Why do you value beat to hell?

SkunkPrince · Nov 1, 2020

I just commented on a thread where someone said, "I value the war wounds."

I asked if he was in a war, and maybe he was!

I can see where you might acept minor marks in a watch 80 years old.

But what is your issue with factory-authorized refinish for a 20 year old watch?

I am super-happy with Nesbitt's following Omega requirements for my watch case and bracelet!

SeaMSTR · Nov 1, 2020

SkunkPrince
I just commented on a thread where someone said, "I value the war wounds."

I asked if he was in a war, and maybe he was!

I can see where you might acept minor marks in a watch 80 years old.

But what is your issue with factory-authorized refinish for a 20 year old watch?

I am super-happy with Nesbitt's following Omega requirements for my watch case and bracelet!

I was the one who said my Seamaster has a few ‘war wounds’, however I didn’t say I value them. If anything, I would prefer it if they weren’t there.

Some marks here and there are inevitable on a watch worn daily for 15 years, so I tend not to worry too much about them. I guess it means I can enjoy the watch and not be overly precious about picking up the odd mark through normal wear.

The last time it was serviced at an Omega Boutique, it came back looking as good as new, which I hope it will when it has its next service.

Marsimaxam · Nov 1, 2020

I value wabi sabi, but, I don't value "beat to hell". Wabi sabi is typically defined as flawed beauty, it lacks perfection, but it is still beautiful. Yes, we strive for the perfect example as collectors, but, unless you open a time capsule, absolute perfection will be hard to find in a 50 year old watch. So, yes, I love the patina, I like a few scratches and dings... not too many or too obvious, and discolored hands are ok too... flawless beauty, but still quite beautiful...

Professor · Nov 1, 2020

SkunkPrince
I asked if he was in a war, and maybe he was!

That reminded me of something that happened around 1970.
I was having a tire plugged at a service station and the mechanic there was a sight to see. He was a large muscular fellow with USMC tattoo on his arm. He also had the worst scars on his head and arms I've seen outside of a horror movie. You could see he'd been cut to the bone in dozens of places.
I asked if he'd been wounded in combat. He said no he had gotten through Nam without a scratch but while Deer hunting he was climbing a tree to set up a stand and reaching for the limb above he found he had grabbed a large Bobcat by the hind leg.

As for watches I find that almost all scars are due to carelessness on my part that I'd rather forget.
Worst scars on a crystal came from the metal zipper of the pocket on an old biker jacket . Others came from putting a watch in a pocket to keep it dry then finding I'd had car keys in that pocket.

Mad Dog · Nov 1, 2020

I value beat to hell if I did all the beating to hell. Pictured below is my beloved 1986 Seiko 6309-7049 which I purchased new in 1987 while in military pilot training. I’ve worn it for over 30 years as a military pilot, an airline pilot, and as a cop. A few years ago I had it serviced by a watchmaker that specializes in mechanical Seikos...and I had him replace the bezel insert with one that was less beat to hell than my original bezel insert. About a year ago I decided to put the original bezel insert back on because I wanted to see all the scratches, marks and blemishes that it had acquired over the last 30+ years. 👍

Pic from a few minutes ago...

File pic...

janice&fred · Nov 2, 2020

SkunkPrince
I just commented on a thread where someone said, "I value the war wounds."

I asked if he was in a war, and maybe he was!

I can see where you might acept minor marks in a watch 80 years old.

But what is your issue with factory-authorized refinish for a 20 year old watch?

I am super-happy with Nesbitt's following Omega requirements for my watch case and bracelet!

Myself and many like keeping the watches as un-restored as possible. You and many others like them cosmetically made over. Isn't that simply a matter of preference?

eugeneandresson · Nov 2, 2020

Mad Dog
Pictured below is my beloved 1986 Seiko 6309-7049 which I purchased new in 1987 while in military pilot training. I’ve worn it for over 30 years as a military pilot, an airline pilot, and as a cop. A few years ago I had it serviced by a watchmaker that specializes in mechanical Seikos...and I had him replace the bezel insert with one that was less beat to hell than my original bezel insert. About a year ago I decided to put the original bezel insert back on because I wanted to see all the scratches, marks and blemishes that it had acquired over the last 30+ years.

I realize this is futile ... but ... dibs 🥰

M'Bob · Nov 2, 2020

Like them both ways. Great to have one to wear that you don’t worry about, and one safe queen to gawk at occasionally.

kkt · Nov 2, 2020

janice&fred
Myself and many like keeping the watches as un-restored as possible. You and many others like them cosmetically made over. Isn't that simply a matter of preference?

And that is why Nesbit's will polish them if you want, and not polish them if you don't want.

Why do you value beat to hell?

SkunkPrince

SeaMSTR

Marsimaxam

Professor

Mad Dog

janice&fred

eugeneandresson

M'Bob

kkt

Similar threads

How do you value an extract of the archives--literally?

Beat to HELL! 70's Constellation - Restoration (w Pics)

Why do you buy vintage?