To Polish or Not to Polish Your Watch | Bob's Watches
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- čas přidán 20. 07. 2024
- In this video, we talk all about polishing luxury watches and whether or not you should polish your Rolex watch. Click here to shop all luxury watches: www.bobswatches.com/luxury-wa...
Want more information about polishing as it pertains to luxury watches and whether or not you should polish your Rolex? Click here to read our complete Luxury Watch Polishing Guide: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blo...
Polishing watches can be a tricky topic because personal preference plays a huge factor and there is no right or wrong answer for all scenarios. However, there are certain things that are important to know so that you can make the right decision when it comes time to polish (or not to polish) your watch.
What is polishing?
Polishing is the process of altering the surfaces of components to achieve a desired effect. There are many different types of polishing techniques, but the two most common that you will see are high-polishing (glossy mirror-like effect) and brushing (matte satin-finished texture). While there are many different types of techniques, the vast majority of them involve removing tiny layers of surface material, which is why polishing a watch is not something you can do at home and should only be performed by an experienced professional.
Who can polish a watch?
To properly polish a watch, the movement needs to be taken out and the case disassembled. Both the disassembly process and the actual polishing process itself require specialized tools and equipment, and even jewelers that are highly experienced at polishing may not have all the necessary tools to disassemble and reassemble your luxury watch.
It is recommended to only ever have your watch polished by a watchmaker or specialist. Unlike jewelry, the case of a watch needs to be able to be sealed properly, and a bad polishing job can permanently alter the shape of components and prevent them from functioning. Polishing is often included with service, and many repair centers will polish your watch at no extra cost.
A properly conducted polish can remove years of wear, leaving a watch looking brand-new. However, not everyone wants to have a brand-new looking watch and in some instances, polishing a watch can actually decrease its value.
Should you polish a watch?
The right answer to this question can depend on the type of watch but it ultimately comes down to whether you want a brand-new looking watch or one that shows signs of age. If you own a watch that is around 15 years old and has already been polished before, then there is no real harm in having it polished again to restore its appearance.
However, if you own a collectible vintage watch like a Rolex Submariner, Daytona, or GMT-Master that has never been polished since it was brand-new in the 1960s, then polishing it can actually significantly detract from its resale value.
Many vintage collectors prefer unpolished watches to ones that look brand-new. This is because it is rare to find a watch that has existed for over half a century without ever being polished, and this ‘untouched’ condition is a big part of their value and collectibility. Additionally, some collectors prefer to leave their watches unpolished because they like how an unpolished watch reflects the life that it has lived, with each mark telling a story.
How often should you polish a watch and what can you expect?
Polishing involves the removal of tiny layers of material, so it is crucial that you do not have your watch polished too often, as this can wear down its components. It is generally recommended to only have your watch polished when you are getting it serviced, as this will help guarantee that it will only be performed by professionals with the proper tools and equipment. Furthermore, since polishing is often included with service, this also saves you the additional expense of paying for it separately.
It also is important to note that not all signs of wear can be remedied by polishing. Most scratches and scuffs can all be easily removed, but deep scratches or dents cannot be completely remedied by a polish.
It is important to note that you can’t really ever “un-polish” a watch. Therefore, if you are considering a polish, it may be best to wait until you are sure that you actually want to have it done. For most watches, it will have very little (if any) impact on value, but it is still important to have all the information so that you can make the best decision possible.
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Thanks for watching our video on polishing luxury watches. Don’t forget to subscribe to our CZcams channel so that you can stay up-to-date on our latest video content. - Jak na to + styl
The last two GMT ceramics that I had serviced, I asked Rolex not to polish out the razor scratches because they were barely visible and would soon reappear. Rolex London stated that polishing slightly reduces the sharpness of the corners.
Very informative, and the overall content and the way the information was presented is indeed well done! 👍🏼
Emily , your video is concise and informative
Thanks
Great video! Please do a video on how to maintain and keep the leather straps in good condition.
Very good video. I recently put the first scratch on my new watch. I was looking around at opinions on this topic and decided to keep it as is after this video. Rather keep it as original as possible.
Get a cape cod cloth takes out surface scratches on polished only surfaces works really well
Yes! I love those . . . And you can gently polish out the offending scratch while keeping the case or bracelet from losing their factory edges.
Thanks for the educational video ..
You’re 🔥🔥
If you have a dent on Omega. Can Omega do the laser welding and polish during interval service?
Great video!
What is the reference number for the submariner on the left at time 2:24
I just polished my bracelet on my Rolex Bluesy and it came out just beautiful and new looking in just few minutes.
My 9 month old Rolex Bluesy is the 2-tone Submariner with the 18k gold and Oystersteel with the Oyster bracelet.
After having it on my wrist for 9 straight months it of course got scratches and started not to look so great.
All I used were just 2 items that I already had at home:
1 - A bottle of Brasso cleaner/polisher, it is the beige creamy compound.
2 - Scotch Brite blue non-scratch kitchen scrub sponge. I used the coarser side to polish.
After soft polishing I washed my Rolex with a toothbrush and Dawn dish-washing detergent. I made sure the crown was properly screwed.
After washing and cleaning my Rolex and then drying it with a soft cloth it looked like new again.
Try my method....you will be very pleased.
Next questions; does replacing a scratched crystal decrease value? Should you only replace with OEM or is upgrading to sapphire going to hurt resale?
I have zero intention of reselling my good watches, so that isn't a factor for me. I don't currently own any vintage watches but I could see leaving them untouched. Now I'm about to send my Yacht Master in for servicing and I'm fine with polishing it since I only wear it on special occasions and like how it shines. I don't mess with polishing my daily watches. One of my main dailys is Titanium and bought it because it doesn't wear as much as other materials.
Great video
What reference is the blue bezel sub?
This a good to know video. Very informative! Thanks for sharing 👌😊
I always polish my Casio G Shock!
I’m a sandblasted guy myself, I wanna see the internal movement hanging out.
Personally I wouldn't stop until shards of sapphire glass are protruding from my arm...but we all have our standards.
Todd packer?????
@@Kyle-un3hj yeah Kyle, what’s up?
🤣😂👍🏽
I don’t really get the theory “each scratch and ding tells a story”. Unless you accidentally bang the watch on the table or do something stupid how can you possibly even know or remember how a scratch or ding got there?
You won't get it. You are better off with a full ceramic watch.
I scratched my bracelet cleaning my pond,rubbed it across the Welsh slate,that was 2 years ago,trust me you will remember expensive mistakes,so my watch has 1 story to tell.
It’s as dumb as saying a car should have scratches. Polish and fix the watch. End of story.
Watches were tools not luxury back then. Or did everyone forget why we praise these watches to begin with (heritage)?
@@HAlariousInc people use a phone to tell the time...luxury watches are jewelry
Scratches and dings will be an eyesore at first but after a while you will learn to live with it. I actually know and how I got each scratches/dings on my watches.
You cannot hinder scraching on your watches. It is an art.
Does anyone know anything about that black dial blue bezel submariner? I NEED it
Looks more like a ghost bezel than a blueberry... but am no expert.
Excellent.
I have a 1992 sea dweller don't no whether to keep it in hope it goes up in price as it's discontinued or sell it ??
But the real question is which opportunity you have when you took the watch to an AD or even Rolex Service Center for a service they would automatically polish it or is there a chance they serviced only the movement ?
I have always been asked by the factory service center whether I would like my watch polished. If I do have it polished, it is done correctly.
Sharp polished beautiful and I don't mean the watches. Very good video. I subscribed wouldn't want to miss the chance to she this young lady talk watches again.
Can a brushed steel watch case be polished to a mirror finish ?
Yes they can ! I had mines done like that
@@tripprxinstagram_TrippRx yuck
I always polish my Timex.
A logical part of this debate is resale. People now are much more likely to buy a pre owned watch, hence the desire for sellers to keep their watches in the best condition possible. Buyers don’t want other people’s dinks, they typically want something that looks as close to original condition as possible.
that may be the case for a watch that is relatively new - but vintage watches are far more valuable unpolished
Quite the opposite, if I see an unpolished watch in good condition I'm more likely to buy. If I see a polished watch it tells me that the owner was probably careless and then attempted to hide the flaws. As a future owner I still have the option to polish it so I don't need anyone to do it.
Why does the guy polish a rolex with the movement and bezel on?
Rolex London will not touch the case during a service if it has been polished by another company. Their staff can detect polishing work done by another organisation.
Rolex London? Sounds vague.
Who cares what they will and won’t do? Screw those snobs. It’s my watch, I’ll drop it in the toilet if I want to. They do understand that when I part with a large sum of money for it, it becomes my property and not theirs, right?
My Breitlings have never been anywhere but a private watchmaker. I drop it with him and collect it when it’s done. They never get sent through the post. He’s way better than any dealer I’ve ever been to, and he doesn’t have his nose stuck in the air. Try getting a dealer to alter and fit a non genuine bracelet you bought because you thought it makes the watch look better. My money, my choice.
@@trustprojects COMPLETELY AGREE !!
After dropping my Pasha off at Cartier for a tune up, I got a call that they would not do the service without replacing the aftermarket sapphire capped band rods with factory rods. The reason given ? Cartier doesn't like people altering their watches ! (This is a style part that has zero effect on function)
Told them it's not THEIR watch and to fuck off, I'd be back in two days to retrieve the watch. Took to a non affiliated watchmaker a friend recommended, who commented how nice the sapphire rod ends looked.
Like Mercedes refusing engine service because you installed seat covers. My fucking property, I'll do what I want !
What’s worse is when they polish it regardless of what you say 🥺
Liked and subbed
Polishing a watch is definitely something you can do at home. Even if you have to buy the tools required its actually cheaper to do it at home. Dont let them scam you out of your money.
Would like to polish you lol. Love this. Vid. And this girl. Is smart
I never polish my watches. A scratch is what makes my watch unique and mine.
I typically wear dives watches though, that go diving and not just for keyboarding
Same, I've accumulated 6 years of scratches on one of my ones
Good for you. Just as many think it looks terrible. Personal choice.
It depends on what you mean by “scratch”.I’m a watch polishing technician and I think the watch should be kept in stock/prestine condition but in the same time the refurbishment should be done ONLY by profesionals and people should know that every sigle touch will remove from the material so profesionals will keep that in their minds and remove only the scratches that won’t change the geometry and original design of the case/bracelet…
@@Kamran1bc some watches look extreamly bad with scratches…But owners talk like owners…I talk like a profesional Who does that daily and want’s to keep the watches in prestine condition
I polished my Stacy Adams shoes today.
Never specially if the bracelet has gold integrated you'll notice the fading on it an in the watch itself try and get sapphire vs ceramic IMO
I’ll settle this augment now. New watch’s look great old ones look shit simple! Now all go about your day worrying about something else 😂
Polishing takes a bit of the metal away and distorts the shape. I’d rather have scratches on my watch.
What a beauty! The watches were nice too 😉 And for the record, I’m a huge advocate for unpolished watches!
Simp
@@Cloud19-OG Puss
That is the question...... 🇫🇷
A good polishing job should never be evident that it was ever done.
I polish my Rolex with my Car's paint buffing machine and it works great 😂 Nice leg show ~ huge fan!
I buff otr my watches on my grinder. It's no big deal.
No polish then except I do service with the watch
Unpolishing is possible, it's called Laser welding
But you just showed a watch case being polished with with not only the movement and crystal installed, but the crown as well which was obviously in contact with the buffing wheel? That was sad to see how it was being handled as I've had my sports watches improperly polished using this technique. Instead, should be shown as how NOT to polish a watch and see out qualified watchmakers who don't cut corners.
34
And the idiot loved this comment. Smh.
Don’t be in the polish circle. Accept the dings. The first one hurts like hell but you can guarantee there will be more
You are right, if you don't want scratches, you have to put it in a box, with cotton wool. Just wear it and the watch will acquire a beautiful patina /, the soul of the watch
That first ding is what brought me here lol I’m a perfectionist an it’s killing me looking at the ding
@@Ra-sp7qb Eventually all the little scratches will blend together to form a nice aged patina. My old Longines Hydroconquest is starting to look like one of those old tool watches you see in some museum that belonged to a famous explorer. I kinda dig the worn patina these days. Will never have another watch polished ever again.
screw the dings, i prefer my watches looking pristine
With that scruffy Daytonas 03:44 I can see how the first owner (or their heirs) might adore its beaten to death appearance but someone else paying a handsome dividend for a stranger's lifetime of dings and bangs needs his bumps feeling.
The Daytona on the right looks a million dollars and who cares if its been cleaned up a few times, it's just the proverbial's bollocks!
Can we polish to a point that the Rolex watch becomes as thin as paper? Say, polish 2500 times😊
Simple, never. Dont send in for service if they do by design, use a private watchmaker. For vintage collectors your watch is a parts donor per definition if refinished. Well except Rolex, the last original vintages must have been sold 20 years ago thanks to dealers and "collectors", but thats a horror story to its own. If your watch has a huge damage and you cant get a donor case, have it professionally laserwelded and refinished. There are a few guys on this earth to actually do it correctly, so if your local watchmaker says he can, spoiler thats a lie.
I feel better now knowing I don't have to polish my watch anymore.
Never polish a watch that keeps its value or appreciates in value.
Watch CZcams video by Federico Talks Watches titled Don’t Blame Rolex! Blame Authorize Dealer
Oh my god that Milgauss at 1:00 is completely butchered. All sharp and beautiful contours of the oyster case are gone!
No it's perfectly fine. The 116400GV Milgauss comes like this out of the factory. It doesn't have those "sharp" edges which are usual on other Rolex models. Just compared it to my Milgauss which has never been polished.
@@junglistmovement352 Respectfully, no, it's not perfectly fine. Yes, all new Rolex polished stainless steel cases have comparatively rounder edges than the brushed/polished (i.e. submariner) case, but the edges and corners should not be as round as what is displayed here. Not to mention the polished surfaces shows too much distortion when light reflects off of it. I would venture to guess maybe you haven'''t yet spent a lot of time with your watch. CZcams comments is limited to text only, but compare the watch at 1:00 with this video, and the difference should be apparent to anyone. czcams.com/video/a99TsRy2f2A/video.html
The only problem is if you overpolish it, you’re gonna have to start welding metal back onto the watch in order to get it to near factory condition.
You can polish any watch except "Rolex"!
No
the bots in the comments lmao
Heeeeellloooo ladies, unshowered in ten years. Come and get it baby!!!! natural and extra original.
Meh, theory and practice ain't the same
Should I have someone polish my knob?
Polish before resale
I let my girl polish my sundial instead of my watch
No, No, No. I don't believe in full watch polishing. Its fine to buff out a few scratches on the case if you know what you are doing, but bands and crystals should just be replaced (and original part saved for keepsake). Keep the original parts - original - as much as you can.
I'm polishing something right now, but it isn't my watch !
LOL I was thinking the same thing.
🤣🤣🤣👀
Underrated comment
That’s awesome 😎
Awesome 😱
I guess polishing a Rolex Oysterdate 1971 is fine then. I wont even sell it
Bob's watches polishes their watches they sell. Big turn off for me.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
High-polishing sucks.
I heard that if you polish your watch too much, you'll go blind.
Once a watch has been polished it can never be unpolished? Every brand new watch has been polished and or brushed in the manufacturing process, so I guess unpolished watches dont exist...
Bruh they mean that if you get your watch polished it cannot be reversed.
If you want to polish your watch, polish it. If you don’t, then don’t. It’s not up for debate, there’s no right or wrong answer. Do what you want with your own watch. 🤦🏻♂️
Can I polish you?🤩
Why in the world would someone polish a watch with a back seal on it other then try to sell a worn watch as NOS. Watch carefully the video LOL
Speaking of polish.
Just title this video "patina or no patina"
Jesus, I wan't to polish something else now!
I pee on mine every now and then it does a better job
Just get over it. If you dont want scratches/ marks, then don't wear it.
Dinged up watches are way cooler and old watches should look old in my opinion
Don’t do it!
Don’t do yours if you don’t want to, polish them if you do. Each to their own.
I'm sorry but when she kept on about polishing my watch that's when I just lost it.
Thicc
I was thinking the same thing 😜
yes polish....is OK
Is this a Rolex fan boy Chanel😂
Luxury watch should look luxury, and polished watch look better.
Only one correct answer: never polish your watch!
Someone who said it’s OK to polish is trying to sell you polished examples :)
Never never never ever polish
Personally ' I don't think polishing a vintage Rolex lightly..? Is going to diminish the price, just make sure you have it done by Rolex and only Rolex certified technicians.
polish the money haha
2:32 I like that😍💋 💝💖❤️
Never polish a watch. If you want a clean and brand new look,. never take your watch out of the original box, or wear it.
Why ? Don’t polish your watches it looses its soul .
Jesus, I'd buy a watch off emily any day. I see what's going on over there at Bob's watches.
Same!
Should be “Bob Watches”
Man a beautiful woman with a broad knowledge talking about watches😍
She’s reading a script weirdo
@@NYCybertruck written by whom? ET?
She can polish something for me.
Hahaha same
Lol same 👀
A street 6 is a watch nerd 10
I wouldn't buy a polished watch ever.
Like you can tell!
@@MT-kx2uc i can tell, the sharp edges becomes more rounded a bit and loses it shape. i always buy new or unpolished watches
Polishing watches is so vulgar, inner city and new money……these sort of people probably own clothes they keep for ‘best’……
I'm Single 😍😥
Polish your watches, keep them looking nice, clean and blingy. You want to treasure old things, treasure your old wrinkled parents or better your wife.