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Polished pre-owned pieces?

3K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  CometHunter 
#1 ·
Hi guys. Some advice needed please.

I really am needing to scratch a GMT itch that I have.
I have always loved the Omega Seamaster 50th Anniversary GMT model which is of course discontinued now.
I've been on the look out for a good condition, pre-owned watch and have been scouring the internet (eBay, Chrono24 etc...) and I keep seeing these watches being sold from Japan but that have been 'Polished'! I've always bought new up until now so am a bit warey... Should I steer clear of polished pieces or are they ok? I've heard that polishing can really change the weight/look of the watch.
Any advise is really appreciated!
 
#2 ·
I have a hard time thinking of buying a used Omega (but I am not a huge collector of Omegas either). I buy several other brands that vary in age from 50-100 years and many times they have been 'restored' polished/brushed. Its inevitable in order to bring some clean look back to them(remove imperfections etc). But most of mine are $1500 or less so its not a big deal for me. I am probably too OCD to but a used Omega from japan. Its just not on my radar as to a watch I would wish to pursue. Its a tough call either way. If you want a particular watch, you go where they are being sold, but just use caution. I have looked at a few Omegas Stateside that I fancy and always look for the more 'minty' ones that show more original look,documentation etc. But they are usually more expensive. I would have a hard time shelling out $3000-$6000 for a watch overseas unless I had good references and contacts that could steer me to a good deal. I have never reached that point on Omegas. Good Luck!!!:thumbup1:
 
#5 · (Edited)
Lately, Ive been getting into Buffing....

Its a really fascinating part of renovations, but only really suitable for watch-cases that were already a high gloss/mirror finish. Its quite incredible how buffing can transform--what looked fit for the bin into something that at least looks respectable, and with patience a really nice--getting on for perfect--finish can be obtained.

Ive an Omega Speedsonic that has a two-finish case, high-mirror edging and brushed sides/bezel. The case, while presentable is far from perfect, but I would certainly not buff the whole thing, it would look just plain wrong if it was all high mirror finish....
 
#6 ·
And (probably) needless to say: you have to think twice about buffing those plated pieces. You really don't know how thin the plating is, or (if the watch is second-owner) how much plating is left.
It really is easy to buff right down to the metal underneath, and then your watch looks worse than before you started.
 
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