Mike,

Everyone has their own taste as far a refinishing is concerned. What you have to remember is that once you refinish you can't go back. Even if you do an Abel type (almost perfect) Lapping machine refinish it is still not original....It still takes off original metal...It will never be the same again.

I am not saying that this is necessarily a bad thing...but this is sort of an important watch. You don't have to do everything at once. You can put in the new crystal, new gaskets and clean and oil the watch. Keep it wear it and look at it for a while this way and then make a decision. It sounds like you want this to be your watch for a while so take the time to make sure. If you want to sell the way I would never refinish it. Anyone who buys the watch will know and they will also know they can have it done themselves.

JohnCote