I think I'm taking crazy pills

[BBK357]

The whole "unpolished" discussion is a load of crap too. Who can really tell if it truly is unpolished? My perspective, it either has hard lines or it does not.
I had one piece that Dominique told me was "likely unpolished" while Wu told me "it's been polished, but it's still nice".

In my mind it doesn't command double the price of a decent condition example.

While the idea of owning a sub at some point has grown on me, I've never understood the whole "unpolished" thing. Every other watch is devalued for being scratched all to hell, but with a Rolex/Tudor, they are worth extra in "unpolished" state. I understand how it messes with the case lines, etc.... Guess vintage just isn't for me.

It's because almost every Rolex is polished to hell and back. The only way you can be sure the case isn't ruined is for it to never have been touched.

I'll admit that I do not have the best eye when it comes to case condition, but if I can see case lines and no obvious over polished "skinny" lugs- then I'm happy.

[JP Chestnut]

That one is really nice. If I owned it, I'd send it to abc to get the period correct fat chamfer lapped in.

[JP Chestnut]

Also, I checked out a bunch of watches that Dom polished and they looked amazing. I've never seen such skillful free hand work. It was shockingly good.

[foodle]

The whole "unpolished" discussion is a load of crap too. Who can really tell if it truly is unpolished? My perspective, it either has hard lines or it does not.
I had one piece that Dominique told me was "likely unpolished" while Wu told me "it's been polished, but it's still nice".

In my mind it doesn't command double the price of a decent condition example.

While the idea of owning a sub at some point has grown on me, I've never understood the whole "unpolished" thing. Every other watch is devalued for being scratched all to hell, but with a Rolex/Tudor, they are worth extra in "unpolished" state. I understand how it messes with the case lines, etc.... Guess vintage just isn't for me.

It's because almost every Rolex is polished to hell and back. The only way you can be sure the case isn't ruined is for it to never have been touched.

I'll admit that I do not have the best eye when it comes to case condition, but if I can see case lines and no obvious over polished "skinny" lugs- then I'm happy.

Jacob has hit the nail on the head. Especially when buying over the net and not being able to handle the watch, an untouched watch gives you an assurance that the case lines haven't been ruined by over polishing or poor quality polishing (provided the seller hasn't laser welded and repolished the watch ).

Or you can view it as another weird backward mark of goodness in the vintage world along with tropic dials, spidered dials, faded bezel inserts, marker/hand patina, etc. Any one of which in a newer watch would be an indication of poor quality.

[JBZ]

I've for nothing bad to say about HQM. I've bought a few from them and they're great to deal with. I'm just shocked at how much the price has gone up on these. I'm also bitter because I used to own one and would love another. It used to be the "poor man's 1680." Now I can't afford one (never mind a 1680).

[blowfish89]

I can't tell too much on what has been polished, but there are a few really bad, overpolished ones.

By case lines, you mean the edge of the case (where there probably should be a slight chamfer) ?

[Jeep99dad]

Ben's just sad he sold all his snowflakes to other DWCers

This may be true.

If I could just get back my first snowflake I'd be a happy camper. Pretty sure Mark has it locked up with his vintage gilt porn stash.

Just bought it back from him. He is going after another Pelagos

[BBK357]

Ben's just sad he sold all his snowflakes to other DWCers

This may be true.

If I could just get back my first snowflake I'd be a happy camper. Pretty sure Mark has it locked up with his vintage gilt porn stash.

Just bought it back from him. He is going after another Pelagos

What?!?!,!