclops would cost peanuts to replace - having a chip on it would bug me for the sake of $50. Get it replaced!

[rmurphy]

Originally Posted by diver2012

A new cyclops would cost peanuts to replace - having a chip on it would bug me for the sake of $50. Get it replaced!

I've got a brand new crystal,new insert, and a brand new 93250 SEL band for all of my cosmetic needs when I decide to use them. It runs flawlessly and looks so good I'm in no hurry to use any of my parts. I do have a trip scheduled for Tampa Florida for Dec. 3rd for some testing at Pepin Heart Institute. As long as time permits I am going to drive over and see Rikki D. to put my new crystal in. I don't really need to worry about my band or bezel insert yet as the original ones are in great shape still. The chip is no big deal to me anymore either. It just makes it mine.

[The Joker]

Maybe this is why Rolex made the lugs on a SubC so fat. Also a few polishes it looks like the older 16610. Clever.

[springer]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't see the point of polishing watches, because they will just get more scratches, anyway.

However, not everyone who owns a watch cares about what the watch will be worth on the secondary market and not everyone in the secondary market cares whether a watch has been polished and might indeed prefer that it is.

I would guess that most Rolex owners have never heard of TRF or any other watch forum and probably never give a thought to watch collecting.

I think Grady sums it up fairly well here!

[jshepard]

Because some folks buy the watch for themselves and not necessarily for the next generation.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Because watches aren't investments or even collectible (excluding vintage) so why not polish it for our own enjoyment?

X2. My goal isn't to have someone admire my non-polished Rolex when I'm dead.

[1bad750]

I think a lot of people are misthinking this. Noone wants an over polished watch that has had its crisp lines removed. An occasional buffing or light polish to restore some luster is fine. I also would rather have my used rolex hav a light professional polish than to have it look beat up.

[ROLEX4EvEr]

Originally Posted by submariner66

For the same reason that I polish my shoes, my car or even brush my teeth, I want to look good and feel good. The myth of taking metal away, is just that, a myth. Shine your watch and enjoy. Its like saying why take a bath your just going to get dirty again.

Amen

[datejusting]

My grandfather polished his gold filled pocket watch down to the base metal. Liked to keep it shiny and clean looking, just like he did with his shoes.