Community Stories

Rolex Crown Guards

watch3s
Posts
1,369
Likes
835
Question for folks who bought or browse used rolexes that are for sale, any one notice there tends to be a difference in the crown guards? For some reason, to my eyes, the bottom one tend to be worn in some way while the top may still be fat. Likely a sign of polishing Im sure or at least a hint of someone removing a ding
 
M
Posts
344
Likes
434
Got any picture examples?

Are you talking about vintage or the modern maxi case crown guards?

I've noticed vintage PCGs seem to show off poor polishing more than regular crown guards.
 
watch3s
Posts
1,369
Likes
835
M morningtundra
Got any picture examples?

Are you talking about vintage or the modern maxi case crown guards?

I've noticed vintage PCGs seem to show off poor polishing more than regular crown guards.

it would be unfair for true vintage, im talking 5 digit cases. its too early to see how the 6 digits are unless they are truly abused. will add pictures from assorted places as I see them
 
watch3s
Posts
1,369
Likes
835
see thats why im talking about, stuff like that. theres no way a shirt cuff can do that kind of wear after 10 years right?
 
jimmyd13
Posts
3,172
Likes
7,324
watch3s watch3s
see thats why im talking about, stuff like that. theres no way a shirt cuff can do that kind of wear after 10 years right?
Fifty years ... but no ... and I'm not sure it can be explained by winding either.
 
Uniqez
Posts
1,440
Likes
3,772
Here is one from 1995. 6da68b0b60a982acffc206375d60809e.jpg e3c7d341d11e903777f1b4a86683615b.jpg
 
watch3s
Posts
1,369
Likes
835
ah so it can happen to both crown guards! i guess i just bought a poor example back then due to my eagerness
 
jimmyd13
Posts
3,172
Likes
7,324
watch3s watch3s
fascinating! theres goes the thinking that pieces leave rolex perfect!
It's a mistake to apply modern values regarding manufacturing tolerances to vintage watches ... or to assume that they were all symmetrical to begin with. If you look at the model and serial numbers between the lugs on vintage rolex, they often look like they've been stamped by a 4 year old. This is also why there were always specialists in the watch industry for each part - case, gears, springs and so on.
 
watch3s
Posts
1,369
Likes
835
jimmyd13 jimmyd13
It's a mistake to apply modern values regarding manufacturing tolerances to vintage watches ... or to assume that they were all symmetrical to begin with. If you look at the model and serial numbers between the lugs on vintage rolex, they often look like they've been stamped by a 4 year old. This is also why there were always specialists in the watch industry for each part - case, gears, springs and so on.

well im mainly looking at the modern examples for the five digits. but yes I agree, the vintage serial numbers are awfully stamped indeed. some of them I wonder if they were hand done slowly
 
dhong1993
Posts
10
Likes
3
Wow, I never knew that crown guards could be worn like that. Especially having one thinner than the other. Good eye!
 
jimmyd13
Posts
3,172
Likes
7,324
dhong1993 dhong1993
Wow, I never knew that crown guards could be worn like that. Especially having one thinner than the other. Good eye!
The difference is not entirely (or even) down to wear - these cases are assymetrical.
 
watchestelltime
Posts
101
Likes
245
I think it cannot be due to wear. Either it was overpolished or the initial production had a high tolerance of margin
 
chows99
Posts
563
Likes
1,356
Hi guys,

Looking at my watch, a 16700 which was definitely polished in the past, do you all thjnk the crown guard is too thin for comfort? Will this bother you?

 
sensui
Posts
248
Likes
648
chows99 chows99
Hi guys,

Looking at my watch, a 16700 which was definitely polished in the past, do you all thjnk the crown guard is too thin for comfort? Will this bother you?

Looks ok to me, not too thin.
 
chows99
Posts
563
Likes
1,356
With this close-up shot, will you think it's thickness is acceptable for a 26 years old watch? Or too thin for comfort?

 
sensui
Posts
248
Likes
648
chows99 chows99
With this close-up shot, will you think it's thickness is acceptable for a 26 years old watch? Or too thin for comfort?

They're fine. Not overpolished. If you're not convinced compare with pictures of unpolished examples naturally aged and see for yourself.
 
chows99
Posts
563
Likes
1,356
Thanks @sensui! It's reassuring to hear from you. Maybe I was just paranoid about this. I felt better now. Thanks!
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

502 to right

Advice on putting brushed finish on side flanks with crown guards

502 to right Watchmaking
502 to right
502 to right
Posts
20
Views
735
Caselock

Asymmetrical cases and crown guards...

Caselock Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Caselock
Caselock
Posts
14
Views
2K
lucreative

Rolex 702 24-702 Crown and/or 127 Top Hat Crystal

lucreative Wanted To Buy
lucreative
lucreative
Posts
0
Views
112
emilio

Rolex 1675 Gilt GMT PCG Pointed Crown Guards

emilio Private Watch Sales
befobe
befobe
Posts
11
Views
5K
6

Tudor/Rolex crown

67whitegoat Rolex Watches
6
67whitegoat
Posts
0
Views
1K
Linesiders

1968 Tudor 7016 Blue SWISS Only SnowFlake Submariner Semi Pointed Crown Guard

Linesiders Private Watch Sales
Linesiders
Linesiders
Posts
3
Views
6K