Thanks John and everyone else for your replies so far. I have also received some offline advice and will not be undoing the polish that was done in the 80's. My first priority is servicing, secondary is the crown. I'd love to find an original crystal to replace the non-original current crystal. I believe that's going to be it for the time being. This particular Siffert is going to keep its polished case to accompany the bezel's road rash. Dial and hands will be left as-is.
I do appreciate the advice.
Mike

: 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