POLISHING by Rolex Service Center

[Skavary]

Greetings all!

Hope you’re doing well! I had a quick question. I’m considering having my newer (non-vintage) Rolex polished by the RSC in NYC. It’s going to be a very light touch up. No metal will be removed, the edges/corners will remain sharp. Basically I won’t be able to notice that it’s even been done except for the fact that the scratches will be removed. That it will be returned to me like new. These are their claims.

I just wanted to hear if any of you had any experiences with RSC polishing, especially perhaps at the NYC RSC. Do they generally do a good job? Should I be worried? I’ve just heard some horror stories out there, and I just wanted to see if any of you had any insights or opinions. Thanks!

[SS Oyster]

I have had five watches get the full treatment at RSC Beverly Hills, and they come back like brand new each time. I wouldn't hesitate.

[joli160]

Generally all RSC's do a very good job in dressing up your watch, don't overthink it.
All this no polishing is a typical TRF thing, in the real world people don't like scratches and prefer a clean looking watch

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Skavary

Greetings all!

Hope you’re doing well! I had a quick question. I’m considering having my newer (non-vintage) Rolex polished by the RSC in NYC. It’s going to be a very light touch up. No metal will be removed, the edges/corners will remain sharp. Basically I won’t be able to notice that it’s even been done except for the fact that the scratches will be removed. That it will be returned to me like new. These are their claims.

I just wanted to hear if any of you had any experiences with RSC polishing, especially perhaps at the NYC RSC. Do they generally do a good job? Should I be worried? I’ve just heard some horror stories out there, and I just wanted to see if any of you had any insights or opinions. Thanks!

Today there is more internet generated hype about polishing than the actual watches mostly anti polish god know why.Below a picture of my own personal working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool.And has been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide,picture taken in Singapore after last service.This working tool has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by padi56

Today there is more internet generated hype about polishing than the actual watches mostly anti polish god know why.Below a picture of my own personal working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool.And has been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide,picture taken in Singapore after last service.This working tool has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.

Exactly - overpolishing has been way over hyped. Yes, some guys have maybe had a bad experience, but in the vast majority of instances, results are good if carried out by a competent person. Wear them and enjoy them!

[Anthony4579]

Are you taking in the watch for a full service? They have my Hulk for a warranty repair and refused to polish out surface scratches on the back of the clasp unless I paid for a full servicing (watch is two years old).

[Swaye]

Originally Posted by padi56

Today there is more internet generated hype about polishing than the actual watches mostly anti polish god know why.Below a picture of my own personal working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool.And has been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide,picture taken in Singapore after last service.This working tool has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.

I love that watch. That for sharing.

[Sublovin]

I think if you want it polished, you should do it. That said, I’m not sure how it’s possible to polish without removing some metal. You can’t get rid of a scratch without slight loss of surface

[dsquared2]

Originally Posted by padi56

Today there is more internet generated hype about polishing than the actual watches mostly anti polish god know why.Below a picture of my own personal working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool.And has been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide,picture taken in Singapore after last service.This working tool has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.

What an amazing job!

If I would know that all the polishing are as close as the picture, I will also do it.

[Skavary]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Exactly - overpolishing has been way over hyped. Yes, some guys have maybe had a bad experience, but in the vast majority of instances, results are good if carried out by a competent person. Wear them and enjoy them!

Wow very interesting. That’s good to know about all the hype. And that’s a beautiful watch! Thanks for your insight!

[Skavary]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

I think if you want it polished, you should do it. That said, I’m not sure how it’s possible to polish without removing some metal. You can’t get rid of a scratch without slight loss of surface

That’s what I’m wondering as well. But they assured me that it’s going to be a light touch up of sorts - where only the finish will be addressed?

[rootbeer7]

I’ve used RSC St James for: a previously unpolished 1675 long E, 16610LV flat 4, Tudor Big Block. All serviced and all polished and all came back like brand new.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Skavary

That’s what I’m wondering as well. But they assured me that it’s going to be a light touch up of sorts - where only the finish will be addressed?

Of course some metal will be removed but not measurable for us ordinary folks

[Dr Watches]

My watchmaker worked at the Lititz PA school. He would regularly travel to Dallas RSC to train the polishers. They were considered lower skilled workers (at that time they weren't watchmakers, who knows now).

According to him, some were good and some weren't. There have definitely been some bad jobs out of the various RSCs - lots of good ones too.

[Geaux Tigers]

I’d let the RSC do it for sure. If they screw it up they fix it! I agree with above...these are watches made to be reconditioned over time - that’s part of the draw! You can’t polish a Casio! Get it the way you like it and wear the hell out of it. My opinion.

[Seibei]

The so called anti polishing camp is there because many watches have indeed been ruined by over polishing. People with little knowledge may also have been tricked into buying such a watch and feel let down once they realize that their watch looks nothing like it is supposed to look like and restoring it may be difficult and expensive.

There is nothing wrong with refinishing and light polishing, as long as it is done correctly.

Like a poster here has said, some polishers are good, and some are not. Just make sure your watch ends up with a good one.

What do I do? I have learned to do the light polishing/re-finishing myself. I just removed hairline scratches from my clasp and could not be happier. I have worn my watch every day for about 1 year and it looks like brand new.

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by Seibei

The so called anti polishing camp is there because many watches have indeed been ruined by over polishing. People with little knowledge may also have been tricked into buying such a watch and feel let down once they realize that their watch looks nothing like it is supposed to look like and restoring it may be difficult and expensive.

There is nothing wrong with refinishing and light polishing, as long as it is done correctly.

Like a poster here has said, some polishers are good, and some are not. Just make sure your watch ends up with a good one.

What do I do? I have learned to do the light polishing/re-finishing myself. I just removed hairline scratches from my clasp and could not be happier. I have worn my watch every day for about 1 year and it looks like brand new.

To be fair, the prevalence of skilled polishers has increased a lot in the last 20 years. In 2000 if you wanted your case polished with proper bevels, you basically had to send it to the RSC in Kent England:
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...ex-refinishing

Now you can get LAWW, Roliworks, Rik at Time Care, and probably a bunch of other people to lap a chamfer onto your case in the USA.

[NICK77]

I've read somewhere that a good polishing only removes several microns of surface area. It's so minimal that one can't tell. Most pre owned watch shops in Singapore do polish lightly for minimal touch up as told by them whenever I asked the question.

[Naples09]

I was in NYC a few years back. My GMTIIC had some bad rash on the PCL's from typing at work - where the one side rubs the desk. I stopped in the RSC and they agreed to polish the bracelet only for free. I think this was on a Friday so it had to be that day as they weren't open and we were flying out the next day. Well - it came out much better than it was - but it wasn't perfect. The left side of the PCL's on 2 links has a tiny portion that is brushed and not polished. Nothing that is that noticeable, but I still see it to this day.

Just my 2 cents.

[Skavary]

Originally Posted by Naples09

I was in NYC a few years back. My GMTIIC had some bad rash on the PCL's from typing at work - where the one side rubs the desk. I stopped in the RSC and they agreed to polish the bracelet only for free. I think this was on a Friday so it had to be that day as they weren't open and we were flying out the next day. Well - it came out much better than it was - but it wasn't perfect. The left side of the PCL's on 2 links has a tiny portion that is brushed and not polished. Nothing that is that noticeable, but I still see it to this day.

Just my 2 cents.

Very interesting. Thanks for your feedback. I just worry that something could go wrong. I suppose it’s always a risk, but it seems it’ll be in good hands overall.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by padi56

Today there is more internet generated hype about polishing than the actual watches mostly anti polish god know why.Below a picture of my own personal working tool watch SD,it was used and many times abused for many years underwater as a real working tool.And has been serviced and polished by 3 different RSC world wide,picture taken in Singapore after last service.This working tool has seen more use that todays mainly pampered watches will see in ten lifetimes.

Thank you Padi for such a great example!!

[Skavary]

Originally Posted by joli160

Of course some metal will be removed but not measurable for us ordinary folks

Yes very good point.

[Rags]

I personally don't like scratches so every 6 months I give my watch bracelets a quick fix with the green and maroon scotchbrite pads. It does the job.

[khalifam]

Hey, My first Sub was subject to some minor damage and I had it insured via goldsmiths (sterling care) the watch got sent to Rolex and was subsequently serviced within two years of ownership and no extra cost, watch was also polished and looks amazing. My advice is wear the life out of it and when you think hey this needs a polish then have it done

[Newrolex1234]

What is the cost for polishing from a RSC vs a company like rollieworks?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Newrolex1234

What is the cost for polishing from a RSC vs a company like rollieworks?

The only polishing any Rolex needs is part of a full service every 5-10 years depending on how watch is used.In today's mainly pampered watches that would be closer to ten years.The sure way to ruin any Rolex is those wanting to polish every time they see the slightest scratch,in polishing the amount of metal removed is microns. And with today's mainly babied watches you could have at least 5 services before you would even notice, thats around 40-50 years of wearing.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by joli160

Generally all RSC's do a very good job in dressing up your watch, don't overthink it.
All this no polishing is a typical TRF thing, in the real world people don't like scratches and prefer a clean looking watch

Originally Posted by padi56

The only polishing any Rolex needs is part of a full service every 5-10 years depending on how watch is used.In today's mainly pampered watches that would be closer to ten years.The sure way to ruin any Rolex is those wanting to polish every time they see the slightest scratch,in polishing the amount of metal removed is microns. And with today's mainly babied watches you could have at least 5 services before you would even notice, thats around 40-50 years of wearing.

This.

[964racer]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

I have had five watches get the full treatment at RSC Beverly Hills, and they come back like brand new each time. I wouldn't hesitate.

Is the RSC in Beverly Hills the Rolex service center owned by Rolex and can you drop off for service ? Mine is due soon and I’d rather drop off than ship.

[Newrolex1234]

My watch is 4 years old and really doesn’t need a polish just minor hairline scratches bother me. I will wait until my next service which I have time.

Originally Posted by padi56

The only polishing any Rolex needs is part of a full service every 5-10 years depending on how watch is used.In today's mainly pampered watches that would be closer to ten years.The sure way to ruin any Rolex is those wanting to polish every time they see the slightest scratch,in polishing the amount of metal removed is microns. And with today's mainly babied watches you could have at least 5 services before you would even notice, thats around 40-50 years of wearing.

[The Libertine]

Can’t say, since I always state “DO NOT POLISH”. I like preserving the original factory finish.