Rolex Datejust to polish or not...

[Dijkma44]

Hi,

I bought my first Rolex a month ago and I am super happy with it. Unfortunatly it has been polished a couple of times and the case lost it's sharp edges. Now im thinking about getting it polished to get it in to shape a bit more. The polisher told me he could get it more in to shape without making the lugs any thinner. The big question is to polish or not to polish? If done well I think its going to add more value. What do you guys think?

Thanks!

[HERITAGE82]

You would really need to trust the polisher to not make it any thinner. However it would look nice properly cleaned up with crisper lines.

[swish77]

I'd leave it alone. Maybe have the tops of the lugs rebrushed if you feel the need to jazz it up a little, but I think the lugs are already so thin I wouldn't recommend risking them getting even thinner. Any amount of polish will remove more metal, despite what your watchmaker says.

And in terms of increasing value, not sure I'd worry about that aspect on this Datejust. As cool as vintage DJs are, there are few that reach big money anyway.

[Verdi]

It has been polished a few time and lugs are rounded.

I’d leave it alone, although if you find a good guy who can restore the top of the lugs finish...I’d fancy that!

[Dijkma44]

Thanks! I think by rebrushing it will look sharper already because of more contrast between the side and top right?

[Mendota]

Does RSC offer to replace the mid case if the watch has been over-polished, or will they only replace it if there is significant damage? Just wondering if that could ever be an option if a watch has been over-polished past the point of no return.

[Dijkma44]

Isn't is possible to only flatten the top of the lug a bit? that way the lines could get a little sharper without making the lug optically thinner...

[330ci]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

Isn't is possible to only flatten the top of the lug a bit? that way the lines could get a little sharper without making the lug optically thinner...

Yes but it usually leaves a flat spot on the lugs where there previously would be rounding which is equally if not more irritating

[Dijkma44]

Ok. Do you guys think by rebrushing it the edges wil look a bit sharper?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

Ok. Do you guys think by rebrushing it the edges wil look a bit sharper?

The sides are polished on that model, so there are two ways for it to look "crisp"

First, a flat brushing finish across the top will lesson the look of rounded edges, if that is what you want.

Second, a small chamfer across the edge where the polish and the brush finish meet will "square" everything up.

It's up to you. Over time all edges and squares break down.

[Dijkma44]

Thank you very much! That’s helpfull, have you seen chamfers on datejusts?

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

Thank you very much! That’s helpfull, have you seen chamfers on datejusts?

They're very, very subtle, and not that noticeable, unlike on a vintage Sub or GMT, for example.

Here's my former DJ (5 mil. serial) with what I'm fairly confident is/was an unpolished case. If the OP just had the tops of the lugs re-brushed, I bet it would be a big improvement to the overall look of the case.

[Dijkma44]

Beautiful! I think the chamfer for my datejust would be a bit bigger because of the edges being so round. Brushing the top is the best option I guess.

[Dijkma44]

Hi Guys,

Here's a little update. I had it touched up by my watchmaker.
Brushed on the top of the lugs and polished the jubilee. Really happy with the outcome. Thaks for all your advice.

[lhendrickson]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

Hi Guys,

Here's a little update. I had it touched up by my watchmaker.
Brushed on the top of the lugs and polished the jubilee. Really happy with the outcome. Thaks for all your advice.

Dude! Your watch looks EPIC with the work you had done. Good call and enjoy tf out of it! A DJ was my first and I love it.

[zapokee]

Awesome. Love the vintage feel of that worn-in Jubilee bracelet.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by swish77

They're very, very subtle, and not that noticeable, unlike on a vintage Sub or GMT, for example.

Here's my former DJ (5 mil. serial) with what I'm fairly confident is/was an unpolished case. If the OP just had the tops of the lugs re-brushed, I bet it would be a big improvement to the overall look of the case.

That's one of the best 1600s I've ever seen . Did you sell it??

[Dijkma44]

Thanks! No I didn't sell it. The thin lugs annoy me a bit but for now i'm going to enjoy it. It looks so good! Here's a wrist shot!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

Thanks! No I didn't sell it. The thin lugs annoy me a bit but for now i'm going to enjoy it. It looks so good! Here's a wrist shot!

I was referring to swish77's 1600, but yours is nice too! Love the pie-pan dial.

[Verdi]

It came out good, I like it!
While the lugs are on the thin side, at least they have the right finish!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by zapokee

That's one of the best 1600s I've ever seen . Did you sell it??

Thanks, and sadly, yes, I did sell it, but to a buddy, so I’ll get to see it again. It’s actually a 1603. I had a 1600 bezel that I used to swap on it occasionally to mix up the look. I would also swap the crystal for a domed look, but I think a classic DJ looks better with a cyclops.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by swish77

Thanks, and sadly, yes, I did sell it, but to a buddy, so I’ll get to see it again. It’s actually a 1603. I had a 1600 bezel that I used to swap on it occasionally to mix up the look. I would also swap the crystal for a domed look, but I think a classic DJ looks better with a cyclops.

Buy it back. That dreamy dial needs to be in your collection.

[VintageRX]

Great thread!
I’m in the same boat with my DJ, it’s from 69 so it’s old. The condition is understandable but since it’s my first Rolex I’m attached.

Thinking of sending it off to mike at Rolliworks to have him bring the case back to Rolex speck, even if that means laser welding. And yes I’m aware that’ll take away from its value


Thoughts?









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[Dijkma44]

I would not worrie about the value too much. If done well why would it increase in value? I’ve seen really good examples. On the other hand, if it really bugs you, why don’t you sell it and use the money you would spend on the welding and buy one in better condition?

[VintageRX]

Originally Posted by Dijkma44

I would not worrie about the value too much. If done well why would it increase in value? I’ve seen really good examples. On the other hand, if it really bugs you, why don’t you sell it and use the money you would spend on the welding and buy one in better condition?

I’ve also thought about selling it but given that it’s my first Rolex I’m attached to it , it’s also a complete kit which would be hard to replace for the price I paid. I talked to mike and he said the tips are where the welding will probably take place, but that a simple polish would fix it right up.


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[Toronto Soup King]

I had LAWW laser-weld my 5513 (beater bought off Jacek yonks ago, WGS and service bezel so calm down vicar) and it went from zero to hero, well worth the cost IMO, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. But IDC about originality in my non-rare watches, I buy mine to wear and will replace/restore as necessary, as long as everything's authentic and by-Rolex-standards correct.

LAWW or Rolliworks can bring that case back to new condition. Or at least, close enough for guys like us who don't examine cases with eddy current arrays etc. Noting that the Rolex museum won't be banging on your door begging for your DJ in future - it's a nice watch but not rare or unusual - I'd consider getting it done. Good luck!

[VintageRX]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

I had LAWW laser-weld my 5513 (beater bought off Jacek yonks ago, WGS and service bezel so calm down vicar) and it went from zero to hero, well worth the cost IMO, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. But IDC about originality in my non-rare watches, I buy mine to wear and will replace/restore as necessary, as long as everything's authentic and by-Rolex-standards correct.

LAWW or Rolliworks can bring that case back to new condition. Or at least, close enough for guys like us who don't examine cases with eddy current arrays etc. Noting that the Rolex museum won't be banging on your door begging for your DJ in future - it's a nice watch but not rare or unusual - I'd consider getting it done. Good luck!

That’s kinda what I was thinking too. Although, LAWW said they wouldn’t do it and therefore didn’t even give me a quote. Rolliworks gladly gave me a quote so I’ll probably stick with them.


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[Verdi]

Originally Posted by VintageRX

That’s kinda what I was thinking too. Although, LAWW said they wouldn’t do it and therefore didn’t even give me a quote. Rolliworks gladly gave me a quote so I’ll probably stick with them.


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Why not source a new case?

[VintageRX]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Why not source a new case?

The serial numbers wouldn’t match the papers


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[Verdi]

Originally Posted by VintageRX

The serial numbers wouldn’t match the papers


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Yes but that has little importance in this case, imo. It is not like it is a old GMT or Daytona where the paperwork makes a big difference in value.
And to be honest, papers are nice to have but what its really important is the condition of the watch.

If you want to improve the case you have 2 options: laser welding or a new case.
I would much prefer a new case, maybe try get one via RSC which would be documented....