To Polish or Not to Polish--my titanium IWC 3536 Aquatimer

[MikoB1]

I sent my titanium IWC 3536 Aquatimer to IWC for routine servicing (cleaning and adjustment of the movement) and replacement of the scratched crystal. IWC has suggested polishing out some scratches and nicks on the watch head and bezel (which they will do for no charge). The 3536 is a classic tool watch diver from the 1990's. Should I let them polish it (the scratches and nicks are not oo bad and didn't really bother me). Is there anything else I should ask them to do or not to do? See below for a stock photo of the watch in case you don't know what it looks like.

[streetracer101]

If they don't bother you then I wouldn't bother.

[belligero]

^
Agreed. It's only original once. You can always get it done later if you change your mind, but if you're not fussed, then I wouldn't bother, either.

FWIW, I find that a refinished surface, no matter how skilfully done, never looks quite like the factory one. On the other hand, I've never had a bead-blasted finish touched up and I suspect it may be an exception.

[christopherwilliam]

I'd go the other direction, and have them do it. I would think (hope) that they could refinish it and get it as close to stock better than almost anyone else, and at no extra charge.

[ericf4]

since its there already i would have them just do it, why not>

[jimyritz]

since its there already i would have them just do it, why not>

=========

+1...I agree

[lilhoody]

Polishing a 3536-01 is a terrible idea. Doing it, just because it's at a service center is terrible advice. IMO the -01 is the 3536. They seem to be more desirable than the other two variants, so why try to make it look like the SS version?

[ericf4]

Polishing a 3536-01 is a terrible idea. Doing it, just because it's at a service center is terrible advice. IMO the -01 is the 3536. They seem to be more desirable than the other two variants, so why try to make it look like the SS version?

Im not sure he was suggesting to make it look like the SS version. If that indeed was the case then i would say no....if its simply to clean up the watch head etc and make it look like it was new, then no reason not to carry it out.

[namor]

If they are suggesting they rebeadblast it to remove the scratches, that seems fine. Be sure they do NOT beadblast the serial number on the caseback though!

[ericf4]

^^^THIS^^^^^^

[lilhoody]

Polishing a 3536-01 is a terrible idea. Doing it, just because it's at a service center is terrible advice. IMO the -01 is the 3536. They seem to be more desirable than the other two variants, so why try to make it look like the SS version?

Im not sure he was suggesting to make it look like the SS version. If that indeed was the case then i would say no....if its simply to clean up the watch head etc and make it look like it was new, then no reason not to carry it out.

I took "polish" literally. If they are restoring factory finish, then it's a no brainer. I suspect they are not, thus the question.

[ericf4]

shit dude if they are stupid enough to take a blasted watch and polish it, he's got bigger problems....lol

[CesarG]

I wouldn't do it.

[bzabodyn]

Me neither.

BZ

[MikoB1]

The service quote from IWC is as follows:

Optional intervention(s):
Polishing for complete service
Polishing service includes: - Polishing, sand blasting and lappidation (if required) of the case, metal bracelet and clasp * Cases with engravings will only be cleaned (e.g. the back of a limited edition or personally engraved watch).

Does that change anyone's thoughts pro or con? Do we know what "lappidation" means?

[lilhoody]

I can't remember and don't see a single polished surface on that watch. Maybe the "polish" is a case prep? I would suggest you call and clarify.

[ericf4]

I can't remember and don't see a single polished surface on that watch. Maybe the "polish" is a case prep? I would suggest you call and clarify.

or its simply their standard wording covering the refinish of many of their case types....either way i agree i would ask....

[foodle]

Polishing for complete service
Polishing service includes: - Polishing, sand blasting and lappidation (if required) of the case, metal bracelet and clasp * Cases with engravings will only be cleaned (e.g. the back of a limited edition or personally engraved watch).

Do we know what "lappidation" means?

I think that in order to restore the finish, you first need to polish everything (to remove dings/scratches and to start with a uniform surface), then you bead blast again.

"Lapidation" means to pelt with stones, so probably another word for bead blast.

[bzabodyn]

Case lapping is where they will fill larger scratches with metal then polish/refinish. In some collector circles, a big no-no.

This is a future collectible watch - do what you wish, but it's only original once and you're throwing a future premium away if investment value means anything at all to you regarding this watch (some people don't care and I get that).

BZ

[ericf4]

POLISH some high gloss F'n CHAMFERS on that bitch.......lol

[2canChew]

If your going to keep it polish them knowing that if you pass them your Child, value may decrease.
For re-sale on your own accord, don't polish.

[dukerules]

Case lapping is where they will fill larger scratches with metal then polish/refinish. In some collector circles, a big no-no.

This is a future collectible watch - do what you wish, but it's only original once and you're throwing a future premium away if investment value means anything at all to you regarding this watch (some people don't care and I get that).

BZ

So this. Please, just say no.

[MikoB1]

Thank you all for your input. I am going to leave the watch alone. Current condition does not bother me, and as was pointed out-- I can always polish at a later date if needed.
Mike

[ericf4]

Chamfers......

[CesarG]

The guy that bitches about shitposts is shitposting.