Dear new collectors.

This thread is for you, who have started collecting vintage watch recently.
You may hear members here in OF talk about polished cases and you see cases with round edges etc.... But I believe you have no idea how an unpolished case look like to compare.
Here are some pics which I took from my collection and I believe these watches are still sharp and not polished yet.
Hope they are helpful to you in your next purchase.
Best.

14k yellow gold capped. Ref 2852.

Seamaster Chronometer SS case. Ref 168.024

Constellation SS case. Ref 168.001.



Constellation 14 k yellow gold capped. Ref 167.005



De Ville 18k white gold.

 

Crispy!

I love it when you can shave with your bezel because the facets are so sharp.

 

Great reference pics.

 

Great post, thanks!

 

Looking sharp!

Seriously though, thanks for posting these. It definitely does make a difference.

 

Thank you for these pictures.

 

I have a question to collectors. I can see a heavily polished case is undesirable because it changes the shape of the case's features. Would other levels of polishing be acceptable? For example:

- crystals
- hand polishing the case with a polishing cloth
- removing tarnish from metallic dial furniture and hands (obviously while not affecting the dial background)

 

I don't have a problem with any of the above, IMO they will enhance the appearance of a watch and not detract.

 

How about using a proper bench lathe to polish while maintaining the edges and shape?

 

I have one to contribute...

 

Yes, I saw guys in Vietnam do that. All the edges are new and sharp but a tiny bit smaller.

 

Unless the scratches are deep, the amount of material removed would be imperceptible to the naked eye, and likely even very difficult to determine with taking measurements (there would be less material removed than the initial manufacturing variances).

If done properly, on a watch that is not badly beat up, you would not be able to tell.

Cheers, Al

 

Yes, meaning you approve, or yes, that you acknowledge people do this?

 

Thank you Hoipolloi. Those pictures will definitely be used for cross referencing

 

I see nothing wrong with that. Enhancing the appearance on the wrist without changing the original design is ok with me. Some value the scratches and dings of a life well lived, but I’d rather have a watch that’s as close as possible to NOS. Not in favor of service parts though unless they are identical replacements to those originally installed.

YMMV. I know I may have minority opinion here.

 

Yes means I acknowledge people do this.
To me, a watch after going thru that would not be original any more.

 

Great thread.

My Seamaster 30, 135.003, which was my second vintage watch and the first where I did my own research before buying, still has some nice clear facets on the lugs but they have been polished a wee bit. The edges are slightly rounded but at a level where you have to get really close to see it. This level of polishing I do not mind.

 

Speedmaster 145.022-69