A very interesting and important topic when discussing and collecting vintage watches is the discussion on whether or not a watch has it’s original parts, and has been polished or not.

Very often you will hear collectors say they would prefer a deteriorated dial for example, than a refurbished or replaced one, even if it doesn’t look as good. 

And in general terms that is absolutely correct, the more original the better and that should be the target. But that isn’t always possible for very good reasons, and there gray areas that need to be understood (otherwise you run the risk of passing up on a very good watch).

So, you bought your brand new high-end wrist watch. You spent $5000, or $10,000, or much more. And now, a few years later you're debating whether to service your watch or not. After all, it's still running so why bother?

Well, first things first: you must service your watch. If not per "recommended intervals", eventually.  

And if you wait too too long, it could cost you.  

Watches collect dirt and dust, even water resistant watches because when you unscrew the crown to set the time, humidity and moisture and body oils can get in.