How to Remove Scratches from Your Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Types of Scratches and Watch Surfaces

Luxury watches like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster are crafted from high-quality watch materials with various finishes. Each surface requires a specific approach when dealing with scratches to maintain the watch's appearance and value. 

Below, we break down the key types of surfaces and how scratches can be addressed.

1. Metal Surfaces

Luxury watch cases and bracelets are made from materials like 316L stainless steel, 904L stainless steel, and titanium. Here’s what you need to know:

• 316L Stainless Steel:
• Stainless steel watch case is slightly harder than 904L, offering better scratch resistance.
• Commonly used in many luxury watch brands.
• 904L Stainless Steel:
• Found in Rolex models.
• Softer than 316L, so it scratches more easily.
• Superior polish and corrosion resistance, especially in seawater.
• Titanium:
• Lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant.
• Grade 2 titanium is strong and durable, while Grade 5 titanium is stronger but slightly less resistant to certain environments.

Finishes on Metal Surfaces:

• Polished: Reflective and shiny, but scratches are highly visible. Buffing is required to restore the polished surface.
• Brushed: Features fine lines for a matte texture. Restoring this finish requires precision to maintain uniformity.
• Matte or Bead-Blasted: Requires professional handling to recreate the textured surface accurately.

When restoring scratches, it’s essential to match the original finish. For instance, you wouldn’t want a polished patch on a brushed surface—it would disrupt the overall look.

2. Crystal Surfaces

The watch crystal polish protects the dial and comes in different materials:

• Sapphire Crystal: Extremely scratch-resistant but not immune. Found in brands like Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet.
• Mineral Glass: Softer than sapphire, more prone to scratches, but easier to polish.
• Acrylic: Very soft and scratch-prone but the easiest to restore.

Identifying the crystal material is crucial before attempting any scratch removal, as the wrong method can cause permanent damage.

3. Key Restoration Tips

• Always match the finish to the surrounding surface—polished, brushed, or matte.
• For deep scratches on matte or bead-blasted finishes, seek professional help.
• Use proper tools and materials to avoid causing further damage.

Understanding the materials and finishes on your luxury watch ensures scratches are addressed correctly, preserving its beauty and value.

Tools and Materials Needed

Restoring a luxury watch, like a Rolex Submariner or TAG Heuer Carrera, starts with having the right polishing materials. Each tool serves a specific purpose in keeping your watch looking its best while minimizing watch scratches. Here’s what you need:

Microfiber Cloth

A microfiber cloth is perfect for cleaning off dust and oil without scratching the surface. It’s great for quick maintenance and preparing your watch before polishing. Use it for a minute or two to keep everything clean and polished.

Cape Cod Polishing Cloths

These soft cotton cloths are a must-have for tackling light scratches on metal parts. They’re pre-treated to gently buff out surface marks. A few minutes of circular rubbing can bring back the shine to your watch’s bracelet or case.

Masking Tape

Protect parts of your watch you don’t want to polish, like the sapphire crystal or bezel, with masking tape. It’s a simple step that prevents accidental damage during polishing and keeps everything looking sharp.

Polishing Compound

For more visible scratches, a polishing compound works wonders on metal surfaces. It smooths out imperfections and leaves a clean finish. Use it occasionally to avoid over-polishing and maintain your watch’s original look.

Toothpaste

Non-gel toothpaste can help with fine scratches on acrylic crystals or metal surfaces. Its mild abrasives smooth out imperfections. Apply a small amount to a cloth, rub gently in circles, and wipe clean. Use sparingly to avoid dulling the finish. For deeper scratches, professional tools may be needed.

Diamond Paste

For tougher scratches on hard surfaces like sapphire crystal, diamond paste is ideal. It’s precise and effective for deeper marks, making it perfect for high-end watches with scratch-resistant glass.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Scratches

From preparing your workspace to polishing the case, bezel, bracelet, and glass, learn the tools and techniques needed to safely minimize scratches while preserving your timepiece's value and finish.

1. Preparing for the Polishing Process

Preparation is critical to avoid further damage to your watch. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

• Protect the Watch: Cover non-scratched areas (bezel, crystal) with masking tape to shield them during polishing. Removing the strap can simplify the process.
• Wear Gloves: Prevent fingerprints and smudges by wearing gloves, ensuring both your hands and the watch stay clean.
• Set Up Workspace: Choose a clean, well-lit area and organize all tools (cloths, compounds, etc.) within easy reach to avoid interruptions.

2. Watch Case and Bezel

Different finishes (polished, brushed) require unique approaches to restore the case and bezel.

Steps for Brushed Finish:

• Protect the surrounding areas with masking tape.
• Use a specialized scratch remover or a fiberglass scratch brush to gently polish along the grain.
• For deeper scratches, lightly stroke the affected area with a Styrofoam block or abrasive pad.
• Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove residue.

Steps for Polished Finish:

• Apply a small amount of polishing cream to a cloth.
• Rub gently in circular motions over the scratches.
• Use a product like Eagle One Never-Dull for stubborn scratches.
• Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth for a smooth, shiny finish.

3. Watch Bracelet

Metal bracelets are prone to scratches, but regular polishing can restore their luster.

Steps:

• Lay the bracelet flat on a soft surface to avoid further scratches.
• For deeper marks, rub a polishing pad along the metal’s grain with moderate pressure.
• Switch to a polishing cloth for lighter scratches and to finish with a shine.
• Use a small amount of metal polish for additional luster, ensuring even application.

Alternative Method:

For fine scratches, rub gently with a pencil eraser along the grain. For thorough cleaning, use an ultrasonic cleaner.

4. Watch Glass

The approach depends on the type of crystal (acrylic, mineral crystal, sapphire).

Steps for Acrylic Crystal:

• Apply a pea-sized amount of non-gel toothpaste to a microfiber cloth.
• Gently rub the toothpaste gently in circular motions over the scratches from a watch for 2-3 minutes.
• Wipe clean with a fresh cloth and inspect the surface. Repeat if necessary.

Steps for Sapphire Crystal:

• Apply a small amount of diamond paste to a soft cloth.
• Rub the paste in circular motions over the scratches for 2-3 minutes.
• Clean with a microfiber cloth and check the progress.

Alternative Methods: Use PolyWatch for minor scratches on acrylic crystals or cerium oxide slurry for mineral glass or sapphire.

Precaution: Always cover non-polished areas with masking tape to prevent unintentional damage.

Tips and Precautions

Polishing a luxury watch like a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster requires care and attention to avoid causing damage. Here are essential tips and precautions to keep your timepiece in top condition while removing scratches.

1. Use the Right Products

Always use products designed for watches or jewelry. Abrasive household items like baking soda or harsh toothpaste can scratch delicate surfaces.

High-quality plastic polishes, like those recommended by experts, are ideal for vintage watches.

2. Protect Delicate Parts

Use masking tape to shield bezels, crystals, and other parts you don’t want to polish. This prevents accidental damage during the process.

Taking off the strap simplifies polishing and avoids potential stains from compounds.

3. Apply Gentle Pressure

Excessive force can thin out materials or leave uneven surfaces. Polishing requires light, circular motions to minimize scratches without causing new ones.

Focus on the flat surfaces and avoid putting pressure on edges to prevent chipping or uneven results.

4. Avoid Over-Polishing

Polishing too often can wear down softer materials like gold or even stainless steel. Most watches only need polishing every 3-6 months.

Regularly check the area under good lighting to avoid over-polishing or removing too much material.

5. Clean Thoroughly Before Polishing

Use a gentle soap and water solution to remove dirt and grime before polishing. Residual dirt can act as an abrasive and cause new scratches.

Use a microfiber cloth to ensure no water remains before applying polish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Products: Avoid abrasive or generic polishes not intended for watches.
• Rushing the Process: Impatience can lead to uneven polishing or damage.
• Skipping Protection: Neglecting to cover sensitive areas can result in unnecessary scratches or stains.

When to Seek Professional Help

Attempting to address deep scratches or working on intricate areas like the bezel or crystal without proper tools can risk further damage and compromise the watch's value. Here’s when to seek professional help.

When professional help is needed:

1. Deep Scratches: Deep marks that go beyond surface-level scratches need professional tools and expertise to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. For example, scratches near the crystal or bezel require precision polishing to prevent further harm.

2. Delicate Areas: Intricate parts, like a rotating bezel or sapphire crystal, demand specialized attention. Professionals use precision tools to polish these areas without scratching adjacent components.

3. High-Value or Vintage Watches: For heirloom or high-value pieces, like a TAG Heuer Carrera or Omega Speedmaster, professional services ensure the finish and structure remain intact while maintaining the watch’s historical or market value.

When choosing a service:

• Look for positive testimonials and feedback from other customers to gauge the quality of the service.
• Ensure the service employs certified professionals qualified to work on luxury watches.
• Choose a service familiar with your specific watch brand. For instance, a service with experience in polishing Audemars Piguet or Breitling models is better equipped to handle their unique finishes.

Conclusion

Restoring scratches from a luxury watch is achievable with the right tools, techniques, and attention to detail. Whether it’s the metal bracelet, the polished case, or the crystal, a little care can bring back your timepiece’s pristine look while preserving its value.

• Ensure you understand the surfaces you’re working on and gather the correct tools before starting any polishing steps.
• For deep scratches or delicate areas, trusting a professional ensures the best results and protects your watch’s integrity.
• A well-maintained luxury watch not only retains its elegance but also holds its value over time.

At Watchskins, we offer protective films to protect your luxury watch while maintaining its elegance. With durable, crystal-clear protection and a 12-month warranty, your timepiece stays scratch-free and flawless. Chat with us today to schedule your appointment!