Incoming: Untouched RED 1680

[RC2]

I don't mind a polish once and a while. Maybe I can get the leftovers? I'll take them.


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[freefly]

Originally Posted by Fredrik

I usually look at the lug holes to see if a case seems to be unpolished.

Just as a data point, I'd say that is no longer a "safe" method of evaluation. With the increased prevalence, popularity, and quality of case "restoration" work (namely micro/laser welding and machine lapping), the appearance/sharpness of lug holes isn't a reliable "tell" anymore IMO. In fact, I'd say it could have the opposite effect. If a watch shows signs of wear, but the chamfers and lug holes are tack-sharp, it would certainly raise my suspicions. Easy enough these days to have material added, holes re-drilled, and cases refinished to exceptional standards. The fact that we have those sorts of options today is probably both a blessing and a curse. YMMV...

[roh123]

Originally Posted by freefly

Just as a data point, I'd say that is no longer a "safe" method of evaluation. With the increased prevalence, popularity, and quality of case "restoration" work (namely micro/laser welding and machine lapping), the appearance/sharpness of lug holes isn't a reliable "tell" anymore IMO. In fact, I'd say it could have the opposite effect. If a watch shows signs of wear, but the chamfers and lug holes are tack-sharp, it would certainly raise my suspicions. Easy enough these days to have material added, holes re-drilled, and cases refinished to exceptional standards. The fact that we have those sorts of options today is probably both a blessing and a curse. YMMV...

I agree. To me it is all about the overall look of the case and watch. If you have it in your hand you can also feel many things but by just looking at certain points as in the past is probably not enough.

That said I still don´t get this discussion. The watch we talk about looks absolutely stunning.

[Fredrik]

Originally Posted by SubKing

his watch in that link you provided is a completely different watch and era, so I don't think it's a very good comparison to mine as cases were shaped different. But if you want to have a look at a lug hole to study further, by all means. Curious to hear your opinion.

Well, I have always been under the impression that the lug holes were drilled after polish of the vintage watches. My own 1680 has the same type of marks around the lug holes as springers and they look very much like drill marks I have seen many times when drilling hard materials myself. The picture you linked isn't that clear, bu it does look like that a bit, see for instance springers first image. It looks a bit like a burr around the lug hole. You also have a kind of chip marks around another lug hole. I have those features too.

This could of course be obtained by a refinisher. You need to first weld the lug holes, laser weld and recut the case, and then finally drill new holes. I do know that some fill the holes temporarily during the polish to not get any bowling, but you will not get those drill marks then.

Oh, and yes, the lug holes are just one of the things I look at. Flatness of the left side, distance between hole and the rest of the lug etc etc. The compound picture tells a lot.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by freefly

Just as a data point, I'd say that is no longer a "safe" method of evaluation. With the increased prevalence, popularity, and quality of case "restoration" work (namely micro/laser welding and machine lapping), the appearance/sharpness of lug holes isn't a reliable "tell" anymore IMO. In fact, I'd say it could have the opposite effect. If a watch shows signs of wear, but the chamfers and lug holes are tack-sharp, it would certainly raise my suspicions. Easy enough these days to have material added, holes re-drilled, and cases refinished to exceptional standards. The fact that we have those sorts of options today is probably both a blessing and a curse. YMMV...

If I am not mistaken, I understand that the healthy ridges on the crown guards cannot be "restored". Also a good method of evaluation..

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by roh123

I still don´t get this discussion. The watch we talk about looks absolutely stunning.

+1