Looking for some advice

[BRASK_0]

Hi everyone, I’m a long time reader but a new member and first time poster. I appreciate the resources you offer!

I’m looking at purchasing an ExpII 16570 ca 1999. It has an unknown service history with the exception of about one year ago when it was done by a reputable source. My main question is about the case condition. It has obviously been polished and the chamfers are all but gone. Can you weigh in and provide some insight as to the value and whether there should be a deal breaker ? I’m looking at the sub-5k price point.

I’ve attached some photos. Thank you!952CEF66-016A-4085-8565-432EB0C7D280.jpeg

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[RHIII]

Welcome!!! Overall. Looks pretty over polished to me. Which to me is a dealbreaker. There should be more transition in the ‘matte’ and patina of the case lugs/ bracelet compared to the bezel on that reference vs. a sort of uniform distribution as it is showing.

Unknown service history on pre-owned watches - especially Rolex - always brings up concern, but can be mitigated by a comprehensive assessment of the movement by a trusted jeweler/watchmaker that knows what to look for. Ive seen MANY a pre-owned Rolex serviced with aftermarket parts over the years.

You have to make sure you do all your ‘homework’ before purchasing a pre-owned piece - in particularly older or vintage models. Lower prices are always alluring - but purchases need to be assessed before spending the $$.

Just my .02


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[DPE]

I agree with the above comments. Also how does it compare to other examples of the same watch in both price and quality ? I would not buy a watch already over polished.

[inadeje]

Its tough to answer your question op, because you didn’t reveal the cost of this piece. Market forces and subjective value, associated with disadvantages of certain factors (like polishing or over polishing) can only be quantified when comparing the price to other non polished or less polished variants. However, I personally would take in an over polished piece if the price reflected that fact and it was essentially a steal compared to other pieces in the market at that moment. If not, walk away and get a less or non polished piece (logic)

[georgekart]

Definitely agree. Overpolished, no sharp edges. Unless price is really, really good don't get it.

[BRASK_0]

Thank you all for your feedback I greatly appreciate it. The ask is 4500 USD which is lower than I have seen on most private sales and much lower than most of the resale sites I have followed for some time...I’m just not sure if that is low enough to reflect that.


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[BRASK_0]

I have included a few extra photos that I believe are higher resolution. Can you help me understand what I'm looking for in this instance that are indicators of polishing (beside the chamfers and lack scratches)? I've viewed the forums but I'm still having a tough time determining why this is overpolished (I recognize chamfers have been polished out) as I associate that with generally thinner lugs and high shine everywhere. The polish level of this doesn't seem to keep it in high value auction territory, for example, but that's not an arena I can play in as it is. When I compare it to a lot of examples out there, it does not appear to be in particularly poor condition, but maybe I'm not looking at the right things. Thank you all for your help.

[tie219]

It's definitely seen polishing more than a few times. For the right price, I think it would make an excellent daily wearer, especially since it was serviced recently.

However, $4500 still seems high (I'm assuming no box or papers). For $500-$1000 more you can get a crisper example with box and papers included.

[BRASK_0]

Thank you. I have some confusion about polishing. In reading the forums, I see some examples that are cited as having been "polished," but I associate polish with high shine. What things can I look for that would also be suggestive of polish, excluding obvious case shape changes (again, going back to chamfers)?

[Harry-57]

The Explorer is supposed to be shiny in some places and matte in others. This example looks scoured all over, then excessively polished. It might be a case of too much love and/or not enough attention to detail. It looks a bit ropy to me. But that's just my view - which is not important in the big scheme.

[214270Explorer]

I would think under $4K would be a better price point; $4500 is too much for the condition.

My Bluesy is overpolished, poor chamfers, BUT I got a good price on it, and was purchased as one of the daily wearers for my rotation.

My watches are not purchased to be collector's items. I do not care if they are like factory new, or if they get a bit banged up.

For a good price,that EXP II would be great.

[jfmiii]

Explorer IIs are really poor sellers, both new and used. No sense in rushing to buy one in questionable condition.