Help, do I polish

S

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seber

·Aug 13, 2022

I know most of the time polishing is a sin but this is a special case. I found this watch at an estate sale and picked it up for $300. I hope that was a good deal. But my problem is the back. It has been engraved with the owner's name. Should I leave that as is or would it be better to do a polish all the way around the back to remove the engraving? How would that affect the value?

 

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SkunkPrince

·Aug 13, 2022

Leave it. Part of its history.

If it concerns you, look for a replacement caseback on eBay.

 

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seekingseaquest

·Aug 13, 2022

SkunkPrince

Leave it. Part of its history.

If it concerns you, look for a replacement caseback on eBay.

Unishell case so you’d need to replace the entire case. I’d leave it as well. At least this way you don’t have to feel guilting about giving it a scratch here and there.

 

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BroMega

·Aug 13, 2022

Just change your name instead.

 

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Olhenry56

·Aug 13, 2022

S seber

I hope that was a good deal.

I think you got a pretty good deal, especially since it seems to be running. You should still get it serviced by a watchmaker if you're going to wear it regularly, but as is, I'd expect it to go on eBay for at least $400. Polishing the case back would diminish the value quite a bit in the eyes of most of the members here.

 

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Canuck

·Aug 13, 2022

You will not be able to “polish” the engraving off! It is far too deep. The movement would have to be removed, the case chucked up on a lathe, and the entire outer perimeter around the center logo machined off, then polished. That process could destroy the case. In any event, I very much doubt you’ll find anyone who’ll do the job.

 

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janice&fred

·Aug 13, 2022

Olhenry56

I'd expect it to go on eBay for at least $400

Yes maybe 5 years ago. Nowadays those devilles in clean condition plus original bracelet bring much more.

 

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BAJJ

·Aug 13, 2022

Lovely watch, great price, I'd leave the engraving, you never see it when wearing anyway.

 

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BrunoCodispoti

·Aug 13, 2022

Don’t polish it! Leave it and try to find a case on the bay 😀

 

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Olhenry56

·Aug 13, 2022

janice&fred

Yes maybe 5 years ago. Nowadays those devilles in clean condition plus original bracelet bring much more.

Oh, duh! I completely overlooked the bracelet!

Yes, definitely you got a great deal.

 

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janice&fred

·Aug 14, 2022

BrunoCodispoti

Don’t polish it! Leave it and try to find a case on the bay 😀

If the OP chooses that route we have a perfect SS case for cheap. As a matter of fact it's a complete deville minus crystal. 👍

 

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Davidt

·Aug 14, 2022

Agree that’s far too deep to safely polish out. Good buy IMO but keep the engraving as part of its history.

 

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seber

·Aug 15, 2022

Thank you gentlemen. I will take your advice and leave it as is. The bracelet is going to go to my 1971 Constellation if I can ever get the frozen spring pin out. That watch cam with an 1125 which I hate. It just doesn't look right on that ratchet bezel.