GMT II 16710... Factory service polishing?

[pfb]

I have a A serial 16710 which I've owned since 1999... It's always run perfectly.

I sent it in to Rolex for a factory service in 2013, they also did a light polish on it.

How does factory polishing effect the future value of these watches? Should I refrain from having it factory serviced again if they always polish them?

[Valhala]

Im saying it wont effect at all.. its not an older vintage gmt 1675 so your good. Plus if it has all paperwork and rsc paperwork it will make it more valuable in the future, if you plan to sell then dont polish anymore, if its a keeper then it doesnt really matter

[pfb]

Just curious... So many 16710 sellers seemed to emphasis "unpolished" in the for sale section. I never thought of mine as "collectible", but I guess they are starting to become so.

I'll likely never sell, but would also hate to be grinding away value. Perhaps Rolex does a better job of polishing 'correctly' and a random independent service shop?

[Mystro]

Not at all. “Unpolished” is code for I didn’t try a home polishing job. Watches that are polished correctly are worth more because they look new with sharp lines. Think of it as cars paint job being waxed professionally regularly or never touching it. Which one will be worth more in 6 years?


This is what 17 year old Rolex looks like being polished by a professional. The lines are perfect and sharp. This watch was worth much more being well taken care of than never touching it and being “unpolished”. (polished by Rikki.)

[jezza17]

I personally have learnt my lesson. That is to never polish at service. I had a beautiful GMT 16750 which was unpolished and then ‘lightly’ polished by rolex and I regretted it ever since. You can never add material ever again.

[red1108nyc]

It really depends on the buyer. For me, I prefer unpolished and the normal wear over time actually adds to the character of the watch. You have a great piece so enjoy!

[ccaballero]

Light polish from RSC not a big deal. A Rolex can handle several polishes over a lifetime. If you light polish once at RSC that is not a significant loss of material. You will still have thick lugs and the watch will likely look great coming back

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Not at all. “Unpolished” is code for I didn’t try a home polishing job. Watches that are polished correctly are worth more because they look new with sharp lines. Think of it as cars paint job being waxed professionally regularly or never touching it. Which one will be worth more in 6 years?





This is what 17 year old Rolex looks like being polished by a professional. The lines are perfect and sharp. This watch was worth much more being well taken care of than never touching it and being “unpolished”. (polished by Rikki.)

If done right, polishing a watch upon service is the right thing to do in my opinion as well. Rik Dietel did my 23 yr old S series Sub 16610 (owned since new) and very pleased with the results! as well

[Cabaiguan]

I treat watches the same way I treat cashmere sweaters. Dry clean seldom or it will look like crap. No need to polish at each service unless you’re particularly tough on your watches.


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[joli160]

There is reason that almost all 2nd hand 16710's look brand new and are being touched up.
If these are not polished than the vast majority of 2nd hand buyers walk away. No regular buyer will buy a watch with scratches all over.
So does it affect the value ? Yes if done by a pro very much so in a positive way

[Lemonvr6]

I see no issue as long as it's done by a qualified professional


No scotch brite

[pfb]

I'd like to see an example of a poorly polished or overpolished watch to see exactly what to look out for...

[jrs146]

Light polish is A-ok in my book. I think “unpolished” has gone to an entirely new level. As log as it’s not a butcher job it should be just fine on resale.


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[Speed]

Originally Posted by pfb

I have a A serial 16710 which I've owned since 1999... It's always run perfectly.

I sent it in to Rolex for a factory service in 2013, they also did a light polish on it.

How does factory polishing effect the future value of these watches? Should I refrain from having it factory serviced again if they always polish them?

If the polish job is done correctly the watch will look great and likely command more $$ - unless your customer is one who prefers no polish, then he'll likely try to hammer you down on price.

[jps3b]

RSC has always done a fantastic polish on mine

[busytimmy]

Say no to polishing


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[rolehex]

modern Rolex: Light polish for me at service time. If it was a vintage piece I would not polish.

[liuk3]

I don’t feel a need to polish. The scratches I put on are part of my personal history with my watches . I also tend to take good care of my watches in general. A gentleman just asked me today if the 16710 I was wearing had ever been polished. I told him it had been serviced by RSC but never polished and is in great condition.

[Fabrice M]

A polish will always devalue a watch... nothing wrong with a few scratches.

[tjbender]

If you must polish I’d only trust someone like LAWW. I’ve seen some very bad work from RSC. Will polishing effect the value, depends on the watch. While most buyers will prefer a freshly polished watch, to the right buyer an unpolished piece will certainly command a premium.

[liuk3]

Yeah, when I got my 16710, I was specifically looking for an unpolished piece myself in excellent condition.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Fabrice M

A polish will always devalue a watch... nothing wrong with a few scratches.

simply no true on most models,most customers are not wis like forum members,do you think most buyers look for a beat up watch used in a store window or one that looks as new a possible ?

[Andad]

'Polishing' encompasses a wide range from insignificant swirls to deep scratches.

Each watch must be evaluated and considered in so many ways.