Polish or Just clean and Service?

[BigBlue1]

Hi Guys and Gals,

As you may or may not know, last year I purchased a 6549 Model 18k. Upon its arrival I was, I guess, kind of taken by surprise by its size do to it being a 31mm. I know, I know I should have done my homework, lesson learned criticism taken. It came with everything including paperwork, box, insert, and tag. I tried it on , wore it a few times and started to kind of take a liking to it, but, yep you knew it was coming, I changed my mind and no longer found it to be a fit for me anymore. I only kept the watch maybe a week or 2 and luckily the seller accepted my return as they were a stand up individual. They also really didn’t want to sell the watch in the first place, kind of sellers remorse was suffered on their end as well.

The story behind the watch was the farther purchased the watch while in the military, found the gold wasn’t very suitable, put it away and bought the same model, but in SS. They are holding on to the SS as it has more sentimental value as one can imagine it would.

I then went between a President 1803, 18038, then to a Batman, JC and wound up with the Rootbeer 1675. It was a journey, but worth the end result

I recently had my watch serviced and while it was there I was trying to replace what wasn’t there. A watch. I first was thinking about a Gold Chain, but nope, didn’t want that. Note me at the moment. Haven’t hit that midlife crisis yet. So I thought wait, what about that watch I purchased before. After all it was the first watch I had ever purchased and that I regretfully returned back.

After thinking about buying this, buying that and that this and the other thing I found that what I really wanted was that 6549. That was what I had been after. I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. I had to reach out to that individual again and get that watch back. After talking back and forth months of patience they finally accepted.

Awesome feeling to have the first watch I ever purchased back.

Alright back to the subject at hand and enough of my malackiey.

What would you do polish it or just sonic bath?

Thank you in advance.

[2001jesper]

Given the reference, I would bring it back to life with a full spa treatment - Only hesitation would be how that aged dial would look with a polished case and bracelet.

[BigBlue1]

My thoughts exactly. Here is a older picture that shows the dial much clearer. I don’t want the watch to be to over powering. I want it to pop but I also want it to retain its character.

[Pmt2]

I would love to see This watch crispy again.

[Vamp]

You know you want to polish it! I say its time! A lite polish will bring that beauty back to life!

[BigBlue1]

I know. I feel like it deserves a good polish, but then I think about how it’s been untouched for 60 years. That’s pretty incredible.
One way or another I need to figure it out because she’s LA Bound tomorrow.

[RouletteDate]

leave it

[BisonHead]

If the dial is not being touched then i personally would leave as it. 60 years as you say. Do you have any personal connection with the previous owner?

It might look weird with a lovely sparkling bracelet, case etc and the dial all worn.

If your doing the dial then i would get a light polish to make the watch sing.

It lovely as it is by the way, looks great in humble opinion.

[BigBlue1]

No personal connection to the original owner.
The dial is so striking to me and more so especially in the natural sunlight.
I am not swapping the dial. It is staying.
I am leaning towards getting her a bath with little to no polishing.

[BisonHead]

^^^^ yep agree totally. The watch is a belter and looks better for having that age to it. Looks way cool with some signs of use, conversation starter that watch.

[SunTzu]

I would definitely polish it by someone who knows exactly what they're doing and exactly what you're expecting of them. I would keep it is as far away from a jeweler and in the hands of an experienced watchmaker. My guy feels the same way about when and when not polish and how much.

Nothing better than gold in it's full luster with properly brushed and polished sides.

Let it age to a patina in your hands.

[BigBlue1]

I came to the conclusion that I am going to enlist the expertise of the watchmakers over at LAWW entrusting in them to make the final decision. Obviosly before they do anything they will consult me first. It will be headed out today.

[FrankNYC]

It's not a SS sports model (which would be a NO polish). it's a dressier piece, so a light polish would not hurt and should bring the watch back to life.

[BigBlue1]

She's gone on her way. Bon Voyage.

[Racer X]

My vote is not to polish, ever, for any vintage watch. You're removing metal that can't be added back and the nicks and scratches are all part of the watch's "story."

[BigBlue1]

LAWWs recommendation is to just give it a bath so that’s the path I’ll choose.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

LAWWs recommendation is to just give it a bath so that’s the path I’ll choose.

Smart choice and it's at the best place you could have chosen!

[BigBlue1]

It was so dirty he asked me if it was plated. I had to laugh.
It is in great hands. I have used them once before and couldn’t speak any more highly of them.

[BigBlue1]

Update.

No Update.

[BigBlue1]

Update:

Happy Friday. Movement service/spa treatment is well underway and nearing completion. I'll keep you posted and send over those macro as promised.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

Update:

Happy Friday. Movement service/spa treatment is well underway and nearing completion. I'll keep you posted and send over those macro as promised.

Can't wait for the "return" snaps.
See if you can get a set of gold spring bars while at it...

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

Can't wait for the "return" snaps.
See if you can get a set of gold spring bars while at it...

I just sent the message

Thanks

[BigBlue1]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

Can't wait for the "return" snaps.
See if you can get a set of gold spring bars while at it...

They are going to look into getting some gold spring bars. Fingers crossed.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by BigBlue1

They are going to look into getting some gold spring bars. Fingers crossed.

They're gonna be pricey, but, worth it. Prolly about $2Franklins...



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[BigBlue1]