Has this 3970J been refinished?
Looking at a 3970J and the seller of this watch told me it has never been refinished, however I am suspect as the hallmarks on the lugs are not visible. Can anyone here confirm it has been refinished from these photos? Thanks ...
Correct me if i m wrong
But it shouldn t be on the backside of the lugs? I know on some models stamped on the side but not sure in this discoloration is clearly visible .
This looks like it has been thoroughly polished, and not well. Perhaps multiple times.
Loss of definition in the lug details is a dead giveaway. I'm not an expert on hallmark locations, but most I've seen have hallmarks on the outside lugs. Perhaps those were polished away too. Best check the year of production and compare to other availabl...
The most important picture is of the movement side of the lugs.
This is where the hallmarks reside on most of the 3970s. I am not sure If some of the 1st series have the hallmarks on the side of the case. This is the case for the 3940. The early versions have the hallmarks on the side of the case.
I would run not walk.
There are many better 3970s to choose from. The hallmarks are gone. Polished too many times or once really badly.
Run Away.
You don’t need that watch. Be patient and get a 3970 that is nice and crisp. Those pieces are very expensive . Hold out and get a really nice example.
Of course it has been polished
Quite evident on the steps of the lugs. I would not be so scared of that as some others above though. You will very seldomly find 30 year old watches that have not veen polished and if you get it at a good price, why not? A pristine example will likely se...
Seems like an excellent price, but why do you think the watch is new/unworn.
The reference was discontinued in 2004, I believe—15 years ago. I’d be surprised if the watch was in fact new/unworn. John
Agree
A well loved piece, whether it has lots of dings or has been polished - makes me less worried about the occasional knock. I tend to prefer such pieces, especially if the price is right. I understand why people like pristine cases, but if not having one he...
This has been polished at least once
as the hallmarks are gone. It is hard to find one which has not been polished, unless they were safe queens which most these were not. Buy it if the price is right and it is working well. A recent PP service would be a big plus.
Honestly speaking you can’t be sure but my opinion it’s not!
Reason I’m saying so is because as with all gold watches and especially yellow gold, oxidation (copper reaction) tends to develop on the surface over time which is pretty visible on the timepiece you sent which makes me believe it wasn’t polished for at l...