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

 

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

 

Hmmm .... I'll just leave this here and let others decide (1967/8 5513):

 

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.

 

Here is one from 1995.

 

ah so it can happen to both crown guards! i guess i just bought a poor example back then due to my eagerness

 

By the way ...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/207593/thread/1359929284

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

I think it cannot be due to wear. Either it was overpolished or the initial production had a high tolerance of margin

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thanks @sensui! It's reassuring to hear from you. Maybe I was just paranoid about this. I felt better now. Thanks!