The complex interplay between aesthetics and collectibility...

It’s no news to anyone here that “untouched/unpolished” is the condition holy grail. If there were a way we could confirm that the original air trapped in the case was vintage, we would pay a premium for that too.

But what happens when “untouched” and his enemy, “aesthetics,” get into a brawl?

Here we have a nice Ed White, with a common watchmaker mistake: the top of the lugs were re-finished incorrectly, with a Rolex-style satin finish, that this watch never had.



Given that it was already molested, as it were, it could certainly be no crime to sympathetically restore the lug tops to their original intention:



Okay, now here’s the dilemma: we have one bracelet that’s been carefully restored (not overly so), and a much more desirable, “untouched” example. But therein lies the rub: do you go with the more esteemed, more collectible bracelet, even if the aesthetics are not as good? Or with the one that clearly matches the watch better? I chose the latter. What would you have done?

Option #2.

I’m shocked! Shocked I tell you!

It’s a tricky one. I think a good many of us get caught up in originality and resale value, when we should really enjoy our watches more. I’d definitely go with option 2 and leave the other one in the safe. I just wish these early bracelets were just a bit tougher. I’ve just ordered a flat link Uncle Seiko as it will look much better than my tired 1035.


lovely watch 👍

I’d go with option 2 as well. It's an interesting dilemma and dial condition is where it's most difficult for me to draw the line. I won't purchase a redialed watch no matter how good it looks. And let's face it, some redials are very, very good. I would rather have an original dial with some degradation, but for me "patina" has its limits. I will also consider purchasing a watch that has been polished, but there's a fine line between skillful polishing and removing too much material such that a case is compromised. Attached is a photo of my 1964 Constellation reference 167.005. This is a tough reference to find in mint condition. Mine is polished, but the case and lugs retain most of their original detail. The dial is slightly yellowed from the original silver (a dealer would probably describe it as a champagne dial, 🙄) and has some light even spotting, but is otherwise in good shape. It's not perfect, but the overall condition represents a reasonable compromise that makes it "collectible enough" for me especially since I picked it up at a reasonable price.

Seems to be an owner mistake - taking your Omega to a Rolex guy. 😉

YIKES, IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED? 😲