Watches are not just simply a way to tell time; they also tell a story of their owner’s history and sense of style. In the olden days, people made watches from gold and silver and polished them with natural materials and techniques to stay beautiful and functional. Fast-forward to today, and whether one should polish his watch is highly debatable among the collector and watch enthusiast community, especially when it comes time to sell a watch. Modern science has greatly contributed to that debate.
Modern Technology
Polishing has evolved over the years with modern technology and has made
immense differences, from precise methods to much more efficient improvements. With today’s polishing machines, automatic tools bring out a uniform finish, while the polishing depth is managed at all times to avoid over-polishing. This level of precision is achieved by careful and controlled removal through computerized and laser-guided systems, with new synthetic diamond powders at the entrance and improved polishing pads as aiding materials for the process. The introduction of ultrasound polishing systems and robots for automation has brought about a high reduction in human error and increased quality to protect the original value of the watch.
Restoration vs Maintainance
The call between restoration and preservation is heavyweight. It stands to make massive trade-offs between either providing a like-new look or preserving a watch’s integrity. Restoration enhances a watch’s look, possibly obliterating the original features developed over time. All that tarnish and wear on a watch adds to its appeal. Preservation seeks to maintain its original looks beside other features. Many collectors, however, prefer preservation to give the watch the value of its journey and the character it has acquired over time.
Watch Polishing: The Pros and Cons
Before you get your watch polished, you must weigh the pros and cons before deciding. While the polishing itself might be beneficial, it comes with certain expectations. Here are a few things you need to consider.
Pros
Improves Appearance: Polishing the watch returns its original shine, making it look new, well-maintained, and clean.
Remove Blemishes: This can help remove superficial scuffs and scratches and return aesthetic value.
Boost Resale Value: A nicely polished watch will help attract buyers who want to pay for a luxury model.
Cons
Risk of Overpolishing: With every polish, you remove a small amount of metal from the watch, which, over time, could affect its durability.
Collectibility: Original collectors want their watches in original and untouched condition, so a polished watch is less appealing to them.
Damage Risks: Using improper tools or incorrect polishing techniques will do more harm than good, creating uneven surfaces or causing further damage.
To Polish or Not To Polish
Modern polishing technology has evolved so much that today, many tools and techniques leave a perfect and almost flawless finish. However, this can come with a much higher cost of losing the original character of the watch. Preservation respects the history and authenticity of the watch, something many collectors down the line who may want to purchase your watch in years to come will find valuable. Weigh the pros of a new shiny watch versus those of preserving history, and you will make an informed decision about what is best for you, that which helps your timepiece remain a well-treasured part of your collection.