Mk1b Graph Seeing Daylight

[anthony a]

Hi,
I finally got my friend to sell me is Graph that has been sitting in a safe for 50 years.
He inherited from his late father in 1971, never wore it, no personal attachment.
Purchased in HK in 1963 has clover leaf on back with correct serial number 4xxxxxxx
Original bracelet.
Off to be serviced by a local watchmaker.
Can't wait to see it serviced and polished.

 

[SteveHarris]

Lovely! I'm sure @JimJupiter would love the serial number for his database if you don't mind dropping him a message at some point?

I would normally advise anyone not to get a case polished, but each to their own. A good deep clean might do wonders.

 

[JimJupiter]

Allready done Steve But thanks for your support and thanks Anthony for the serial!

oh and yes, missed that part. Don't polish it! Your lugs look good and sharp to me. You would just destroy appearance...and value!

 

[Joe_A]

Polishing the crystal though does not have any negative impact on value and improves the appearance of the watch.

 

[anthony a]

Sorry when I meant polish it was the plexi, left hand upper lug needs some attention, looks like someone tried a repair long ago.
Value for resale, I think if I sold it my friendship would end.

 

[SteveHarris]

Excellent! Looking forward to seeing it once it's had a bit of TLC

Steve

 

[anthony a]

Has been serviced, movement great, crystal great, casing probably 70% ok. Bad news watch maker scratched back of case and polished it which means the serial no. is gone. Not happy.

 

[JimJupiter]

Never let polish a vintage watch!

 

[SteveHarris]

Sorry to hear that Anthony

 

[Joe_A]

I started reading about vintage watches mostly over at Omega Forums and WUS before I bought my first valuable vintage watch. I read some similar stories. Had I not had the warning, this sort of thing could have happened to me as well.

Seems that many factory authorized repair centers automatically polish out scratches no matter how deep unless you tell them not to do so . . . and firmly . . . and repetitively. Most Omega watch lovers will not send their watches to Omega for that reason unless they have a particular need to do so.

Even the guy I go to once asked: "You sure you don't want us to take out the scratches for you?"

Enjoy the fine watch and if you've documented the serial number photographically there will be some comfort in that.

 

[anthony a]

I did ask for not polishing!
On the plus side the watch is going great.
Only the back case was polished.
I couldn't have a go at a man of 92 years old who only charged me $100 for the service.
It's a Mk1b with 61 on the case, with original bracelet and that part I am thankful for.