This Rolex 8171 recently sold at auction had a dial described as an "unrestored condition" (no comment in the description as to the rest of the watch). I was wondering if collectors here would describe it the same way, or "cleaned" (but not restored), or something else...
Images are from the auction website and also in the catalog.
The condition report was "not available" at the preview.

 

Well it certainly didn't get from the condition in photo two to what we see in photo one by itself...

 

Is there a thread where we post the most surly looking moonphase moon?

 

He is surly since someone gave him a different second hand

 

Well, it's not as if there's a universally accepted (and enforced) definition of "restored" in watchworld. It's where marketing and legitimate valuation collide. One of my favourite threads on this forum is "private sales...member comments" where the regulars lament marketing terminology like "minty" and "may never have been polished."

Ha! Well he didn't dare show himself with that rusty second hand so he better not bite the hand that fed him

 

I have had dials cleaned up before with amazing results. Watchmakers all have their tricks- but if it’s done with a delicate hand and only removes surface grime and doesn’t affect original finishes or paintwork- then I see no issue with it, in fact- as I said- I have had it done.
I wouldn’t consider the dial In question “restored”, it was just cleaned up- although a little heavy handed in some spots but this is not a task for the faint of heart or mildly talented.

 

+1

 

Another +1.

 

Just to share (I have shared this before in OF but it doesn’t get old to me). Not a painted dial like the OP but an example of a good clean up IMO that is not a “restoration”.
I got this from a friend in a trade deal- he wore the shit out of it. Scratched up crystal aside- moisture had gotten in at some point- most likely the rear seal or a bad crown seal- not a full leak but humidity or sweat. Dial and indices had a fine layer of crud, hands had corrosion. Dial looked dull and lifeless- pretty much 1 dimensional.

My watchmaker asked if I wanted him to clean up the dial- I said sure. The only thing that needed replacement was the second hand which was too far gone, but a NOS one was easily obtained.


No factory finishes were harmed, even the original crystal after a wet sand.

As I said before, cleaning up a dial isn’t something I would trust to anyone- really takes a delicate touch and the knowledge of what to clean and what what to leave alone.