New AP...is this a red flag?
Hello- I am looking to purchase an AP that is discontinued. I think I found a good candidate but upon closer inspection I saw a screw driver scratch on one of the hex screws. (See photo) The dealer assured me this wasn’t a big deal and can be polished out...
If it’s offered at a good price, why worry?
I would not let the dealer polish it.. a bad polish job is way worse than a little scratch.
Agree with the previous posters, I wouldn’t let those minor scratches alone deter you from a purchase...I’m sure they are no big deal without that level of magnification, and you’ll certainly get more after a couple times you wear the watch😉
They could give you a little more room in negotiating the price however👍😉
Those are actually bolts not screws, they are not turned with screwdrivers.
The tightening is done from underneath. Relevance would be if they are screwdriver marks then perhaps the watch was opened without the AP tools 🛠 by unauthorized hands. Could be no issue beyond cosmetic, I’ve always been a big fan of Columbo 🤔
Columbo did always
good job in his investigations. That is just I also thought. It may be possible that the watch was opened by an unauthorized watchmaker.
ONLY BY A SPECIALIST
The job must be done by AP or a trusted service. This kind of brushing is special and is accoblished with SPECIAL MICRO FINISHING sheets of 3M. I dont Know the exact number (maybe 30 or 40 microns ) but it must suit the already existing brushing. These sp...
Don’t let the gray dealer in NY or anywhere else polish it.
It’s a used watch, condition will vary example to example. Only the buyer can determine what condition is best for them. BUT don’t let the dealer polish, I guarantee you it’ll be better left as is.
is it just me or does the bolt look slightly small?
Used to se much tighter tolerances so that its a snug fit, now it looks loose and a few degrees off but that might be common on that reference since iam no expert.
I would say this is more of a red flag then most here tend to think.
It looks deeper than a regular wearing scratch so this could very well be the one and only polishing that will be possible. And what was the idea behind opining what is not to open in the first place? Good luck with your decision!
Its hardly visible
If the price is good, It's fine. PLEASE don't let the dealer polish it. Better leave it original