Opinion - people worry too much about condition

[JParm]

Nothing groundbreaking, but just something that I've come to realize since recently receiving my 16800, referenced in this post:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=799709

We see a lot of questions about whether watches have been polished or not, and I'm of the opinion that most Rolexes in their lifetime will go through a polish - and that's perfectly ok! Blows my mind when I see people stress about it on the modern forum, no less...

From the comments in the thread above, you can see that some wouldn't touch my watch, as the lugs look to have gone through a polish that might not have been standard for this case. I actually love the look of them!

Obviously, correct Rolex parts and having lugs that don't have spring bars protruding are one thing. And if you're here for the investment game, I guess I understand why you'd want the pristine, unpolished watch with B&P...but let's be honest, these aren't really rare things. The market has just inflated prices at this point.

When I bought my 16710 pre-owned in 2011, I didn't even think about polish - I saw an awesome watch with B&P at a great price. Didn't know it at the time, but the lugs are a bit thinner from polishing than they should be. A decade later, and I absolutely love the thin lugs when compared to my Hulk. Not an investment piece, just something to pass along to the kiddos.

Sorry for the long post, but the takeaway is if you're here to wear your watches, as I do (Hulk goes swimming, DD40 goes on vacation with me, etc.), then it's ok if the watch you're looking to purchase isn't the perfect Sub selling at auction. Make sure it's not a franken, otherwise if you love it - go for it!

[Acidstain]

Well, a major part of it is nowadays, people are paying a premium for these watches, so it’s understandable that they want it as perfect as they can get.

10 years ago, a used rolex is probably what, 50-70% of that years retail price? Now a used rolex is pretty much = to retail price, or more.


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[shaunylw]

The modern hype and new collectors make me want to grab the last two Rolex i want and stick strictly to vintage.

I’m with you, i feel that nearly all vintage/non modern Rolex are polished, regardless of what dealers say. It’s not that i don’t believe them but 20+ years is a long time for a watch not to have seen a little bit of a polish. I like box, papers and the best condition i can find for the money allotted. If it’s polished, fine. I won’t polish any watch i buy new, but understandably it’s extremely difficult to find unpolished in the vintage world.

Watch looks great by the way!


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[Knappo 1307]

I'd take both your watches Jess, in a second. Wear them in good health, all the other chatter is just that.....

[Dan S]

Actually, for me, the condition of watches has become an increasingly important criterion as the years have passed and my thinking has gradually evolved as a collector. In fact, I will often buy a vintage watch that wasn't even really on my radar, just because the condition is amazing and I know that I will enjoy owning it. I will even pay a premium for it.

Unlike the OP, who says that "people worry too much about condition", I'm not telling anyone else how to think, or criticizing them for the way they think. I'm just explaining my own feelings on the topic. We all have different priorities, and I'm not trying to justify mine or tell other people that they're wrong.

[DaninFlorida]

great watch....i agree on condition, especially the polishing...i'd be more concerned that you are one of the ones that wear their watch incorrectly...you know, past the wrist :)
ha!

[1665fan]

Like saying in real estate location doesn’t matter....nice 16800 btw

[HarryLime]

Couldn't disagree more. Condition is paramount.

[Heater3000]

condition is paramount for flippers and collectors.. not for those of us that just want to enjoy them and wear them.. and its not like many of us are wearing a Rolex that looks like junk

[HarryLime]

Originally Posted by Heater3000

condition is paramount for flippers and collectors.. not for those of us that just want to enjoy them and wear them.. and its not like many of us are wearing a Rolex that looks like junk

Are collectors not those of us who also enjoy wearing them?

[linesiders]

Condition how it relates to value is important. To overpay for an underwhelming piece is a problem and too many people ask & expect too much for underwhelming pieces. To pay fair market for a ridden hard but loveable & great looking piece is wonderful.

[sensui]

I think any vintage collector will value condition as a main criteria..... But sure if you just want a watch on your wrist to enjoy and you don't know the difference with correctness, case shape, dial nuances etc....buy the cheapest one you can find and off you go. Most would agree though once you see it/understand it... You can't go back... Ignorance is bliss for sure.

[uhren917]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=802468

Dial condition certainly matters to this guy when he plunks down his own cash.

I too am certainly going to consider condition such as polishing when other options exist and the vintage purchase ain't free.

[Kingsking]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Condition how it relates to value is important. To overpay for an underwhelming piece is a problem and too many people ask & expect too much for underwhelming pieces. To pay fair market for a ridden hard but loveable & great looking piece is wonderful.

Perfectly stated.

[Dr.Smellody]

I agree with the OP.

I always buy the best I can find and afford. I assume a 50 year old watch will have been polished at service.

Not sure if anyone really pays the outrageous prices I see these days. I still find deals, but not $4k 1680 or 5513 anymore .

I do think the word FRANKEN is used way too much and often out of context.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by sensui

I think any vintage collector will value condition as a main criteria..... But sure if you just want a watch on your wrist to enjoy and you don't know the difference with correctness, case shape, dial nuances etc....buy the cheapest one you can find and off you go. Most would agree though once you see it/understand it... You can't go back... Ignorance is bliss for sure.

I'm still extremely new to Rolex, especially vintage Rolex. However, I think this sums it up.

At first, I found myself finding charm in some of the more beat-up models (and I still think some have unique & pleasing looks). However, once you begin to dive into vintage Rolex, then can't help but notice all these imperfections. And why buy something so expensive that's just going to have you wanting the more collectible example?

I think what makes the biggest difference is how you identify yourself. Do you see yourself as someone who wants to be a collector? In which, you would highly praise condition, originality, and so forth. Or do you just enjoy vintage Rolex?

And to clarify, I'm not calling myself a collector by any means. However, I do want to begin working towards that goal and finding examples that fit the bill.

[Nick9]

For me, and maybe others, dial condition is WAY ahead of whether a case has been polished. Apart from some examples where the cases have truly been polished out of shape, most “polished” watches are okay with me. Original but worn condition is great, but it’s not something that needs to be obsessed about.

Personally, I would never bother with a machine polish. Watches that people wear attract scratches; it just seem pointless to me to polish them when the next set of scratches is just around the corner.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Nick9

For me, and maybe others, dial condition is WAY ahead of whether a case has been polished. Apart from some examples where the cases have truly been polished out of shape, most “polished” watches are okay with me. Original but worn condition is great, but it’s not something that needs to be obsessed about.

Personally, I would never bother with a machine polish. Watches that people wear attract scratches; it just seem pointless to me to polish them when the next set of scratches is just around the corner.

Agree with you on dial condition being important - that is something that I won't take a pass on.

I know many here love the "spider" dials, but it just isn't for me. Also, the incredibly damaged dials that some dealers are trying to pass off as special...hard pass. While I do find some of the tropical / chocolate dials attractive, anything other than just screams damaged dial to me.

[Heater3000]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Are collectors not those of us who also enjoy wearing them?

Opinions opinion

[zapokee]

I tend to agree with the OP, as long as price reflects condition. If you like it, get it if that's your budget and you're not planning to flip it.

But get the best condition you can afford.

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

Couldn't disagree more. Condition is paramount.

Emotional attachment is paramount. Condition is a bonus. For me at least.

[MorningTundra]

Whether you’re a passion-collector or a value-collector, nobody wants to overpay or get ripped off whatever the condition. Nobody wants to pay for trash. That’s a given. But there’s much to be said for a collection filled with character pieces. There’s undeniable beauty in wabisabi and kuntsugi. An elite collection of NOS museum pieces are interesting to look at, but precious to wear, and leave some of us cold. To most, my collection will look like a bunch of well worn uncle-watches... perhaps because I’m a well worn uncle with a lot of hard miles on the clock. My watches feel like familiar friends. I keep diverse company and don’t discriminate

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

kuntsugi

There's no need for that kind of language.

You mean kintsugi - the Japanese art of fixing up broken old cups with gold filling.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by zapokee

There's no need for that kind of language.

You mean kintsugi - the Japanese art of fixing up broken old cups with gold filling.

The Japanese language has words that make decay and dodgy patina sound so attractive, even desirable, as to put vintage Rolex dealers and their made-up euphemisms to shame

[MorningTundra]

Condition wise, this is all wrong on so many levels, yet irresistible to some perverted deviants... wabisabi dial, kintsugi case
htts://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vinta...o-t266739.html

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The Japanese language has words that make decay and dodgy patina sound so attractive, even desirable, as to put vintage Rolex dealers and their made-up euphemisms to shame

Kintsugi pottery is a proper Japanese art thing. These pieces fetch high prices with 24K gold filling. #BitOffTopic

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by sensui

I think any vintage collector will value condition as a main criteria..... But sure if you just want a watch on your wrist to enjoy and you don't know the difference with correctness, case shape, dial nuances etc....buy the cheapest one you can find and off you go. Most would agree though once you see it/understand it... You can't go back... Ignorance is bliss for sure.

Said perfectly.
Ignorance is bliss… and expensive when it comes to vintage rolex.

Enjoying an honest but imperfect watch is great (and respected), but losing your way on details is foolish.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by stmoore

Enjoying an honest but imperfect watch is great

Agree. If you wear it forever, it will eventually be imperfect anyway.

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by sensui

I think any vintage collector will value condition as a main criteria.....

I'd argue second criteria. In the collectors value credo of authenticity, condition and provenance, authenticity surely must come out on top.

[Silver Lobster]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

Condition wise, this is all wrong on so many levels, yet irresistible to some perverted deviants... wabisabi dial, kintsugi case
htts://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vinta...o-t266739.html

I just get

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