What's wrong with serviced dials/hands/polished?

[Tropheus]

Trying to do as much research as I can about vintage watches and I keep reading a negative tone to watches that have been serviced? Such as service dials/date/bezel/hands/polished etc.

Is there anything wrong with vintage watches that have been serviced? I'm assuming it's because for a purist collector purpose it's not absolutely 'original' for when they want to re-sell it?

If I'm looking to get a vintage watch to wear and keep rather than collect or re-sell it shouldn't really matter, right?

[roh123]

An all original untouched watch in good condition looks a lot better than one with service parts.

[R!$]

Originally Posted by Tropheus

If I'm looking to get a vintage watch to wear and keep rather than collect or re-sell it shouldn't really matter, right?

No, as long as you like it

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Tropheus

Trying to do as much research as I can about vintage watches and I keep reading a negative tone to watches that have been serviced? Such as service dials/date/bezel/hands/polished etc.

Is there anything wrong with vintage watches that have been serviced? I'm assuming it's because for a purist collector purpose it's not absolutely 'original' for when they want to re-sell it?

If I'm looking to get a vintage watch to wear and keep rather than collect or re-sell it shouldn't really matter, right?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a vintage watch that has been serviced. And there is nothing wrong with a vintage watch that has service parts, which is different than a serviced watch, since it's possible to have the movement serviced without having all parts replaced.

It comes down to what you like. Many collectors/hobbyists, myself included, much prefer to have all original parts, especially dial/hands, and prefer that the watch not be polished, or at least just minimally polished. These examples are much more valuable, although the desire for originality often has nothing to do with a plan to re-sell a watch.

Other watch lovers are OK with a vintage watch that has service parts, such as a replaced dial and hands. They're less expensive and you can still have a feel of a vintage watch to a certain degree.

The key is knowing what has been replaced on a watch and what hasn't.

[JBZ]

As long as you like it, it's priced correctly, any non-original parts are disclosed by the seller, and you disclose the same if you ever decide to sell it, there's nothing wrong with it IMHO.

[Dan S]

For some references, the value can be a lot less with service parts, so make sure you don't pay the "all-original" price.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Tropheus

. . .
Is there anything wrong with vintage watches that have been serviced? I'm assuming it's because for a purist collector purpose it's not absolutely 'original' for when they want to re-sell it?

. . .

If you want a watch to wear and enjoy, and one to keep as pristine as possible with services and service parts, you want to choose one that is not a "rare collectible".

For example, you don't want to do this to a Red Sub, as collectors prize that original dial and look. You can change a regular 1680 Sub all you want and you will continue to have a functional, attractive, timeless watch.

You can find some good prices on damaged dials or worn watches, and if you intend to have them serviced to "like-new", you can pat yourself on your back for rescuing a classic.

[Sublovin]

Only if it matters to you

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Only if it matters to you

Exactly- it's very easy to get caught up and overly worried about some of the 'precision' of vintage. It can end up spoiling the whole experience. Yes, certainly do your homework and take your time before buying, but go for one you are happy to wear and enjoy.

[116710er]

Gotta agree with roh123's comment, some service parts just don't look at as good as the original. For example, the 1680 service insert looks ugly IMO because the numbers/marks are too thin. The MK3 1680 insert looks much better. Also, in some cases (like a 16800), a service dial could have a undesirable "feature" like WG surrounds on the lume plots which, IMO, makes it look too similar to a 16610.

If none of those things bother you, then it's not a problem but like like Dan S said, 'don't pay the "all-original" price.'

[MorningTundra]

It’s really very personal and subjective.

Serious collectors prize originality and condition.

Most collectors settle for the best they can afford.

Enthusiast collectors buy what they like. E.g the cool kids are all rockin Seiko Super Mods...


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[Tropheus]

A little late to reply, but wow thank you everyone for your replies! Really helpful and makes sense that it's a personal preference, that I completely understand.

Yes, as long as things are advertised as serviced parts and the price reflects it, it's all good!

Now to more watch hunting =)