Scratches/Service - Advice

[TheVTCGuy]

My Daytona is only 6 months old, but I wear it all the time, so naturally, I've got some small scratches on the bezel and bracelet. I think I'm one of the few that like the polished center links and it drives me crazy to see these acumulate. It's way too early for a 5 yr service, but does Rolex offer a polishing service I can send in to a RSC? I already checked at the AD and they won't do it, even for a price.

This is something I'd like to do maybe once a year or so, to keep it looking new.

Advice? Thanks.

[Wolfgang427]

IMO I would leave it be. Small scratches and swirls add charm to a watch and if you keep worring about them you'll lose out on your enjoyment of a fine watch.

[oneillba]

Just live with them. You can make yourself crazy worrying about scratches. You also can bung things up if you try to take care of them yourself if your not careful.

[Tools]

The RSC will not normally do it without a complete service. The lifetime of the watch is designed around a set number of refinishes...(5 if I recall correctly), so refinishing it more frequently shortens it's overall life.

For example, if you refinished every year, in 6 years you would need a new case and bracelet...

[Terry Newton]

I just went through this experience. I was told by RSC in New York that they believe it is best to leave the scratches. The watch will develop a patina and the scratches will blend in with the watch. There is also many over-polished watches that you see on the web that don't look good anymore as they have lost the original intent of the watch; i.e., the sharper edges of the case, the smooth finish, etc. I have learned a painful lesson to leave it alone until the proper time of servicing at five years.

Terry Newton

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

I just went through this experience. I was told by RSC in New York that they believe it is best to leave the scratches. The watch will develop a patina and the scratches will blend in with the watch. There is also many over-polished watches that you see on the web that don't look good anymore as they have lost the original intent of the watch; i.e., the sharper edges of the case, the smooth finish, etc. I have learned a painful lesson to leave it alone until the proper time of servicing at five years.

Terry Newton

Thanks Terry (and everyone else) It seems the best advice is to live with them and let the Watch develop it's natural state from every day wear. I'm really not that fussy, I just want this timepiece I value so much to always look its best.... Too bad it doesn't carry over to me! I don't care what I look like!

[veilstylez]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Thanks Terry (and everyone else) It seems the best advice is to live with them and let the Watch develop it's natural state from every day wear. I'm really not that fussy, I just want this timepiece I value so much to always look its best.... Too bad it doesn't carry over to me! I don't care what I look like!

I know what you mean, I love my watches looking like new. But thats just me. Try some cape cod on the center links...works wonders.

[at7724]

The AD I bought my Explorer II gave me one free case/braclet polishing a year for life. I hate scratches, and after only 3 and a half weeks of ownership, I have a scratch on the case. Fortuantely, you cant see it unless you closely inspect the watch. I am inclined not to have it polished until I get it officially serviced in about 10 years. I guess scratches give a watch character, but I dont want to wear out the case/bracelet.

Also, I have no complaints with the timepiece thus far. I lost one minute the first day and it has been spot on since. Fits like a glove and it looks magnificent on my wrist. I am surprised the Explorer II isnt more popular.

[MikeV]

Leaving it alone is a good idea. No matter how many times you polish your watch, the scratches will come back.