I’d be careful

Nov 02, 2021,18:54 PM
 

Its a good question.

I have been a Lange owner at various point, but I never experienced their cleaning service because I never asked them to do that.

There’s a lot of discussion about how desirable patina is. Its tempting to get the case, lugs etc. repolished to that factory appearance, but some will tell you it affects the value of the watch. I don’t know for sure, but if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, I guess you should do what you want from an aesthetic standpoint.

The second issue is that with polishing you do lose a small amount of the metal. That seems to bother some folks.

Lastly is what I see as the most significant point. I think most manufacturers will not polish and thoroughly clean their watches without substantially disassembling them first. The reason is to prevent dust, small metal filings and the like from getting into the movement. This means this kind of deep cleaning is a lengthy and labor intensive process. That means expensive. So if you’re inclined to do it, first ask what the additional cost will be, because its likely to be substantial.

Another thing that’s influenced my thinking is that if you put off polishing today you can always do it tomorrow. But once you do it, its forever.

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Lange "Touch up"

 
 By: Zeitstuck : November 1st, 2021-21:06
Anyone have any experience with the Lange touch up process? I had to send in a piece for service and I was contacted by Lange to ask if I wanted to also do the cosmetic touch up on my watch case. The case is rose gold and I've had the piece for 2 years, w... 

Have Heard Great Things

 
 By: m2 : November 1st, 2021-21:16
Their refinishing is supposed to be amazing because they laser weld/fill. So you dont lose case shape and material like you do with other brands.

Agreed with the both comments above.

 
 By: Langepedia : November 1st, 2021-21:39
It'll be as new, so I'd go for it if it is not a sincerely sentimental piece that you'd like to see the happenings throughout time.

I would do it.

 
 By: BigFatPauli : November 1st, 2021-22:19

IMO ...

 
 By: diracpoint : November 1st, 2021-23:04
scratches are part of the "history" of the watch, and touch-up erases the history. My preference is to keep it as is unless there is a significant damage to the case that is not aesthetically pleasing to your eyes ...

Agree, scratches are part of what makes it truly yours.

 
 By: enjoythemusic : November 1st, 2021-23:17
it tells the story of one's life experiences. jmho

I get this philosophy, but let's do a reality check here for a minute...

 
 By: BigFatPauli : November 2nd, 2021-00:04
That time I banged my watch into a door frame, drawer or counter really isn't "the story of one's life experiences". At least, that's my opinion.

"My Life In Doorframes And The Time I Reached For Toilet Paper In a Public Restroom Without Paying Attention"

 
 By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : November 2nd, 2021-00:50
--The BigFatPauli Story, As Told To His Datograph I see your point. Scratches often aren't meaningful life events.

in anticipation

 
 By: jpd : November 2nd, 2021-00:06
as I have sent my Datograph for servicing a few months ago and asked for the case to be redone as it was pretty well used (as it should be I suppose). I should receive it back before Christmas and will post some photos, but wouldn't want that to hold up y... 

I wouldn't do it based upon what you've written.

 
 By: CR : November 2nd, 2021-00:57
" Part of me leans towards no because I romanticize my scratches, the every scratch tells a story camp." I'm in that same camp. As Pauli said, it's a different story if you damage the case in some major way. In short, if you look at the watch, think about... 

Exactly. I remember reading a story of someone...

 
 By: BigFatPauli : November 2nd, 2021-12:09
Who dinged their watch pretty good while on safari in Africa. They were chased by a lion or elephant and they had to jump into the back of their pickup truck to escape, scraping the watch. That kind of scratch, I understand wanting to preserve. But that i... 

One big negative

 
 By: m2 : November 2nd, 2021-06:05
I forgot to mention, if you send a Lange in for servicing, then remove the patina that forms on the German silver. It looks way richer and deeper with the patina imo

I’d be careful

 
 By: wootwoot : November 2nd, 2021-18:54
Its a good question. I have been a Lange owner at various point, but I never experienced their cleaning service because I never asked them to do that. There’s a lot of discussion about how desirable patina is. Its tempting to get the case, lugs etc. repol... 

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

 
 By: Zeitstuck : November 2nd, 2021-20:49
I think I will hold off. I don't have any major dings that are cosmetically irritating. Mainly just minor stuff. The every scratch tells a story bit is an exaggeration, I'll admit. I can't point to a random scratch and say where it came from. But collecti... 

If you don't mind me asking ...

 
 By: diracpoint : November 2nd, 2021-23:37
I was wondering why the watch needs to go to service after 2 years. Is this a pre-emptive measure, or is something malfunctioning? My understanding was that ALS watches continue to work well even beyond manufacture recommended 2 year period ... Thanks!