Thin Lug Syndrome (TLS) - Overpolished?

[gabriham_lincoln]

Hi all, finally received my watch back from Rolliworks and very happy with the job they did restoring my 168000 (laser welding, chamfers, etc.). I did notice that my lugs on my watch are looking very thin/small – does anyone know if this is the result of over polishing or this is normal for this model? They looked like this before I had it restored by Rolliworks so I know it's not their fault, I'm just curious as to how the lugs wind up looking like this :) Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the outer bezel (the ring containing the lugs)? Is this a part I can pick up at a registered service center? And if yes, does anyone happen to know the cost? Would prefer that my lugs are deeper/more defined, not wimpy.

Thanks!

[Tools]

Your lugs look fine.

The lugs are part of the case, not the bezel. If you want to change them you would need a new mid-case, which is the body of the watch and would be considered a poor decision value-wise.

[BisonHead]

They look fine in my very limited opinion. They look about the same as my never ever polished 14060. Just comparing mine now to your photo.

[1665fan]

They look fine, OP has been looking at too many 6 digits. I have seen much worse than those ligs

[tekno]

Based on the one picture you posted it looks fine, buying a new case for a collectible watch is the last thing you want to do. It ruins the value of the watch. I’m sure you know this?

If you want a watch that is NOS, sell yours and buy a NOS watch. There is no getting around spending $$ if you want collectible new/close to perfect Rolex watches.

This is why people have went through the trouble to figure out how to repair the original case, band, parts vs swap them out for NOS.

I have no clue what you spent on the watch but add up the cost of the watch plus your recent work done, plus another $2.5-3k I’m guessing if you have Rolex service it with a new case...

Then you need to consider that the watch is only worth 7k-8k after you swap the case out. (Not 100% sure, I see most parts watches listed for this)

[subx]

if you are worried that much to the extent of going to laser welding a 16800 and add chamfers and all, and then second guess yourself, it may be time to buy a NEW Submariner and not looking back.

[Dan S]

I think that some of the massive chamfers added to watches these days actually make the lugs look narrower when viewed end-on. I'm guessing they look better when viewed from below.

[STEELINOX]

I see = the radii of the lug is too pronounced [@9 side] = new mid case time...

The chamfer is defined by the radii executed; could be that they had some trouble finding a balance. Usually the 9 side lugs are wider and the crown side narrower. In your example, there is too much symmetry for both 9 and crown side...

It would bother me as well...
Thanks,
Randy

[STEELINOX]

Another words, they "induced" a radius into the lug causing a visual distortion which perceived is "narrowing"...

If you look at these [unmolested] "period" pieces, you will see that the "9" side lugs are somewhat meatier than the crown side which are "scooped" just enough to see them as "thinner" [than the 9 side] which is correct for these period mid casings...

[wsfarrell]

People should be looking at crown guards, not lugs. From what is visible in your photo, this one looks unpolished.

[Glosstritium]

Yes your lugs are much thinner now actually and more like a datejust from this angle, an experienced collector will know right away this is not original and was recut, they should be thicker... Even though they're flat now and not rounded like over polished examples...

Maybe take more pics of different angles so we can see...

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Glosstritium

Yes your lugs are much thinner now actually and more like a datejust from this angle, an experienced collector will know right away this is not original and was recut, they should be thicker... Even though they're flat now and not rounded like over polished examples...

Maybe take more pics of different angles so we can see...

Lol like a datejust??? What are you smoking? Want to share ?

[wonkka]

Everything looks fine to me.

[mohamedalimam]

they look fine to me..

[Juhuatai]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Lol like a datejust??? What are you smoking? Want to share ?

Whatever it is I want some.

[joli160]

Beautiful watch, nice chamfers.

Perhaps a modern Sub is more your thing

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by joli160

Beautiful watch, nice chamfers.

Perhaps a modern Sub is more your thing

Same here.

It's a beautiful item, sell it and get a six digit.

[Bladeshot]

Looks fine to me.

[jsukey]

Looks fine to me. If it truly does bother you, Rolliworks can do the laser work to build up the metal on the lugs then hit it with their lathe, then polish it to make the look like the day it left Rolex. Check out the work on their page. Michael currently has my Platinum YM in his posession. Can't wait to get it back to see how it turns out!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by jsukey

Looks fine to me. If it truly does bother you, Rolliworks can do the laser work to build up the metal on the lugs then hit it with their lathe, then polish it to make the look like the day it left Rolex. Check out the work on their page. Michael currently has my Platinum YM in his posession. Can't wait to get it back to see how it turns out!

The OP notes that the watch just returned from Rolliworks.

[Glosstritium]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Lol like a datejust??? What are you smoking? Want to share ?

Your mom must be proud...

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Glosstritium

Your mom must be proud...

Don’t get personal....if it looks like a datejust to u also just say so

[photoguy]

I don't know if this is helpful at all, but here is my 168000. I bought it new in 1987 and it was serviced once by Rolex in the mid 90's and unless they polished it without telling me is 'original'.

[Michaeli Paulo]

It would be great to see a “before” picture to truly illustrate what a fantastic job that Rolliworks did on your watch.

Personally, I think your watch looks outstanding!

Here’s my guess as to what transpired:

You bought a used, polished watch and figured the lugs were so slender due to previous overpolishing. You hired Rolliworks to laser weld and polish the watch to make it like new again, which in your mind meant “fatter lugs.”

You received the watch back and were somewhat disappointed that the Rolliworks “adding on” of metal didn’t “beef up” the lugs.

All totally understandable!

I’m guessing you’re probably used to seeing the beefier lugs on the new ceramics.

Your watch looks like new again!

I prefer the slimmer lugs, which is part of the reason I picked the 14060M.

Here’s a comparison of your watch and mine; mine is unpolished.

Yours:


Mine:

[Filipão]

Untouched 2 liner here:

[OliverD]

I think the OP is talking about something completely different to everyone else.

I think he is using the term 'lugs' to refer to the notches/grooves in the bezel (can't remember their name).

That's why he asked whether he should replace the bezel and said that he wants them to be 'deeper' which wouldn't really make any sense when talking about lugs.

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by OliverD

I think the OP is talking about something completely different to everyone else.

I think he is using the term 'lugs' to refer to the notches/grooves in the bezel (can't remember their name).

That's why he asked whether he should replace the bezel and said that he wants them to be 'deeper' which wouldn't really make any sense when talking about lugs.

You know, you might be right!
Of course, it'd be nice if the OP would chime in after posting this 3 days ago and after receiving a lot of comments.
Where are you, OP???

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by OliverD

I think the OP is talking about something completely different to everyone else.

I think he is using the term 'lugs' to refer to the notches/grooves in the bezel (can't remember their name).

That's why he asked whether he should replace the bezel and said that he wants them to be 'deeper' which wouldn't really make any sense when talking about lugs.

You're absolutely right. :facepalm:

[62396241]

Wow this is all because 5 digit watches have thinner right side lugs from the factory.

5 digit watches from the factory had wimpy lugs.. (they are more graceful and beautiful than 6 digit watches)

6 digit watches have massive lugs.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Styles Bitchley]

Originally Posted by OliverD

I think the OP is talking about something completely different to everyone else.

I think he is using the term 'lugs' to refer to the notches/grooves in the bezel (can't remember their name).

That's why he asked whether he should replace the bezel and said that he wants them to be 'deeper' which wouldn't really make any sense when talking about lugs.

Lol. Nice job figuring this out. Makes way more sense now!