Rolex

We all know that the dial condition is essential to the quality of a watch. And then next thing is the case. How many time have you heard the claim unpolished case. Probably more times than you can shake a stick at. How can you tell if a case is truly unp...  

...Long E! chris

...I now believe that my watches have been polished. Great post

no matter if it has been polished. The information I put up was more of a guide or a standard to measure against other cases and the one I compared it to looks great by itself nice and thick lugs with a worn bevel. But when she stands next to the bench ma... 

Even if I am always " in doubt " when I read the words " Never polished ". I'd say that the watch you show is a superb example of a case in awesome condition. Has it been very lightly polished before, it is hard to say. The tactile test is also important,... 

In addition the watch has a very tight bracelet I 70 that is almost unworn which is also anecdotal evidence that this watch has had very little use on the wrist. I would say it is 10% used. No matter how good the watchmaker is he has to remove some metal ... 

... I don't miss anything, but for the sake if it could you add the actual thickness in mm or any other measure. Because for sure if a watch is getting polished will there be some material taken away. What is left, is less than what it should be.. I'm unf... 

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These measurements are conclusive in sofar as comparing these two example but there is no standard to measure against. If anyone has a similar 1968 1675 pleas try and add some measurements. The last picture I borrowed from the web Credit to Anatol. You ca...  

Something I like as an engineer Thanks But you are right, they are diffiult to measure Best Hans

Your answer speaks loud! Best, Nicolas.

...of diagonally asymmetric 5513 from around 1.5mio serial. These very early matte 5513 from 1966 have quite "rough" cases, e.g. around the crown guards. The dials feature "puffy" tritium rather than the later flat tritium. I am currently wearing mine, an...  

Look at the bracelet wear to also judge how much action the case has enjoyed. I obscured the numbers a little. Bill...  

... very well illustrated indeed. Your adding of photos with caliper measurements, complete your information. This is a very complex thing to evaluate most of the time, where deffinitively, the experience of the collector helps so much. Thank you for shar... 

For we novices, this sort of information is paramount when looking for a new vintage piece. I also learnt that the lugs on the crown side were of a different size to the other side. Regards Tony

Whenever I can find interesting aspect that I have learned I always enjoy sharing them in the same way you and the other members here do. It was an unusual opportunity to find this prime example and I happened to have the camera ready. Best Bill

What constitutes a 'polished'/'unpolished' case? Would you classify one which was done 'at home' with a polishing cloth as one? and how much 'polished' could one be done this way? Usually I would take this as 'shinning' rather than polishing. So if such s... 

There are no hard rules and experience is our only reference. To answer a few of you questions. We are talking about watches that are 30, 40 or more years old so even unpolished comes in many conditions. This is not like factory new watches where we stres... 

you've provided us alot of basic tips in fact, they're applicable to collecting all vintages. I'm learning everyday! Thanks Bill Mech.

about 'fat lugs','unpolished' into perpective. Your pictures illustrate the point clearly. Thanks for the heads up, very useful information to digest, especially when on the hunt for 'vintage'. cheers fernando

Or that unpolished is the best. Really you want a good example that has not been overly polished. The lug holes are nice and round with a nice space from the edge. A serve by an expert watchmaker can do a great job in restoring watches with only a small a... 

I now realise how much very useful information it contains. IMO this post should remain, fixed to the right of the forum, as a quick reference guide for any member considering buying a vintage Rolex Regards Tony

There is a feature on the right column. I am sure it will be applied. Thanks for your kind words and support. Bill

You mean... you? Welcome to the club, my friend. It seems that you're ready for that! Best, Nicolas