I came across a fairly beat-up Speedmaster MK II Racing dial locally and was wondering if you guys think a crystal replacement would be enough to bring it to it's former glory? It's listed as a 1972 with full documentation and comes with an "appraisal" from a jeweler at $2250

Also, is it just me or does the minute hand appear bent upwards?

 

Looks ok, polished though as these go.

I think the chrono seconds hand is newer than the rest, maybe all the orange hands.

Price, maybe a little high.

 

Question, how can you tell about the polish vs someone having taking great care of their watch or it not being worn much? I mean I have had a mkII for over a year and there isn't a mark on jt. Not saying it would like that in 30 years but at this rate I am pretty sure it would look quite good

 

Original case is more matte and it has sunburst pattern on it. It also has sharp lines on it




OP one is shinier, lines are duller and there is no sunburst effect, or at least as much as there should be. It is common to shine cases up as people that dont know what it should look like originally are drawn to shiny, polished case. It looks clean and there are no dings, so people think it is in great shape, when that is not the case at all.

OP watch wasnt over-polished, from what crappy pics show, but it was polished at some time surely.

EDIT: Here is an example of really over-polished case



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ori...-Mark-II-Swiss-Watch-Wristwatch-/262926451741Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I'd want better photos of the OP watch before making really sharp judgement. As far as I can see, it looks very decent. Not unworn, but very decent.

 

But I'd say this example is "polished" (refinished) as well, although very well done.

 

Agreed especially when the key shot is out of focus

 

These were 2 different watches

 

I think price is a little too high but the watch looks good. Case is indeed polished but all of them for sale seem to be. Dial is original and still has good fresh colors. Chrono (orange) hands are probably replacement hands. They are too bright and vivid for a 45 year old watch.