ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

WTown04 · 30 December 2022, 11:12 PM

The topic of polishing appears to be hotly debated. Some swear by it (whether it be to do it yourself by hand occasionally, or to have it done during service intervals)…while others say NO WAY!

What are your thoughts?

travisb · 30 December 2022, 11:15 PM

Polish at service on modern references.
Vintage can be a whole other ball game.

HogwldFLTR · 30 December 2022, 11:22 PM

It depends on the piece; what are you having serviced?

DJ2020 · 30 December 2022, 11:22 PM

Entirely up to the individual owner. Personally I like my watches looking as close to the condition as when I purchased them.

I will touch them up "if" needed about once a year, But I have never had to polish one. Usually just a small lite scratch here and there. Now a gouge I would not worry about If it's deep, I would not try to polish it. It's just there. Thank goodness I only had one with that kind of damage in 40 years.

Bottom line is, I would never try myself or send it off to be polished if it is going to change the original shape or appearance of the watch. That's my philosophy on the subject.

inadeje · 30 December 2022, 11:23 PM

I don’t mind a polish at service. I have polished/brushed unsightly scratches from bracelets before, but have never touched a watch case.

garyk · 30 December 2022, 11:31 PM

It’s fine at RSC. They do amazing work…

kulak · 30 December 2022, 11:35 PM

I wouldn’t touch it between services but I polished modern piece recently at service. I’m no expert but think RSC did a fine job. There are probably millions of this piece (SubC date) so no reason to not polish. Life is short, polish and enjoy.

Calatrava r · 30 December 2022, 11:49 PM

You can have the watch polished at service by Rolex or just leave it as it is, the scratches will just come back anyway. Polishing just raises your concerns over the watch all over again which to me takes away from the pleasure of wearing the watch.

brandrea · 31 December 2022, 12:23 AM

I’m a no polish guy as Bob rightly points out, they just come back anyway.

Most scratches I can live with, but if it’s a noticeable ding I might choose to have that repaired.

EEpro · 31 December 2022, 12:50 AM

It's like a stick of butter. Only square once.

SearChart · 31 December 2022, 01:35 AM

I'm not against it, have polished hundreds of Rolexes myself. But I'd never polish my own, I'm not too hard on my watches and they scratch again anyway.

S.Explorer · 31 December 2022, 02:50 AM

Light polish for scratches / marring, welding for dents / dings.

VonSomething · 31 December 2022, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisb

Polish at service on modern references.
Vintage can be a whole other ball game.

Here's the thing, at some point that modern reference that you chose to polish 3 (or more) times is going to become 'vintage'.

current_exchange · 31 December 2022, 02:53 AM

On a vintage watch: never
On a modern one: only during service and if done by RSC

jamesbondOO7 · 31 December 2022, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyk

It’s fine at RSC. They do amazing work…

or not. They destroyed my 16030 lugs. They are spiky now. Geneva HQ

JSol1 · 31 December 2022, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisb

Polish at service on modern references.
Vintage can be a whole other ball game.

This!

Nodzex · 31 December 2022, 03:17 AM

You kind of answered your question before you even asked it!

ArtNouveau · 31 December 2022, 03:32 AM

I am not opposed to polishing as long as the person doing it is competent. I’ve been known to touch up my own bracelets, they generally pick up more scratches and are harder to screw up.

Krash · 31 December 2022, 03:36 AM

Lots of factors. It depends upon how bad the watch looks and who's doing it.

WTown04 · 31 December 2022, 06:38 AM

Nodex, you’re right - I did!

But…that’s why I asked! You all have solid points.

I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I try and polish light scratches out with a cape cod cloth or something similar.

I only have one Rolex (for now) and it’s only a few weeks old - so no need to polish.

Thanks for the discussion everybody - this is good!

WTown04 · 31 December 2022, 06:39 AM

EEpro - not only did this make me laugh, but your comment is 100% true.

Fine point you make, sir!

BNA/LION · 31 December 2022, 06:48 AM

Every so often a light polish done professionally by a CW21 Watch Maker works for me.

physicist · 31 December 2022, 07:00 AM

I’m a no polish guy. If my kids want to polish them when I am gone, then so be it.

medcoastsol · 31 December 2022, 07:19 AM

Never had any of my pieces polished as I know Ill get them scratched up the moment I wear them. I like to keep them clean but dont baby them either.

joli160 · 31 December 2022, 07:54 AM

Whenever RSC service a polish is a must for me.
Nothing better than getting a brand new watch back after that

SS Oyster · 31 December 2022, 08:20 AM

Sympathetic polish by RSC on modern watches, but ZERO done by owner and nothing in between 10-year service interval.

Vintage depends on the piece and how beat up it is. If still showing chamfers, leave it alone.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

fskywalker · 31 December 2022, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'm not against it, have polished hundreds of Rolexes myself. But I'd never polish my own, I'm not too hard on my watches and they scratch again anyway.

Bas you can certainly polish mines!!

Am on the “sure, why not” camp on the polish vs. not polish debate. Had always accepted the polishing from RSC, never had any complaints on the end result.

Onequik135i · 1 January 2023, 02:00 AM

All personal preference, I always prefer no polish. Or light if need be.

AF_Rob · 1 January 2023, 02:34 AM

Usually, buying second hand, I want it as pristine as possible. After that, I’m in the “never polish” camp. All the scratches are mine.

Than again, I’m not in the highly collectible/vintage game. If that were the case, I wouldn’t want it polished ever.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

30 December 2022, 11:12 PM	#1
WTown04 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Real Name: Wayne Location: Santa Rita, Guam Watch: Rolex Milgauss Posts: 11	To polish…or not to polish The topic of polishing appears to be hotly debated. Some swear by it (whether it be to do it yourself by hand occasionally, or to have it done during service intervals)…while others say NO WAY! What are your thoughts?

30 December 2022, 11:22 PM	#3
HogwldFLTR 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: What's on my wrist Posts: 33,256	It depends on the piece; what are you having serviced? __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

30 December 2022, 11:22 PM	#4
DJ2020 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Real Name: Wayne Location: NC Watch: 226570 Posts: 3,482	Entirely up to the individual owner. Personally I like my watches looking as close to the condition as when I purchased them. I will touch them up "if" needed about once a year, But I have never had to polish one. Usually just a small lite scratch here and there. Now a gouge I would not worry about If it's deep, I would not try to polish it. It's just there. Thank goodness I only had one with that kind of damage in 40 years. Bottom line is, I would never try myself or send it off to be polished if it is going to change the original shape or appearance of the watch. That's my philosophy on the subject. __________________ In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln __________________________________________________ Rolex 226570, Explorer II Club

30 December 2022, 11:23 PM	#5
inadeje 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,606	I don’t mind a polish at service. I have polished/brushed unsightly scratches from bracelets before, but have never touched a watch case. __________________ ♛ 116689 ♛ 116500LN Blk ♛ 116500LN Wht ♛ Sky Dweller 326934-003 ♛ 126710BLNR ♛ 126710BLRO - ♛ 126610LV ♛ 16520 ♛ 16523 ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1A-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Fiddy 127, Bronzo 671, 687, 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Daniel Roth Endurer Chronosprint, Cartier Santos XL - ✿ Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze M79012M, Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

30 December 2022, 11:31 PM	#6
garyk 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Gary Location: USA Watch: Daytona Posts: 11,133	It’s fine at RSC. They do amazing work… __________________

30 December 2022, 11:15 PM	#2
travisb 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 32,514	Polish at service on modern references. Vintage can be a whole other ball game.

30 December 2022, 11:35 PM	#7
kulak "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: USA Posts: 241	I wouldn’t touch it between services but I polished modern piece recently at service. I’m no expert but think RSC did a fine job. There are probably millions of this piece (SubC date) so no reason to not polish. Life is short, polish and enjoy.

30 December 2022, 11:49 PM	#8
Calatrava r 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: United States Watch: Rolex and Patek Posts: 10,739	You can have the watch polished at service by Rolex or just leave it as it is, the scratches will just come back anyway. Polishing just raises your concerns over the watch all over again which to me takes away from the pleasure of wearing the watch.

31 December 2022, 12:23 AM	#9
brandrea 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 74,641	I’m a no polish guy as Bob rightly points out, they just come back anyway. Most scratches I can live with, but if it’s a noticeable ding I might choose to have that repaired.

31 December 2022, 12:50 AM	#10
EEpro 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Brad Location: Purdue Watch: Daytona Posts: 9,117	It's like a stick of butter. Only square once. __________________ ♛ ✠ Ω 2FA Active

31 December 2022, 02:50 AM	#12
S.Explorer "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: United Kingdom Watch: Rollie Posts: 708	Light polish for scratches / marring, welding for dents / dings.

31 December 2022, 02:53 AM	#14
current_exchange "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: US Posts: 60	On a vintage watch: never On a modern one: only during service and if done by RSC

31 December 2022, 03:17 AM	#17
Nodzex "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: USA Posts: 652	You kind of answered your question before you even asked it!

31 December 2022, 03:32 AM	#18
ArtNouveau 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: NWA, USA Watch: BLRO/Daytona/OP41s Posts: 5,037	I am not opposed to polishing as long as the person doing it is competent. I’ve been known to touch up my own bracelets, they generally pick up more scratches and are harder to screw up.

31 December 2022, 03:36 AM	#19
Krash 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Florida Watch: Sub, DJ41, GMT Posts: 7,320	Lots of factors. It depends upon how bad the watch looks and who's doing it.

31 December 2022, 06:38 AM	#20
WTown04 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Real Name: Wayne Location: Santa Rita, Guam Watch: Rolex Milgauss Posts: 11	To polish…or not to polish Nodex, you’re right - I did! But…that’s why I asked! You all have solid points. I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I try and polish light scratches out with a cape cod cloth or something similar. I only have one Rolex (for now) and it’s only a few weeks old - so no need to polish. Thanks for the discussion everybody - this is good!

31 December 2022, 06:39 AM	#21
WTown04 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Real Name: Wayne Location: Santa Rita, Guam Watch: Rolex Milgauss Posts: 11	EEpro - not only did this make me laugh, but your comment is 100% true. Fine point you make, sir!

31 December 2022, 06:48 AM	#22
BNA/LION 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Larry Location: San Diego, CA Watch: ROLEX Posts: 25,261	To polish…or not to polish Every so often a light polish done professionally by a CW21 Watch Maker works for me. __________________ ✦ 28238 President DD 18K/YG ✦ 16610LN SS Sub ✦ 16613 18K/SS Serti ✦ 16550 Exp II Non-Rail Cream Dial ✦ Daytona C 116500 ✦ 126710 BLRO GMT-Master II ✦ NEXT-->? ⛳ Hole In One! 10/3/19 DMCC 5th hole, par 3, 168 yards w/ 4-Iron.

31 December 2022, 07:00 AM	#23
physicist "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 217	I’m a no polish guy. If my kids want to polish them when I am gone, then so be it.

31 December 2022, 07:19 AM	#24
medcoastsol "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Real Name: Ayodeji Location: Las Vegas Watch: 116710LN, 126234 Posts: 332	Never had any of my pieces polished as I know Ill get them scratched up the moment I wear them. I like to keep them clean but dont baby them either.

31 December 2022, 07:54 AM	#25
joli160 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,475	Whenever RSC service a polish is a must for me. Nothing better than getting a brand new watch back after that __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

31 December 2022, 08:20 AM	#26
SS Oyster 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 8,928	Sympathetic polish by RSC on modern watches, but ZERO done by owner and nothing in between 10-year service interval. Vintage depends on the piece and how beat up it is. If still showing chamfers, leave it alone. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

1 January 2023, 02:00 AM	#28
Onequik135i "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tampa, Florida Watch: 116610LV Posts: 2,457	All personal preference, I always prefer no polish. Or light if need be. __________________ 126710BLRO-0001 / 116610LV / 116613LB / Silver Snoopy / PAM24 / PAM111

1 January 2023, 02:34 AM	#29
AF_Rob "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Rob Location: Virginia Watch: Sub/Polar/OP/BB Posts: 4,524	Usually, buying second hand, I want it as pristine as possible. After that, I’m in the “never polish” camp. All the scratches are mine. Than again, I’m not in the highly collectible/vintage game. If that were the case, I wouldn’t want it polished ever. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)