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Can this be polished out and were should I service my speedy

J
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Hello,
I need to get my Speedmaster pro serviced. I think it's from the '80s. I know some people aren't big fans of case refinishing because it decreases the value but this was my grandfather's and I won't ever sell it. I'm thinking of either sending it to tanner Morehouse or nesbits, so if anyone has any experience with either and wouldn't mind sharing their thoughts it would be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, my decision also depends if I can get the nicks in scratches polished out or if they will have to be laser welded
 
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Dan S
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Given the current condition of the case, I don’t think that polishing would do much harm. It has already been polished significantly in the past.
 
Foo2rama
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Picture of the dial and we can give approx age.
 
J
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1307713-ac0e5a7e5a9e6aef6ccee70a6be9f232.jpg
 
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J
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Dan S Dan S
Given the current condition of the case, I don’t think that polishing would do much harm. It has already been polished significantly in the past.
is it over polished? and should I try to get the case restored or is it not worth it
 
cvalue13
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J joshtheberg
is it over polished? and should I try to get the case restored or is it not worth it

Josh, there’ll be as many opinions on this as opinion-givers, but all along remember you’re here talking about your grandfather’s watch that you’ll never sell.

So, when you say is it “worth it,” we’re prone to accidentally start talking about something that may be irrelevant: what will or won’t increase/decrease the value or collectability of the watch.

Instead it sounds like the relevant metric is something like: what makes your sentimental connection to the watch “worth it”? That’s a bit harder for us to guide!

Sounds like it will remain priceless to you no matter what, so the question appears to boil down to: do you want to have the aged and polish case but still showing dings put there (presumably) by your grandfather, or instead lose those dings in favor of giving it a face transplant?
 
Dan S
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J joshtheberg
is it over polished? and should I try to get the case restored or is it not worth it

My advice is to do what will give you the most joy.
 
J
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I know if I get it laser-welded it will eventually just end up how it is now, so I probably will just have it polished a little just to remove a couple of things that annoy me. But if they do polish it will it affect the shape of the case or in other words, will I see a drastic change in the shape if it is polished. Furthermore, does anybody have any recommendations for where I should send the watch, my top choice right now is nesbits but if anyone has any other recs just let me know.
 
ghce
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I would wear it as it is and enjoy its provenance, every knock and mark is a testament to its history and to me that's does not loose value but emphasises its history.
 
wagudc
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The second picture in the first post shows a lug which is not badly polished in my opinion. You can see the brushed finish on the side and the other surface has a polished finish as it should. There are a few dings, but that is OK, given the age of the watch. In contrast the first picture in the first post show a lug which is over-polished. The edge between the two surfaces is gone and the brushed side is all polished.

However, I think the face on shots look pretty good. Quit staring at it so close and hard. In my opinion I would leave it as is and enjoy the story it tells. Yes the one lug got a heavy polish, but the others are not to bad. It is a watch that has lived a life. Just like your grandfather. I am sure his body was not free from scars and blemishes, but you loved him none the less.
 
Foo2rama
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Watch appears to date to the 80’s.
 
watchyouwant
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Tanner. Will cover all possible case finishings. Ask for the return time in the moment.....
 
kkt
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Nesbit's will do a good job. Figure out whether you want it polished or not and discuss with them, also ask what their estimated service time is. In the before times they were relatively prompt, a few weeks, but I'm not sure what they're like now.
 
J
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watchyouwant watchyouwant
Tanner. Will cover all possible case finishings. Ask for the return time in the moment.....
have you heard anything about his service on movements
 
RES13
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I can speak to both TMWatch and Nesbits for servicing Speedmasters. I have used both many times and have been equally satisfied with the service and communication. I never had a bad experience with either.

Keep in mind two things, Nesbits does not waver much from the Omega standard service, as they are a former Omega Service Center. They will only replace parts. Also, Nesbits does not laser weld. If you do request a polish, it is all removal of material if that is a concern.

You can’t go wrong with either, but I have been using Tanner exclusively for the past few years and plan on continuing to.
 
time flies
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Here's one way, only one way to look at it.

Would you grandfather get a cosmetic surgery procedure to his face if he could look "young" again?

have fun
kfw

helmut_sinn_1.jpg
 
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