Why are you guys so against polishing

[Bob70]

Ive read it time and time again, any time someone talks about having an old watch polished, everone jumps in and tells them not to. Whats with all the polishing haters? Its almost like the more beat up the better.

[mjm800]

I like polishing but some people have had some really bad polish jobs that have worn the lugs down.

I don't like scratches or pitting so polishing for me is a must. The trick is to find someone good and stick with them, just like a good haircutter, otherwise you risk getting scalped.

[Prince]

I'm certainly not against polishing. I think the key is "be careful, and do so in moderation".

[Dr.Brian]

That's the way I like it. Others can polish away until nothing is left. Do what makes you happy. Like any antique collectable, over polishing a vintage watch could significantly decrease it's value. One Panerai owner posted about the replacement of the crown guard/lock for about $1500. It had a TINY ding in it. Nuts? I would argue yes, but for him the ding was a serious flaw. Different strokes ...

[L-16610]

the proble is that if it is polished too much you loose the sharp edges.
Perfect example is an AP ROO bezel. That bezel is sharp and when polished a few times it does not look anymore like it should

[SLS]

A light polish with a service is fine, but there are people who go a little overboard and polish their watches when they get the slightest scuff or scratch. To me, this is ridiculous!
Scott

[KidK]

Aside from the points above; History of the watch is visible via the scratches. If you pulled a bone head move and gouged the crystal, and the memory every time you saw the scratch drove you crazy; replace it.

If you got the watch from a relative, the scratches are a part of that person's history with the watch, which I would prefer to maintain with the watch.

I guess the answer depends upon how you view your watch; status symbol, time piece or heirloom.

[tripleC]

So don't polish a car either I guess to each own.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by tripleC

So don't polish a car either I guess to each own.

Your car is usually not 18K gold or Platinum, Charles.

[Yazo]

To each his own. Collectors want the watches they intend on purchasing to be as close to original state as possible and yes that includes the few mm's of the case that gets scrubbed away during a polish.

[Gerardus]

Every scratch is a memorie imho.
And besides bad polishment ruin's a watch.

[slcbbrown]

Polishing is fine, IMO.

[Dweller of the Sea]

polish removes material, and rounds edges. Collecters likes to keep things as original as possible. Round edges and thin lugs are not nice or collectible.

[Rotorhead]

Originally Posted by Yazo

To each his own. Collectors want the watches they intend on purchasing to be as close to original state as possible and yes that includes the few mm's of the case that gets scrubbed away during a polish.

A few mm's would be quite a bit of material!

[Art161]

Originally Posted by tripleC

So don't polish a car either I guess to each own.

Well, there is abrasive polish and non-abrasive polish. Unless you have swirl marks, scratches, or some other imperfection you are trying to remove, I would use a non-abrasive product. It's not good to use an abrasive polish on a car too often or for no good reason. An abrasive polish removes paint.

A proper wash, possible claying, non-abrasive polish, and a wax protectant should be the norm.

[2005rivers]

Originally Posted by tripleC

So don't polish a car either I guess to each own.

Be very careful when polishing or buffing a car, it is very easy to go past the paint, specialy on a older car. The best trick to keeping your car looking good is to keep a good coat of wax on it, thus the sun won't kill your paint and you won't have to buff it to bring back the shine.

Waxing and polishing are two different things;

[Kokyuryoku]

Originally Posted by Bob70

Ive read it time and time again, any time someone talks about having an old watch polished, everone jumps in and tells them not to. Whats with all the polishing haters? Its almost like the more beat up the better.

It really depends on your definition of polishing. We're generally not talking about someone with a soft cloth rubbing all the fingerprints off the case. Polishing is usually considered the act of actually buffing the metal until it shines, removing scratches etc..., done occasionally and in moderation there could be no problem.

However, when it comes to older watches there may not be much of the case left to polish, so it is prudent to refrain from any form of activity that could reduce the probably already thin metal. I took my 1966 1601 in the to RSC for a service, they told me that someone had over polished it and showed me the lugs which should have had a satin finish, but were now all shiny. I asked them if they could return the satin finish and was told it could be done but only if there was enough metal remaining. So, no one is saying that polishing is bad, but you have to remember there are only so many polishes in every watch. For this reason, most people just leave the polishing to the RSC when they get their watch serviced.

[burger'n'fries]

I suppose it's like washing an old pair of sneakers. They come out clean, but still look weathered.

[davestan]

Not polishing per se....more overpolishing.
A polish with a soft clean cloth should be done regularly but polishing with impregnated cloths e.g., Cape Cod, should be used with care and only when necessary.

[Puffy]

light polishing to get rid of harline swirls are fine, everything else I'd steer clear of

thin lugs give me nightmares

[Z-Sub]

you'll never be able to keep a watch scratch free unless you never wear it. that's why I rarely polish mine

[walds11]

Amen to that Yenning

Originally Posted by Z-Sub

you'll never be able to keep a watch scratch free unless you never wear it. that's why I rarely polish mine

[Clay]

If the scratches or "dings" are so deep that they are noticeable, then in order to get them out you'll probably have to take off a good deal of metal....And if they are so light, then they probably aren't that noticeable to begin with.......
Personally I like the "Patina" that an unpolished watch develops over time....
But if it bothers you though, then polish away......

[Art161]

Originally Posted by 2005rivers

Waxing and polishing are two different things;

Right, but the darn manufacturers of automotive cleaners, polishes, glazes, and waxes have made it somewhat difficult to know which is which. You need to try to figure it out from the packaging.

Some glazes are sealants, while others are water soluble and need a wax (natural or synthetic) protectant afterward. But don't use a cleaner-wax that removes the glaze.

For watches, I consider a "polish" to be something that removes the metal around a scratch so that the scratch disappears. Meanwhile, you are reducing the thickness of the metal. That's why it's not good to obsess over every scratch, but wait until a full service to have a polish.

[Chipmunk]

Originally Posted by Bob70

Ive read it time and time again, any time someone talks about having an old watch polished, everone jumps in and tells them not to. Whats with all the polishing haters? Its almost like the more beat up the better.

I'm not against polishing. As a matter of fact, I want my watches to look brand new all the time.

[sakuraba]

I like my watch to look its age. IMHO there's nothing more disconcerting than seeing a spotless old watch. A lot like a 60 year old cougar dressed like Miley Cyrus.

Just my

[Rodmo]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

A lot like a 60 year old cougar dressed like Miley Cyrus. :

Ha!!

[tulsaokusa]

Steel wool @ 20,000 rpm's will make it shine.

[andrew79]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

I like my watch to look its age. IMHO there's nothing more disconcerting than seeing a spotless old watch. A lot like a 60 year old cougar dressed like Miley Cyrus.

Just my

LOL

[paverman]

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

Steel wool @ 20,000 rpm's will make it shine.

That'll do it , alright.