Can Rolex Watches Scratch? Everything You Need to Know & How to Protect Them

Materials Used in Rolex Watches

Rolex watches are made with advanced materials designed for durability, style, and performance. Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes these luxury watches so special:

• Oystersteel: A high-grade stainless steel (904L) that’s tougher and more corrosion-resistant than standard steel. It’s polished to maintain its shine over time, even with daily wear. 
• Rolesor (Gold & Steel): Combines stainless steel and 18k gold, offering both strength and luxury. It’s available in yellow, white, and Everose gold (Rolex’s unique rose gold alloy). 
• Gold (Yellow, White, and Everose): Rolex uses its own 18k gold for extra durability and shine.
• Yellow Gold is used in models like the Day-Date 36.
• White Gold gives a subtle elegance, as seen in the GMT-Master II “Pepsi”.
• Everose Gold, a rose gold alloy, resists fading and is featured in the Daytona Everose Gold.
• Platinum: Rolex uses 950 platinum, an ultra-strong alloy that’s resistant to tarnishing. Its soft glow is used in high-end models like the Day-Date 40 Platinum and the Daytona Platinum Ice Blue Dial.
• RLX Titanium: A lightweight yet tough, perfect for sporty models like the Deepsea Challenge, where reduced weight and strength are key for deep dives.
• Cerachrom (Ceramic Bezels): Virtually scratch-proof and never fade. They’re used on models like the Submariner Date and the GMT-Master II Batman with its two-tone ceramic bezel.
• Chromalight (Glow-in-the-Dark): Chromalight is Rolex’s glow-in-the-dark material, emitting a long-lasting blue light for easy reading in the dark. It’s featured in watches like the Submariner, Explorer II, and Milgauss.
• Parachrom Hairspring: This tiny but important component improves precision by resisting shocks and magnetic fields. The Parachrom hairspring is used in models like the Daytona and Milgauss.

Common Causes of Scratches on Rolex Watches

Even though Rolex watches are built with durable materials, scratches can still happen. Here’s a quick explanation of what causes them:

1. Everyday Wear and Tear

Regular use leads to small scratches, especially on polished parts of your watch. For example, when typing at a desk ("desk diving"), the clasp and bracelet can rub against hard surfaces, causing scuffs.

2. Knocks and Bumps

Accidentally hitting your watch against a countertop, doorknob, or other hard surfaces can leave scratches on the case, bezel, or bracelet. Polished bezels are especially prone to visible scratches. Even the sapphire crystal, though tough, can get small marks from heavy impacts.

3. Sand, Dust, and Grit

As Rolex owners, wearing your Rolex in sandy or dusty environments can be risky. Tiny particles can scratch the bracelet links or get stuck in rotating bezels. Sand and grit are abrasive, so it’s important to rinse your watch with clean water after exposure to avoid further damage.

How Scratch-Resistant Are Rolex Watches?

Rolex watches are not entirely scratch-proof. Here’s a why:

1. Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel): Rolex’s Oystersteel is tougher than most standard steels and resists corrosion well. However, it’s still prone to scratches, especially on polished surfaces like those on the Submariner or Datejust.

2. Sapphire Crystal: The watch face is covered by sapphire crystal, which is nearly scratch-proof and second only to diamonds in hardness. While highly resistant to most scratches, extreme impacts or contact with diamonds can leave marks.

3. Cerachrom Bezels: Found on models like the Submariner and GMT-Master II, are made from scratch-resistant ceramic. These bezels are nearly impossible to scratch and retain their color even with daily use.

4. Gold and Platinum Parts: Gold and platinum models, like the Day-Date, are softer than steel and more prone to scratches. Rolex uses special techniques to improve their durability, but they still require extra care.

Preventing Scratches on Your Rolex

Scratches are a natural part of wearing a Rolex, but with a little care, you can minimize them. Here’s how:

Wear Your Rolex Mindfully

Be conscious of your surroundings when wearing your Rolex. Avoid activities that involve rough or repetitive contact with hard surfaces, like typing on a desk, which often scratches the bracelet or clasp.

Avoid Wearing Other Jewelry on the Same Wrist

Metal bracelets, rings, or bangles can rub against your Rolex and cause scratches, especially on gold models like the Day-Date or Yacht-Master.

To minimize contact, wear your Rolex on a separate wrist or ensure it doesn’t touch other accessories.

Store Your Rolex Safely When Not in Use

Use a dedicated watch pouch or case with soft lining to store your Rolex when it’s off your wrist. This prevents scratches from accidental contact with other items.

For travel, consider a hard-shell watch case to protect your watch from damage in luggage.

Avoid Harsh Environments

Sand and grit can cause micro-scratches, especially on sports models like the Explorer or GMT-Master II. If you’re going to the beach or hiking, rinse your watch afterward with fresh water to remove particles that could cause scratches.

If possible, avoid wearing gold or platinum models like the Daytona during rough outdoor activities, as these materials are softer and more prone to scratches.

Be Cautious with Tools and Sharp Objects

Take off your Rolex during tasks involving tools, sharp objects, or machinery. Even the durable Oystersteel can be scratched by harder materials.

Sapphire crystal is tough but not indestructible, so avoid situations where the watch face could come into contact with diamonds or hard surfaces.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Take your Rolex to a professional service center for periodic maintenance. A professional can polish out minor scratches and ensure your watch is functioning perfectly.

Over-polishing can wear down the metal, so only do this occasionally to preserve the original shape and finish.

What to Do If Your Rolex Gets Scratched

If your Rolex gets a scratch, don’t worry—it’s a normal part of wearing it. Here’s a simple guide to help you fix scratches and keep your watch looking its best.

Step 1: Check the Scratch

• Look closely to see how deep the scratch is.
• Minor surface scratches on polished areas can often be fixed at home, while deeper marks on the case, bezel, or sapphire crystal may need professional attention.

Step 2: Clean the Watch

• Wash your Rolex gently with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush (like a toothbrush). Make sure the crown is screwed down to keep water out.
• Dry it with a soft microfiber cloth before polishing.

Step 3: Use a Microfiber or Polishing Cloth

• For small, light scratches, rub the scratched area gently with a microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth.
• Use circular motions and don’t apply too much pressure. This works well for polished surfaces like the bracelet or case on models like the Datejust or Submariner.

Step 4: Apply Polishing Paste for Deeper Scratches

If the scratch is more noticeable, use a small amount of polishing paste (like Polywatch).

• Rub it into the scratched area with a soft cloth in circular motions.
• Clean off the residue with a microfiber cloth and check if the scratch has faded. Repeat if needed, but don’t overdo it.

Step 5: Leave Brushed Finishes to Professionals

Brushed surfaces, like those on the Explorer or brushed links of the Submariner, need special tools to maintain the texture. Avoid DIY fixes for these areas to prevent damage.

Step 6: Visit a Professional Service Center for Deep Scratches

Professional polishing can restore the original finish without damaging the watch, but this should be done sparingly to avoid removing too much metal.

Polishing Your Rolex: Pros and Cons

Polishing your Rolex can make it look like new, but it comes with risks. Before deciding, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see what’s best for your watch.

Pros of Polishing

• Restores Appearance: Polishing removes scratches and blemishes, making your Rolex look brand new. It’s ideal for modern models like the Submariner or Datejust that you wear daily.
• Maintains Shine: A professional polish can restore the original shine to the case and bracelet, helping your watch maintain its elegant look over time.
• Good for Non-Collectors: If you’re not concerned about resale value or collectability, polishing can keep your Rolex looking flawless for personal use.

Cons of Polishing

• Reduces Originality: Polishing removes a thin layer of metal, which can alter the shape of the watch over time. This is especially harmful for vintage Rolex watch like the Daytona or Explorer, where collectors value untouched cases.
• Lowers Value: Over-polished vintage watches lose their sharp edges and original features, making them less desirable and reducing their resale value.
• Risk of Over-Polishing: Poorly done polishing can permanently damage your watch, rounding lugs or thinning the case, which cannot be undone.

Scratches and Watch Value

Scratches on a Rolex can affect its value, but it depends on the model and rarity. For vintage models like the Paul Newman Daytona (sold for $17.8 million in 2017) or the GMT-Master “Pepsi” worn by astronaut Edgar Mitchell (expected to sell for over $400,000), scratches often add to their story and appeal. Collectors prefer original, unpolished pieces, as seen with the Big Red Daytona, starting at $68,000.

For modern models or brand new watch like the Submariner or Daytona (e.g., Daytona 116508 at $48,495), light scratches are less concerning since they can be removed during servicing. However, over-polishing can hurt their value by altering the original design. For rare pieces, like Mitchell’s GMT-Master Pepsi, scratches highlight history, making them even more desirable to collectors serving its intended purpose.

FAQs About Rolex Watches and Scratches

Quick answers on scratches, sapphire durability, and polishing:

1. Are Rolex watches scratch-proof?

No, Rolex timepiece are not completely scratch-proof. While they are made with durable materials like Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) and Cerachrom ceramic bezels, these can still scratch if they come into contact with harder materials. 

2. Can sapphire crystals on Rolex watches scratch?

Sapphire crystals on Rolex watches are extremely hard and resistant to scratches. On the Mohs scale of hardness, sapphire ranks just below diamonds, making it one of the toughest materials used in watchmaking. 

3. How often should I polish my Rolex?

You should only polish your Rolex sparingly, typically during full servicing, which Rolex recommends every 5 to 10 years. 

Conclusion

Rolex watches are built to be durable and timeless, but they are not completely scratch-proof. With proper care, professional servicing, and mindful use, you can keep your Rolex looking its best while enjoying its unmatched craftsmanship.

Key Takeaways:

• Rolex is durable but can still get scratches. Proper handling and preventative care help minimize wear.
• If polishing scratches, opt for professional services. For light marks or removing minor scratches, clean with a microfiber cloth and soapy water carefully at home.
• Vintage Rolexes with its original condition like the Paul Newman Daytona grow in value. Original, unpolished pieces are highly sought after by collectors.

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