[Manga] Episode 9: How Far Can You Go with That "Polishing"?

監修者 Commit Ginza

Episode 9: How Much Polishing is Too Much?

Episode 9 Thumbnail (Kenji proudly holds up a shiny, polished watch, while the shop owner inspects it emotionlessly with a loupe. No text. Elegant comedy.)
Kenji
Master! Look at this!
I polished it until it's shiny like new!
It's better to polish it, right?
Wide image 16:9. Kenji holds up a mirror-like shiny watch with a smug look. The shop owner is emotionless with a loupe. A 'sparkle' effect in the background. No text. Clear lines, faint colors, elegant comedy.
Master
It is clean.
But, polishing...
can potentially distort the “original form.”
Kenji
Huh? Isn't polishing a good thing?
I thought "shiny = expensive" in this world.
Master
(He looks like he thinks cleanliness is the most important thing...)

① Polishing isn't "bad": But since it "removes material," it's irreversible

Wide image 16:9. Metaphor of 'polishing = eraser'. An eraser rubs against paper (watch case), and the line (edge) becomes faint. Kenji panics, the shop owner calmly explains. No text.
Master
Polishing itself isn't bad.
Improving its appearance by cleaning up scratches certainly has value.

However, polishing is "grinding."
Grinding removes scratches. ...But it doesn't restore the original shape.
Things that are easily "lost" with polishing
  • Case edges (corners): Essential for three-dimensionality and sharpness
  • Lug thickness: Changes the overall feel if it becomes thin
  • Surface undulations: If a flat surface becomes "wavy," it immediately looks worn
  • Hairlines (grain): A misaligned direction leaves an unnatural impression

※ "Light polishing = always bad" is not true. The problem is "how it's done and how many times."

Kenji
So, when I thought I was just removing "scratches,"
I might have also removed the outline?

② Losing edges changes the "face": The phenomenon of failing identity verification

Wide image 16:9. Kenji is stopped at an 'identity verification' counter, presenting an over-edited selfie (face with softened edges). The shop owner holds up a sign that says 'Edges'. No text.
Master
For watches, the edges are the "skeleton."
Sharp corners give a refined impression.

But, if you polish too much...
it becomes like an over-edited photo app,
and people will ask, "Is this... really you?"
Accident Point:
Even if it "looks clean at a glance," pros also look at the shape (skeleton).
It's hard to tell from a photo, but often immediately obvious in person.
Kenji
My watch is like,
"Smooth skin, but the bone structure..." kind of thing.
Scary.

③ "Skilful polishing" means that the "surfaces," "lines," and "flow of light" are the same as an unpolished watch

Wide image 16:9. The shop owner shines a light to check the reflection line on the case surface. A beautiful straight line versus a wavy line are contrasted. Kenji makes a face like 'the lines are speaking...'. No text.
Master
"Skilful polishing" properly preserves the original form.
The distinction is simple: look at the lines of light.

If the surface is flat, the reflection line will be straight.
If the surface is wavy, the line will become wobbly.
Master's "Observation Notes" (What to look for on-site)
  • Lug corners: Are the left and right thicknesses consistent?
  • Bezel/case boundary: Is the outline sharp?
  • Hairline direction: Is the direction/grain close to original?
  • Mirror surface distortion: Are reflections wavy?

※ The "original line characteristics" vary by brand/model, so experience is key.

Kenji
Lines of light... I see.
Then my watch, if I shine a light on it,
there might be a discrepancy in the reflection.

④ Reasons for Price Differences: Polishing "Frequency" and "Quality" create "Different Individuals"

Wide image 16:9. Three watches of the same model are lined up: 'Unpolished', 'Lightly polished (skilfully)', 'Over-polished (rounded corners)'. Price tags show significant differences. Kenji looks dumbfounded, the shop owner points. No text.
Master
Even with the same model number, polishing can make them "different individuals."
This affects the purchase price.

Roughly speaking,
Unpolished Strong shape (original skeleton)
Lightly polished, skilful Good appearance and skeleton
Over-polished Skeleton changed, value decreases
Master
(The polishing trap is when you try to increase value with "shine" but it drops due to "shape.")

⑤ Usable from today: "Has it been polished?" inquiry template (accident prevention)

Wide image 16:9. Kenji holds out a 'question template' paper, and the shop owner's eyes sparkle. High approval rating effect. No text.
Kenji
Master, how should I ask next time?
Just "Has it been polished?" seems a bit shallow...
Master
This is fine.
"Could you please tell me not only whether it has been polished, but also the recent finishing details (case/bracelet/bezel)?
How well are the edges and thickness preserved, and is the hairline direction close to original?
If possible, I'd like to see "photos with light on it" and close-ups of the lugs."
Knowing these details allows for a more accurate appraisal.

⑥ Risks and Concerns: Common "polishing disputes"

Wide image 16:9. Kenji charges forward with 'Shine is supreme!', but the shop owner stops him with a safety rope. In front, a sign with 'Pitfall: over-polishing, undulations, hairline mismatch, rounded corners'. No text.
Master
Polishing-related troubles usually stem from these.

・Rounded corners from over-polishing (reduces shape value)
・Wavy surfaces (distorts reflection lines)
・Incorrect hairline (unnatural direction/grain)
・Left-right asymmetry (lug thickness/case lines)

In short, there are two kinds of "clean."
Shiny clean and shape clean.
Kenji
I was only chasing shiny clean...
Completely overlooked shape clean.

Conclusion: Polishing is about "appropriate amount" and "quality." "Skeleton (edges)" determines the price more than "shine."

Wide image 16:9. The shop owner holds up a sign that reads 'Shine < Skeleton'. The '?' above Kenji's head disappears and is replaced by '!'. Three watches (unpolished/lightly polished/over-polished) are lined up. No text.
Master
Polishing, when "used correctly," is a weapon.
Be careful of "overdoing it."

Remember this:
Shine is surface, value is outline.
What you can do from today: 3 ways to avoid polishing disasters
  • Look at "edges (corners) and thickness" before "shine"
  • Check "reflection lines" by shining light (detects waviness)
  • Use the inquiry template to confirm the scope and quality of the finish

※ The quality of polishing is evaluated differently depending on the model/age/original condition. It's difficult to judge from photos, so in-person verification or additional photos are safer if possible.

NEXT EPISODE
Episode 10: How Much "Bracelet Stretch" is Acceptable?
〜"Comfort = Justice" isn't always true. The episode where judging stretch makes or breaks the price〜
  • "Easy to wear = Best" isn't always true? The pros and cons of bracelet stretch
  • The moment you see "fatigue" in the links/pins/rivets
  • Master's analogy: "Insisting that the stretched knees of tracksuit pants have 'character'" theory
Next time, stretch, no excuses!
※ The next episode preview is for dramatization (but mostly true).

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