Well, aesthetics are entirely subjective, so if you like the look of a watch, no matter what the flaws, you shouldn't feel pressured not to buy.
However, the majority of collectors, and vast majority of 'serious' collectors, prefer not to own watches that have been polished heavily. Why? Because the cases have lost the integrity and look that they had when they left the factory. I would recommend that you either visit a dealer, or someone with a good collection, so that you can hold some unpolished watches in your hand. The look and feel are much different than heavily polished watches.
Polishing also degrades value. If you are early in your collecting, you will almost certainly find that you will sell watches at a later date. And when you choose to do that, the value of heavily polished examples will typically degrade, rather than possibly increasing with good, unpolished examples.
There is advice given to collectors of fine art, which applies equally to vintage cars and watches: buy the best that you can afford. Why? Again, because the best examples will either increase in value over time, or hold value better than lesser examples. They are also more pleasing to own.
If I were you, given your budget, I would buy a nice steel Polerouter. You can always seek out a gold one later, when you are in a position to spend a bit more.
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