Help..Love The Nautilus, But Fear of Scratches on Bezel Prevent Me from Buying...

[yjfang]

I recently acquired a pre-owned 5980 and there is quite a few fine scratches on the bezel that when looking at it from certain angles, makes the watch look "worn." The perfectly brushed factory finish is easily "ruined" with the slightest marks. The Seller represented that this watch is unpolished and kept that way on purpose since Patek collectors tend not to like their watches polished.

I had considered sending in to Henri Stern (and only back to Patek) to have a complete overhaul but did not want to be without this piece for 6 months and it doesn't need a service yet.

After a few days, the fine scratches don't bother me anymore. I just learned to live with it. I think my OCD is getting better.

[red1108nyc]

Originally Posted by yjfang

I recently acquired a pre-owned 5980 and there is quite a few fine scratches on the bezel that when looking at it from certain angles, makes the watch look "worn." The perfectly brushed factory finish is easily "ruined" with the slightest marks. The Seller represented that this watch is unpolished and kept that way on purpose since Patek collectors tend not to like their watches polished.

I had considered sending in to Henri Stern (and only back to Patek) to have a complete overhaul but did not want to be without this piece for 6 months and it doesn't need a service yet.

After a few days, the fine scratches don't bother me anymore. I just learned to live with it. I think my OCD is getting better.

Very well said :-)

[kneedeep]

I chose the 5167 over the 5711 because I wanted a PP sport daily wearer. I've put a few marks on the lugs and bezel of the 5167 and such is life, but with the tropical band I don't have bracelet rash to worry about.

[soundserious]

Originally Posted by syahriltaher

Guys,


I love Nautilus very much and consider buying it in the near future......But I'm a little bit worry about the bezel...Many posts here in TRF mentioning that Nautilus bezel is scratch magnets...and it will look terrible with scratches,

Just put scotch tape on the bezel, it's a subtle way to protect your valuable watch. Change out every week or two depending on usage, etc.


Alternatively: MAN UP

[lapince]

Well I have my 5712 for 6 months, and haven't done a single scratch on it, not even the bracelet, you need to be careful and not paranoid and it should be ok, oh and also if the bracelet is well fitted not dangling on your wrist the risks of scratches are minimal...

[mps354]

After my first scratch I actually felt relieved and didn't worry about it anymore. Funny thing is, since I stopped worrying, I haven't really picked up any additional marks

[lapince]

Originally Posted by mps354

After my first scratch I actually felt relieved and didn't worry about it anymore. Funny thing is, since I stopped worrying, I haven't really picked up any additional marks

Exactly, you need to be careful but not paranoid, if you are you will have much more chances of bumping or scratching your watch

[hrm]

The worst scratch is the first scratch. The rest just help the first one blend in.

[autohorology]

If you use cape cod on a nautilus bezel you will destroy it. I've seen it. It removes the fine brushed finish that is on the watch and will instead begin to polish those lines out. It is only effective on mirrored surfaces.

If you buy the watch and you PM me later on, I can set you up with a guy who is a master watchmaker. His father was trained by Patek and he personally worked at Vacheron and was solicited by Patek to work with them in their highest level of watchmaking. He will restore your watch to factory finish and will return it to you in days, not the months it will take you to send it off to Geneva. His work is flawless.

I've noticed on my Nautilus it can catch scratches just on the stitching from the cuff of an arm sleeve, so yes, they're very sensitive.