Unpolished cases.

Preacherman · Apr 22, 2018

Thanks for posting this! Any chance of getting pics of a polished watch next to an unpolished one for reference? Comparative photos are great for learning, at least for this noob!

felsby · Apr 23, 2018

Preacherman
Thanks for posting this! Any chance of getting pics of a polished watch next to an unpolished one for reference? Comparative photos are great for learning, at least for this noob!

In fact, they actually ADVERTISE with the result, where all the fine lustre of the brushed watch has been replaced by something that resembles molten metal: https://www.crmjewelers.com/services/watch-polishing/

But as @Archer stated: All watches get polished before leaving the factory. Some of us think that some, but certainly not all watches will benefit from a meticulous polishing that leaves logos, edges and bevels intact while restoring the "factory look" - like a gentle dial cleaning:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgMYIF2AhhI/?taken-by=lapinist_watchrestoration

Andy K · Apr 23, 2018

Preacherman
Thanks for posting this! Any chance of getting pics of a polished watch next to an unpolished one for reference? Comparative photos are great for learning, at least for this noob!

Here are two gold-plated ref. 176.010 chronographs. One is a modern service case - so what an unpolished example should look like - and the other is probably the most extremely poorly polished example I've ever seen of that reference:

Most cases are far less extreme. This thread is where you need to go to start training your eyes to spot the differences: https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Preacherman · Apr 23, 2018

Thanks for the comparisons guys! There certainly is a difference! I can see the appeal of a nice shiny watch, but it can really change the shape and character of the watch as well.
@Andy K, I’ve been reading through that thread, lots of good info!