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Rolex Stainless Sport Watches - Refinish or Patina

Discussion in 'Fine Watches, Jewelry, & Clothes' started by Shorn355, May 11, 2022.

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  1. Shorn355

    Shorn355 F1 Veteran
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    #1 Shorn355, May 11, 2022
    Hi All - I will be sending my SS Daytona in for service for the first time here in a couple of months. Additionally, I have a few noticeable (but minor) scratches on the crystal of my GMT Master II Batman. Both have some scratches on the polished center links on the bracelet. Cases are fine and case/crystal is fine on the Daytona.

    When I sent my DJ in a few years ago I had them replace the jubilee bracelet with an Oyster and the the crystal needed replacing as well so not really a "refinish or not" scenario since the only thing potentially to refinish was the case and the case was perfect.

    I have seen a lot of viewpoints on here with regard to having Rolex Stainless Sport watches refinished as part of the service or not.

    Seems to be two camps -

    1) The wear marks/patina (even including minor crystal scratches) is part of the "lifetime" of the watch and makes it unique and shows that it is worn and used as intended since these are not fragile timepieces -

    2) Rolex does an outstanding job refinishing the watch as part of the time it is in for service and it comes back looking pretty darn close to how it looked the day it was delivered/purchased (assuming brand new from an AD as mine were).

    I usually have pretty defined views on things but in this case I am actually torn. So I thought I would start a (potentially) interesting thread to query the deep and varied brain trust of watch enthusiasts, afficionados and experts on here as to pros and cons and just general discussion. Might help me decide - if nothing else it might be an informative and interesting thread.

    *If there is already one out there then feel free to bump/combine but I could not find a specific thread - just lots of discussion.

    Many thanks as always - Cheers :)
     
  2. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #2 Robb, May 12, 2022
    I’m a fan of full refinish to like new. My Panerai will be going back in sometime soon for an adjustment and buff.

    To me it’s getting your money’s worth. That’s why we respray the front bumpers of our Ferrari’s right?

    Robb
     
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  3. bart12

    bart12 Formula 3

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    #3 bart12, May 12, 2022
    As long as it is rolex, ill let them do it(refinish). If its an Indi, ill just do overhaul, no cosmetics.
     
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  4. justin8818

    justin8818 Rookie

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    #4 justin8818, May 14, 2022
    Not a Rolex but I just got my nearly 14 year old Omega Seamaster back from service and I had them leave all my scratches and dents. Personally I think it's kind of cool to look at and think of all the places the watch has been worn/all of the stories that go with it. The SA said I was definitely in the minority with my request but he seemed to really dig it.
     
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  5. Shorn355

    Shorn355 F1 Veteran
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    #5 Shorn355, May 14, 2022
    Thanks for the responses guys- Most appreciated- Frankly I'm torn about even sending them in at all- The Daytona runs like a Swiss watch .... oh wait ..... :cool::D and has always been on a winder when not being worn- GMT is fine except for minor scratch on the crystal only I can see and in certain light- I'm tempted to adhere to "not broken don't fix" mantra but also always adhere to proper maintenance on cars so watches should be no different- Will repost when I decide- Thanks again- Cheers :cool:
     
  6. plastique999

    plastique999 F1 Veteran
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    #6 plastique999, May 14, 2022
    Depends on the type of watch, age, and your perspective. I agree and would trust Rolex to refinish a modern Daytona.
    Definitely Not going to refinish a 6263.
    The problem is if you refinish a bezel on an AP, you can tell that the sharp edges have been rounded, some watch purists won’t like this and want all original. This may hit resale.
    If you’re going to keep the watch then it’s all up to you.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  7. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

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    #7 Brian A, May 15, 2022
    To me, its a question of what kind of patina?

    If it is just a few “unsentimental” scratches, well, then get it fully restored. If, on the other hand, its all scratched up from playing in the beach sand when the kids were little or from working on restoring a car, and that those are happy memories, then don’t let them touch it with a polishing wheel.

    My favorite watch is beat to crap and I love it.
     
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  8. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 Bullfighter, May 17, 2022
    I agree. You always have the memories. You don't need the scratches.

    Actually, the memory would probably be a four-letter word and self flagellation anyway so might as well refinish, if it's at a Rolex AD.
     
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  9. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 donv, May 17, 2022
    Rolex does make a tough watch! I've worn my Datejust every day for the last 34 years (with the exception of when I sent it off for service, and when I went to Russia), and it still looks fine. I expect to wear it for the next 30 as well...
     
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  10. TG

    TG F1 Veteran

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    #10 TG, May 18, 2022
    Being "worn" is a right of passage.

    I would leave them as-is. My milgauss is the most worn of my watches, and I think about where it's traveled every time I notice those marks.

    Just my $0.02.
     
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