WATCH RESTORATION
Curious as to everyone's opinion of watch restoration. I read that now it's becoming popular to leave the case / bezel insert, if part of the watch", alone when having a watch restored. Obviously, the movement will be cleaned and adjusted but leave the case alone. I am more old school and want the entire watch restored to factory like appearance. What's everyone else do?
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Matt
Been collecting watches since 1975.
St. Louis
Member since
Last active: 1 month ago
7.50” / 19.05 cm
It really does depend on your preferences but in general people love vintage watches to have some patina, especially on the dial. Also, if you have a higher end watch like a Rolex, and you decide to sell it on at some point it will generate a higher price if it is in original unrestored condition.
For my vintage watches, I don’t have anything done to the case, maybe a new crystal or straighten something that’s bent but that’s it.
When I sent my Explorer in for it’s 10 year service, I did have them polish it. For one, it was in my wife’s rotation and she prefers bright shiny watches. The other reason is that my AD has an amazing in-store Rolex service person. It didn’t have any deep scratches or damage, just light wear marks. It came back looking perfectly as good as new.