Newb? : Should I polish my Aquanaut?
Hi all - My Aquanaut is in for service by Henri Stern here in NYC. I wore it daily for about fifteen years but I have decided to retire it from daily duty. It has some light scratches in the brushed area and small nicks in the bevel. I spoke to a very nic...
Don’t polish.
The bezel in the aquanaut is difficult to do well. The original finish with scars is better imo. It shows character and your memories will last. No need to make the watch sterile at this point.
I agree.
Don’t polish the watch. It’s YOUR watch. Any surface -character it gathers over the years only serve as a testament to your journey with that timepiece. I am a big fan of Patek Philippe and of the Aquanaut. Wear that beautiful watch and enjoy it in excell...
Don't polish.
The nicks and scars make it your watch . Once polished, always polished. There is no way to undo it.
Value or preference
If you want to prepare the watch for sale I can’t assist since I am fifty fifty On polishing or not polishing Just don’t know what holds better value. Personal preference; you’ve requested to keep the original dial and hands, than it makes sense to leave ...
That is a smart strategy!
Also remember that the results of polishing might not be to your liking. Things get screwed up when people do stuff to watches.
The Aquanaut isn’t a 1518 or 3970 with collectors evaluating the smallest detail of a hallmark under a loupe. The watch isn’t affected value wise by polishing and your offers from dealers on the secondary market will not be impacted, polished or not.
The Aquanaut is a “social media watch” and polishing would likely help it sell quicker if you list it on one of the popular websites. I wouldn’t polish the watch if you’re keeping it, but if you’re preparing it for a sale, this is one Patek where it’s not...
Thanks for the replies!
Looks like most would prefer to leave the case alone. That's sort of what the rep suggested. Thanks for your time.
Patek’s polishing cost is relatively inexpensive, so if you are planning to move it on...
then the aesthetics is something the new owner can resolve to their liking. Including a new uncut strap may be of greater interest and appeal to them, initially, not to mention the recent service, which then adds 2 years of peace of mind too.
For a 12 year member i would not call you a newB.
The 50/50 answer was a good one. Keep old hands and dial no polish. Replace hands and dial polish. The harmony will remain. The risk there is always risk. Enjoy the watch life is always too short.
Love it; not selling.
Just retiring from everyday duty. I am supposed to speak to the rep Friday. We also talked about just rebrushing the face and leaving the bezel alone. He will let me know if they can keep the face and hands. He wasn't sure about it.
I think it would be well worth your time to contact your rep and ask for a picture.
Even an iPhone picture.
If you have no pictures prior to the service you have not dispute resolution.
plan for the worst hope for the best. You are talking about a situation where some parts could get changed. At least have a photographic record.
The general perception
is always against polishing. Now, if Patek/HSWA does it directly, what is the difference? They should be able to bring the watch back to factory standards without leaving that artificial feeling of poor polishing.
Decided not to polish.
Talked to the rep today and they are going to to keep the hands/dial. I decided to leave case alone to maintain originality. Thanks for all your help !