Interesting example, thanks for illustrating the difference, it really pops when they are side by side like that

 

People on this forum may (I hope will) take notice of this when viewing a potential purchase, but in all honesty would the over polishing be noticed by 'Joe Average', I guess not and this in turn will encourage over polishing on watches in a worse condition until the very rare 14060 Submariner without crown guards is advertised for sale.

An interesting and informative thread, thank you.

 

So I don't own a Rolex - but it seems like they are frequently known for over polishing, disappearing crown guards, thinned lugs, etc. Can anyone explain to me why they are so prone to this kind of damage? I may see softened lugs on a speedmaster, but nothing like the ridiculous amount of metal missing from Rolex cases.

 

Seems to me a % system is way too subjective, and the pictures should do the talking.

 

They change hands more than any other watch. The average 20 year old sub has probably had 14 owners. Each time it rotates back to a dealer it gets a cosmetic “tune-up”. Somebody will buy that watch, read these posts and toss it back into circulation.

 

Very good point to highlight. Thank you!

 

Dare I suggest that the Rolex afficiendo these days is excessively obsessive about polishing and the never ending threads on TRF about over-polishing and disappearing crown guards, mismatched lugs, etc.

Although I once had a Breitling serviced by Breitling themselves and they polished away the serial number on the case back. So I guess it's really not that hard to be too aggressive with the wheel.

 

You are only unpolished once.

 

2nd pic the watch probably lost 1mm size all around lol

 

Just had to add this for future reference. Here's a 1978 Sea-Dweller from the same dealer as above. The case, of course, is in "excellent" condition. Take a look at (what's left of) the crown guards and judge for yourself.

 

Thanks for pointing this out, i spotted this 7928 MkII gilt for sale:



Unless that is somesort of variant (is it? ) of a PCG case those crown guard should look like this imo:

 

Excellent post thanks. Crown guards are an important factor in determining case condition.

 

I guess I will say the trusted seller is HQ Milton (hope it doesn't break rules to say what shop these watches are from). I respect their trusted status, but honestly, I have looked at a ton of watches they offer, and SO MANY will be listed as "Excellent" or similar stated condition, and you just sit there looking at the pictures saying to yourself..."Really??". In my opinion, they are honest with their photography of the watches, but their condition rating is useless and a lot of the watches they have (and seem to charge a premium for) are beat to hell. I understand they deal with 99% vintage, but they seem to be on the upper end of the price spectrum while offering a lot of watches in not good condition, and by that I mean dinged, over polished, etc...

 

Sometimes I feel like I'm piling on, but this 5513 just came up and it floors me: "Excellent case with light wear for its age." Look at the crown guards. Look at the lug holes.

 

Yikes! It looks like the spring bars would tear through the lug holes with a sharp wrist move

 

These dealers need to be put more effort into describing their watches instead of “excellent” or “good” everything while it appears to be quite the opposite.

 

Thanks for this info! This hasn’t been something I’ve looked for. Albeit my last purchases haven’t had crown guards, now I know!!!

 

Rolex cases seem to be made out of Ivory soap with the amount of wear often seen

 

More like they get worn and serviced a lot and have a side or two of bad polish.

 

I focus a LOT on Crown Guards as they tell wear and authenticity. But sometimes the Crown Guards are so unusual you buy them with wear ; )